It would have been easier to call it Live Aid 2, but they’re referring to it as Live 8 (Live Aid + G8). This show would be more of a protest than a fundraiser, but comparisons to the original will be inevitable. It’s tentatively scheduled for July 2nd in Hyde Park in London, and an undisclosed location in DC (because the G8 meeting happens the next week in London).
No absolute info about artists playing is available, since the show’s still tentative, but the rumors have Elton John, U2, Oasis, Coldplay, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and the Who in London, and Eminem, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna in DC.
If Queen (touring with Paul Rodgers – ex Bad Company and Free) played London, I’d be very tempted to fly there – more so if they don’t announce a possible US tour. Jill’s already off the 1st through the 4th. DC would be a definite no matter who plays if I don’t go to the UK – I remember watching the original Live Aid on TV, and really enjoy the new DVD. And I love the multi-artist shows, they often offer artists I’d like to see but won’t (ticket prices, tour schedules) and the bonus of once in a lifetime lineups (I’m thinking of R.E.M. with Thom Yorke from Radiohead at the Tibetan Freedom Concert, Sarah McLachlan with Liz Phair, Indigo Girls, and Natalie Merchant at Lilith Fair, Dave Matthews Band with Neil Young at Farm Aid, Carole King with David Crosby and James Taylor on The Mall on Earth Day, Dave Matthews with Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris at Groundwork, Queens Of The Stone Age with Dave Grohl and Mark Lanegan at the 9:30, James Brown with the Pietasters at the HFSmas Nutcracker, Mary Chapin Carpenter with Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, and Patty Griffin at the Lincoln Theatre, not to mention Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo, R.E.M., Eddie Vedder, John Fogerty, Dixie Chicks, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Babyface, Jurassic Five, and James Taylor at the MCI Center at the Vote For Change tour finale).