The Live 8 concerts are being held this weekend and will be broadcast on several music video networks and web sites. Here's a real quick guide to the event...
What is Live 8: Live 8 is series of concerts designed to put pressure on the G8 leaders to do something to ease poverty and other intolerable conditions in Africa
What is the G8: The G8 (aka The Group of Eight) is a meeting of leaders from the eight most powerful countries in the world. These countries (in no specific order) are: The United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia.
Will there ever be a G9: Oh, such a clever question. There may be a G9 someday. The G8 used to be the G7 and before that the G6. Canada and Russia are the most recent nations to join the Group.
Can we get back to Live 8: Live 8 is being organized by (Sir) Bob Geldof, who also spearheaded the massive Live Aid concerts in 1985. Unlike Live Aid, these events are trying to get your attention, not your money.
When is Live 8: Tomorrow, Saturday July 2, a mere four days before the G8 begin their meetings in Gleneagles, Scotland.
Where is Live 8: Multiple venues all around the world. The full list is London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Philadelphia, Barrie (Canada), Tokyo, Johannesburg and Moscow. A final concert will take place in Edinburgh on July 6, as the G8 begins.
Who's playing at Live 8: Audioslave, Alicia Keys, Bjork, Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Brian Wilson, Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, The Cure, Destiny's Child, Elton John, Faith Hill, Green Day, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, Madonna, Motley Crue, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd (with both Roger Waters and David Gilmour), R.E.M., Rob Thomas, Robbie Williams, Sarah McLachlan, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Sting, U2 and many many many others.
OK, where can I watch it: AOL is going to be delivering "free, live and on-demand" coverage of the whole event. Visit AOL's Live 8 site for details. The BBC will be broadcasting the entire London and Philadelphia concerts, plus performances from other host cities. MTV, VH1 and MTVU will be broadcasting live from noon through 8pm. There will also be radio and additional TV coverage. You'll even be able to watch it on some mobile phones.
Lots of details are still being confirmed. To learn exactly which artists will be at which concerts, plus lots more about Live8's goals, visit the official Live 8 site.
Please enjoy your July 4th (or Live 8) weekend... Video Static will be back Tuesday morning with more of the usual.
