Originally published on the CGS blog on May 14, 2007.
Rich’s amazing post about Sir Bob Geldof taking a shot at this summer’s Live Earth concert brought back many fond memories of the 1985 Live Aid. Not just the music, but the message in regards to world hunger and poverty. Like Rich, I too got chills 22 years ago — and did again this morning watching Geldof and circa 1985 Bono (man, forgot about that mullet he had).
That being said, I do have to take a slight jab at my friend and colleague, Mr. Stazinksi. Would it be better if there was, as Geldof said, “concrete environmental measures” to tie in to the Live Earth concert? Absolutely; but isn’t raising awareness about the environment and global warming a good thing? Sir Bob’s quote was a bit bitter in my mind:
“I would only organize (Live Earth) if I could go on stage and announce concrete environmental measures from the American presidential candidates, Congress or major corporations,” he told the newspaper. “They haven’t got those guarantees, so it’s just an enormous pop concert or the umpteenth time that, say, Madonna or Coldplay get up on stage.”
I too wish there were something major to announce from the stage. But, I guess Sir Bob — and maybe even Rich — look at Live Earth as a glass half empty, while I think it is half full. Now, if only The Rolling Stones and Bob Seger were part of the Live Earth show; but hey, I’m just an old time rock and roller, what can I say?
