The statistics are out, and they’re impressive. One in three households in Canada watched the Live 8 concerts this past Saturday, some 10.8 million Canadians. The viewership peaked when Neil Young took the stage in Barrie and belted out ‘Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World’, with a little help from the Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn and Blue Rodeo among others. It was a Canadian music lover’s dream. But more importantly, Live 8 raised the world’s awareness of the devastating poverty that continues to haunt Africa. As the leaders of the 8 richest nations gather at the G-8 Summit in Scotland, it is hoped that they got the message the world was sending. Ours is the generation that must help these people. Please log onto www.makepovertyhistory.ca and add your support. The effects of Live 8 will continue long after these concerts, but in the meantime, you can also go to www.live8live.com and download the day’s opener, ‘Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band’ with Bono and Paul MacCartney, as well as the big Hyde Park finale with our favourite Beatle leading Elton John, Eric Clapton, Sting and others in a very emotionally charged ‘The Long and Winding Road’. Proceeds to these downloads go directly to helping the poor in Africa. Well done, Sir Bob Geldof.
Did you hear the one about Bruce Springsteen playing an impromptu gig at the Iceland Airport? On his way home from his European tour, (so he can rest up for his next gig, which is right here in Ottawa on July 13th!!) Bruce’s plane had to stop and re-fuel in Iceland. He pulled out his acoustic guitar and played six songs for airport workers. Sure beat watching the in-flight movie, ‘Fat Albert’.
Speaking of Bruce, make sure you join JR and me right here at the radio station for the ‘Bruce Springsteen Ticket Swap’, at 8 this Sunday morning. Come to BOB FM’s parking lot on York armed with the most creative, inventive, sentimental and/or valuable thing you own. Then swap it for a pair of 100 level Bruce Springsteen tickets. Your item will be judged by a non-biased panel, and if you don’t get chosen for the swap, you can still enter our draw for a pair of beautiful Boss seats. I sure hope someone shows up with a pony.
Its Bluesfest week and that means another round of ‘chair sitters’ vs ‘standers’ the concert. May the person with the biggest voice win. Or the biggest lawn chair.
