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If you are at least 30 years old, you may remember the Live Aid concerts performed back in 1985. Today, Live 8 was announced, and once again the event is being organized by Bob Geldof.

Live8

Bob Geldof unveiled plans for a repeat of 1985’s Live Aid concert, called Live 8, to highlight the ongoing problem of global poverty and debt. The free event will be held in London’s Hyde Park on 2 July with concerts in Philadelphia, Paris, Rome and Berlin.

Dear Mr. Geldof,

I hate to break it to you, but the people (teenagers) who attend your free concert will be there to see whomever shows up. They will not attend the show as a sign of solidarity to end world hunger. They will not leave the show and change their consumption habits either. In fact, 24 hours after the concert, I bet 99% of them won’t remember any of the overtly political messages blurted from the stage. All the pontificating that will go on between acts and between songs will go in one ear and out the other. Oh, you’ll hear cheers and applause alright…but don’t make more out of it than it is. Crowds like these will cheer the breaking of wind.

And the line up…Could you have picked a more boring and predictable cast of characters? Elton John campaigning against poverty! Is that some kind of joke? The (girly)man spends £100,000 a year on flowers! For all of your high intentions this is just another opportunity for millionaire rock stars to massage their egos and quell their consciences.

Like the previous concert in 1985, in the end, Live 8 will change nothing.