Chart-topping superstar artists Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas and Toby Keith have joined the U.S. lineup of artists that will play the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia on July 2. Russell Simmons, chairman of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, met with Bono last week to discuss Live 8 and has been working closely with producers on the Philadelphia show. In addition, a long list of A-list celebrity presenters will participate in Philadelphia; they include Salma Hayek, Natalie Portman, Chris Tucker, Jennifer Connolly, Jimmy Smits and Kami, the HIV Positive Muppet.
Russell Simmons said, “My role in
Live 8 is focused on America giving and to promote the idea that giving love, compassion and support is the foundation of a successful foreign policy. There is no defense greater than love.”
The Live 8 event will be broadcast entirely online at aolmusic.com, with special programming set to air on MTV, and on radio at XM Satellite Radio and on Premiere Radio Networks.
These artists – among the biggest names in music – will be performing at all-star concerts in cities around the world to support the campaign to “make poverty history.”
Live 8 will feature concerts in Philadelphia, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Cornwall, Toronto, South Africa and Tokyo to raise awareness about poverty in Africa and encourage the leaders of the G8 nations to eliminate third world debt, increase aid to Africa and adopt fair trade practices.
As the exclusive online partner, America Online will broadcast six of the Live 8 concerts live from start to finish at aolmusic.com in addition to a live worldwide broadcast of all of the concerts from around the world. AOL will also make the performances available on demand for six weeks following the event. AOL will help activate its worldwide online audience, by providing on-site reports from bloggers at the concert cities, links to news and information about poverty in Africa as well as to relief organizations and charities.
“This unprecedented line-up of star performers testifies to the importance of this international emergency. Live 8 is sure to be one of the greatest musical events in history and we are thrilled to make it available to people around the world online,” said Jim Bankoff, Executive Vice President, Programming and Productions, America Online.
“The commitment of these artists and actors to raising their voices to support the mission of Live 8 make poverty history is as inspirational as their work,” said Tim Sexton, Live 8 America Executive Producer. “We are not likely to see another event of the scale and passion of Live 8 again in our lifetime. Live 8 is honored to add these great talents to this unprecedented and historic global event.”
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