Saturday, 7 July 2007

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Live Earth concerts rock the world

Bands send out SOS to the planet

Color this rock green.

In a series of Live Earth concerts across seven continents, rock bands sent out an SOS to the planet on Saturday – and kicked off 24 hours of partying on a global scale.

In London, the show at Wembley Stadium was opened with a drumming session by a troupe calling themselves the SOS All Stars led by Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters, Roger Taylor of Queen and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers.

They were followed by Genesis, the band fronted by Phil Collins, who are on a comeback tour. Ending on a flourish of 'Invisible Touch', Collins called out, "Have a lovely afternoon around the world. Don't forget to sign the Live Earth pledge."

Guest presenter comedian Eddie Izzard recognized the criticism that has been thrown at some of the biggest entertainers in the world – the same people who use private jets to move from appearance to appearance.

"We are probably more guilty than anyone with all this flying around and stuff," he told the 65,000-strong crowd.

Live Earth is organized by former Vice President Al Gore with the aim of raising awareness about global warming. More than 100 acts signed up to play in a 24-hour marathon of shows on seven continents in front of an estimated audience of 2 billion who will watch on TV and over the Internet.

The Wembley concert followed gigs in Sydney and Tokyo. Later, at Giants Stadium, New York, a massive bash starring Bon Jovi, The Police, Keith Urban, Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson kicks off the American party.

In an address to the first concert in Sydney, Australia, Gore appeared, telling the crowd, "Now is the time to begin to heal the planet," Reuters reports.

Headlining at Wembley is Madonna who is to perform five tracks including 'Hung Up' and 'Hey You' – a song written for the concert. Also set to strut the stage is the Black Eyed Peas, Keane, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys. The London line up is also set to include Duran Duran, fresh from their appearance at the same venue last week.

Photos: Anthony Merryfield