Timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid as well as the G8 Summit, Live 8 was a worldwide series of benefit concerts that took place July 2, 2005. Rather than raise money, the intent was to campaign against global poverty by pressuring world leaders into debt forgiveness, increased aid and fair trade negotiations with the world’s poorest nations. Broadcast on 182 television networks, 2,000 radio networks with more than 1,000 musicians performing, some moments stood out - a reunion of the classic Pink Floyd lineup, humorous banter between Paul McCartney and Bono at Hyde Park, but ultimately heaps of criticism. Many participants are viewed as having performed in order to to revive flagging careers and for positive PR over genuine altruism. Reports indicate since the 2005 summit the G8 has yet to fully deliver on promises to increase their allocations to developing nations.

Official Website
Live 8 Video Blog
The Guardian’s report on Live 8