McCartney and U2 kick off London Live8 gig
The Live8 concert in London's Hyde Park has opened with a rendition of Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band from Sir Paul McCartney and U2.
An audience of up to 200,000 witnessed the beginning of what was described as "the biggest rock show on earth" shortly after 2pm this afternoon. The song was followed by a set from U2, including a specially modified version of Beautiful Day.
Frontman Bono told the crowd: "We're not looking for charity, we're looking for justice. We can't fix every problem, but the ones we can we must." Speaking of the world leaders meeting at this week's G8 summit, he said, "We have a message for them. This is your moment too: make history by making poverty history."
Other artists who will appear on stage this afternoon include Sir Elton John, Coldplay and Keane. People who were unable to get tickets can watch on television and on big screens in city centres around the UK, while commercial radio stations are linking up to provide joint coverage of a kind seen only twice before.
The first of the concerts today was in Tokyo, where McFly, Good Charlotte and Bjork entertained a crowd of 10,000, with the arena only half full. Events are also being put on at nine other venues, including in each of the G8 countries.
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