Live 8, a rock concert to rock the world.
This is going to be a defining moment for a generation. This is our shot at doing something all of us might be remembered for long after we're gone. We want to end extreme, stupid poverty in our lifetime. We want to show that this generation has a heart - but, more importantly, has a mind to put things right. – Bono
History and generations to come will judge our leaders by the decisions they make in the coming weeks. We urge them to save the lives of our children - let every child be a healthy child. We know what to do and what it will cost. We now need leadership, vision and political courage. – Nelson Mandela
Live 8, a rock concert to rock the world.
Can a handful of musicians armed with guitars rock the world to its bedrock, to its very socio-economic foundations? If not, then who can?
Live 8, a series of free concerts planned for 2 July 2005 in each of the G8 nations. Timed to coincide with and put pressure on the G8 Conference at Gleneagles, Scotland.
Live 8 will be the world's biggest ever media event. It is to put pressure on the G8, but will they listen?
Following on the Jubilee 2000 and Drop the Debt campaign, millennium goals were agreed on debt and development. At the present rate of progress, these goals were not being met, were not likely to be met.
To put pressure on G8 and to coincide with the UK hosting the G8 summit and assuming the presidency of the EU, Make Poverty History was launched to pressure world leaders to drop the debt of the world's poorest nations, increase and improve aid, and negotiate fairer trade rules.
To increase that pressure, to raise awareness, and to reinforce the call for a million people on the streets of Edinburgh, Bob Geldof launched Live 8, a series of eight rock concerts in each of the G8 countries.
Just in time for the Christmas market, a 4-DVD set of the Live 8 Concert was released.