Questioning Live8 'Class Dividing' Golden Circle...
Martin & Amanda | 05.07.2005 12:27 | G8 2005 | Social Struggles
Posh & Becks were allowed into the Golden Circle at Live8 even though David Beckham accepts six figure sums of money from labour abusing corporations like Nike! What on earth is going on!!!
Hi, Amanda and myself were lucky enough to win tickets to Live8 at Hyde Park. We left very early and travelled to London in order to be at the gates by 6:30am and to our joy we where very near to the front of the queue! When the gates opened at around midday we ran into the park in order to find a place near to the stage only to discover a 'golden circle'? We found ourselves so far from the stage that the groups were reduced to mere ants! Wasn't this concert about equality, or am I missing the point? Why were the 'privileged few' allowed so close and us mere peasants kept back? I believe that the VIP's should have had to either mixed in with the crowd or be enclosed within an area along the side of the park and not the front as this demonstrated sheer class divide which made us feel physically sick!
Also to top it of we was informed that David Beckham was present within the Golden Circle... Beckham accepts huge amounts of 'sponsor' money from third world labour abusing corporations like Nike, what on earth is going on!?
Please feel free to contact us for a full story (no payment required). We don't wish to mock the event however we did witness double standards.
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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.
Martin & Amanda.
Also to top it of we was informed that David Beckham was present within the Golden Circle... Beckham accepts huge amounts of 'sponsor' money from third world labour abusing corporations like Nike, what on earth is going on!?
Please feel free to contact us for a full story (no payment required). We don't wish to mock the event however we did witness double standards.
------------------------------------------------------------
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!
------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Martin & Amanda.
Martin & Amanda
e-mail:
md.mailme@virgin.net
Comments
Hide the following 5 comments
Reasons given
05.07.2005 14:01
Also the 'golden circle' was not just a VIP area. Competition winners, special needs groups, all kinds of people had tickets. If you want to talk about a class divide, within the 'golden circle' were areas requiring special guest passes giving away thousands of pounds-worth of free alcoholic drinks and food. These areas were the resting places of the celebrities and VIPs, not the area in front of the stage.
Despite this, these areas are required. Like it or not, alot of media interest in any event (and therefore the public platform for the message or issues involved) is fuelled by the prospect of easy access to multiple celebrities, who simply wouldn't come if there was no refuge from the autograph- and photo-hunters.
Personally I agree with you that it's a jip for those who have spent alot of time queueing for a decent spot, And liked your idea of an area down the side, but there are wider issues to consider.
Musicandchips
Homepage:
http://musicandchips.blogspot.com
Reasons given
05.07.2005 14:13
Also the 'golden circle' was not just a VIP area. Competition winners, special needs groups, all kinds of people had tickets. If you want to talk about a class divide, within the 'golden circle' were areas requiring special guest passes giving away thousands of pounds-worth of free alcoholic drinks and food. These areas were the resting places of the celebrities and VIPs, not the area in front of the stage.
Despite this, these areas are required. Like it or not, alot of media interest in any event (and therefore the public platform for the message or issues involved) is fuelled by the prospect of easy access to multiple celebrities, who simply wouldn't come if there was no refuge from the autograph- and photo-hunters.
Personally I agree with you that it's a jip for those who have spent alot of time queueing for a decent spot, And liked your idea of an area down the side, but there are wider issues to consider.
Musicandchips
Homepage:
http://musicandchips.blogspot.com
REPLY TO REPLY...
05.07.2005 18:09
Completely accept your VERY valid point regarding "special needs groups" but as far as "competition winners" go, I thought that the texting thing was the 'fund raising' competition? After all we spent around £150 on SMS texting in order to get our tickets (which was fine as it was in the name of an extremely valid cause and one that Amanda and I both believe in). The celebrities and VIPs should have made an effort to mix in order to demonstrate equality at an event of this nature. The only reason that they require refuge is because they isolate themselves from the 'general public' with the result of 'fuelling obsessions'. Rock stars are simply people 'doing their job' just like nurses and carers, however these people don't feel the need for refuge at such events?!
Despite this, these areas are required. Like it or not, a lot of media interest in any event (and therefore the public platform for the message or issues involved) is fuelled by the prospect of easy access to multiple celebrities, who simply wouldn't come if there was no refuge from the autograph- and photo-hunters.
I personally don't think that these areas are required, nor should they be allowed. I will never be attending a gig with a 'golden circle' again in my lifetime as I view it as 'snobbery' to the extreme. I cannot believe that you mentioned, "a lot of media interest in any event is fuelled by the prospect of easy access to multiple celebrities, who simply wouldn't come if there was no refuge from the autograph- and photo-hunters". WELL THEY SHOULD HAVE JUST STAYED AT HOME IF THAT'S THEIR ATTITUDE! How about if soldiers on a front-line took that attitude? Or if doctors and nurses that had just worked a 12-hour shift then faced with a really sick patient!
Pampering to the rich and privileged creates a general desire to be ‘rich and privileged’ as it becomes obvious that this status is beneficial, however the ‘rich and privileged’ usually become extremely greedy and this usually creates extreme poverty! "*^@ I hate the class system along with people that insist on justifying it!!!
Amanda & Martin
e-mail:
md.mailme@virgin.net
I too thought it was disgusting!
08.07.2005 09:00
i was just reading the stuff you put up on indymedia about the live8 golden circle. i too thought it was disgusting. have you had much response? you said that you could send out full story.
ben
BEN
e-mail:
bj_2000@mac.com
Live8 Celebrity Class Divide. The HORROR continues...
08.07.2005 19:56
Golden Circle 01
Golden Circle 02
Golden Circle 03
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.
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