That also explains why the concert was so lacking in passion in spark. The corporates at the front were totally lifeless. As you say the lack of political nous is stunning. A protest at poverty that favours a rich-poor divide.

There were giant video screens put up so that everyone could watch the concert.

Perhaps you were in fact watching ants.

sad but true - and normal at any big gig, even others where you might expect a more egalitarian vibe.

still, you got to go to the gig, and I watched some of it on tv in my warm dry house - i'm not jealous - we're both luckier than many.

speaking of corporates - i see Nokia were the only firm tactless enough to be advertising. would that be why Bob was mentioning the benefits of mobile phones to poor rural African communities. except ones in Congo perhaps  http://www.seeingisbelieving.ca/cell/kinshasa/

Re: from Matt (04.07.2005 14:48)

That also explains why the concert was so lacking in passion and spark. The corporates at the front were totally lifeless. As you say the lack of political nous is stunning. A protest at poverty that favours a rich-poor divide.

MY REPLY: Hi Matt, yes it was lacking in “passion and spark”, you’re right, however that was partly due to the upsetting issues that had inspired the event and the images that were displayed on the big screens showing the terrible, unacceptable and tragic situation within Africa. People were actually crying around, all were deeply moved by the event. But still… how hypocritical of the event organisers to actually display a ‘class-divide’ within an event of this nature?! I do seriously think that there are serious class and inequality issues to be addressed within our own country after we have Africa back on its feet again!

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Re: from Tom (04.07.2005 15:44)

There were giant video screens in Hyde Park. There were giant video screens put up so that everyone could watch the concert.

MY REPLY: Now really Tom you’re missing the point, we did notice the screens but if screens were really as good as ‘the real thing’ why do you think people bothered to camp overnight outside Hyde Park in order to get as near to the stage as possible then? Why not simply have the groups broadcast from some other place if screens are the key? I witnessed a sickening and blatant ‘class divide’ at Hyde Park on Saturday 2nd July 2005 and that spoilt the event for both Amanda and myself as it made a mockery of the issues raised. There really is NO excuse or argument for this ‘kick in the teeth’ via class and status.

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Re: from Louis (04.07.2005 16:30)

Perhaps you were in fact watching ants. (Homepage:  http://www.daveches.co.uk)

MY REPLY: You could be right there Louis, for all we know they could have been ants… no wonder “the corporates at the front were totally lifeless” as mentioned by Matt!

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Re: from Bobby (04.07.2005 18:58)

At least Eavis hides them backstage. Sad but true - and normal at any big gig, even others where you might expect a more egalitarian vibe. Still, you got to go to the gig, and I watched some of it on tv in my warm dry house - I'm not jealous - we're both luckier than many. Speaking of corporates - I see Nokia were the only firm tactless enough to be advertising. Would that be why Bob was mentioning the benefits of mobile phones to poor rural African communities, except ones in Congo perhaps.
 http://www.seeingisbelieving.ca/cell/kinshasa/

MY REPLY: I get your point Bobby… and I do agree that “we're both luckier than many”, like I say… I do seriously think that there are serious class and inequality issues to be addressed within our own country, but not until after we have Africa back on her feet again. However I witnessed a sickening and blatant ‘class divide’ at Hyde Park on Saturday 2nd July 2005 and that spoilt the event for both Amanda and myself as it made a mockery of the issues raised. I just hope that the 8 suits at the golf course will listen… and if they do then we will be happy.

easyfox (20-06-05 23:28)

MY WIFE & DAUGHTER SENT ABOUT 12 TEXT AND WERE LUCKY TO GET A PAIR OF TICKETS EACH. THEN HAD TO PAY FOR THEM TO BE POSTED. NOW WE FIND OUT THAT 15000 'GOLDEN CIRCLE' TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD AT 400 QUID EACH TO CORPORATIONS. HAVING NOW FOUND THEY HAVE NO CHANCE TO GET CLOSE TO THE STAGE THEY WISH TO SELL THE TICKETS...NOT ONLY HAVE THEY PAID FOR THEM BUT THEY WERE NOT TOLD ABOUT THE 15000 PEOPLE STAKED OUT IN FRONT. ITS A BIT RICH BOBBY BOY MOANING ABOUT SELLING TICKETS WHEN HE HAS! E-BAY HAS BOTTLED IT BIG TIME. THIS IS AN AUCTION SITE SUPPLY AND DEMAND. IM JUST SOMEONE WHO HAS TICKETS WE MAY NOT USE. THEY MAY JUST GO IN THE BIN AS I CANT CONTACT BUYERS
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ian12808 (26-06-05 07:15)

I heard about the Golden Circle, but I didn't know how to enter the competition , for one of those tickets. There was nothing on the Live8 web site!
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Alexa Baracaia, Evening Standard (30-06-05)

Pop, but no alcohol in the park...

London's Live8 will be strictly alcohol-free, organisers of the all-day event have announced. But star acts and VIP guests will have bars.

The concert on Saturday will see 205,000 music fans descend on Hyde Park from 1pm to 9.30pm.

However, the only beverages served in the main site will be water and soft drinks, while tickets warn that bringing any sort of bottles and cans is strictly outlawed.

A Royal Parks spokesman confirmed: "The Live8 site will be dry. Nothing alcoholic will be sold and, according to the terms and conditions, people aren't going to be able to bring anything in with them."

He said the no-drinks rule was standard for similar Hyde Park events, despite the fact that last weekend's Wireless Festival laid on stalls including a margarita bar, champagne and Pimm's area and real-ale and Smirnoff tents. The Glastonbury Festival, which hosts around 120,000 people, also provides alcohol.

"Live8 isn't a festival, it's a concert and there are huge numbers of people entering the site, beyond anything we've had before," the spokesman said.

"It's usual not to have alcohol available at this sort of event - it's an issue of public safety. Party In The Park has the same regulations, for the simple fact of numbers of people."

But there will be bars in the backstage and so-called "golden circle" areas for about 5,000 VIPs, corporate guests and a select number of competition winners.

One ticket holder, who won access to the concert through the text lottery, said: "It doesn't seem at all fair that the so-called VIPs can drink and the rest of us will have to make do with water and fizzy drinks.

"It's the first concert I've been to that doesn't allow alcohol - and given that it's an all-day affair and not just a couple of hours it does seem rather harsh. I don't think people will be aware of this at all."

The Royal Parks are providing 500 stewards, while Met police officers will also patrol the site.

Although the exact details have not be formalised, refreshments and food outlets will be available for the estimated 55,000 who will watch the concert on giant screens near the Serpentine

Meanwhile, Ricky Gervais has penned two new comedy sketches to be shown at Live8. The Office star spoofs 1940s-style public information films in two "shorts" to be screened.

Weather reports suggest the day will begin with light showers with sunshine and cloud in the afternoon. Ticket holders are being warned to allow at least an hour for queuing and passing ticket checks. They are also being told to avoid the Hyde Park Corner entrance, which will only be open to Golden Circle guests. "If they turn up there they could face a two- or three-kilometre walk to get in around the other side of the park," a spokesman said.

Members of the public not attending Live8 are being urged to avoid the area.