Camden New Journal - Music: Live Earth

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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 19 July 2007

Review Live Earth Wembley

CAN a pop concert really give the world a much-needed wake-up on global warming? 60,000 of us headed up to Wembley last week to find out if the call to action by former US Presidential candidate Al Gore was all hot air or really could help make a difference.
Any major benefit concert will have a diverse range of acts - though it's surprising that anyone thought a light-weight pop act like the Pussy Cat Dolls could work in the same line up as stadium professionals the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
At times the concert felt like an American political fund-raiser, with the acts bridged by 'infomercials' and Hollywood actors giving impassioned speeches on how all of us can become more responsible in our lives. Most struggled to read the autocue and sound natural at the same time, with only Camden local Russell Brand really succeeding in being an entertaining and worthy compere.
Those expecting another Live Aid may have been disappointed; like Live8 before it, Live Earth was more about raising consciousness than cash. It was left to three acts to raise their game and get everyone in the stadium on their feet. The Chili Peppers, The Foo Fighters and Madonna all gave
performances that could power the national grid. Madonna closed the show
with her own Weimar Republic army of perfect dancers and images on the
overhead screens depicting Al Gore as a modern-day prophet (honest!).
With such global support and publicity, you can't help thinking that Al Gore
will probably declare his intention to run for the Democratic Presidential
nomination before the month ends. Hats off to him for giving 2 billion
people world-wide the push to make a change for a climate in crisis.
Councillor Jonathan Simpson
Labour Councillor for King's Cross ward

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