While Drudge and Murdoch wore themselves out trying to discredit the event, Live Earth’s multi-nation concerts went off Saturday without much of a hitch. Here’s a quick wrap-up of some news, commentary, and videos:
– Metallica’s James Hetfield was apparently barred entry to Luton airport on his way to perform at the London event because of his “Taliban-like” beard. Idolator said it made Metallica seem “the edgiest they have in years.”
– The Telegraph pointed out the lack of major “campaigning” artists (U2, Radiohead, Coldplay, REM, etc.) or interesting reunions: “Live8 got Pink Floyd, Live Earth got Spinal Tap.”
– Microsoft said Live Earth drew over 10 million internet viewers, the most for a concert broadcast ever. Perhaps that explains its poor TV ratings?
– BBC2 aired the Wembley event without delay, meaning a whole variety of foul language was beamed directly into England’s unsuspecting households.
– The largest attendance was at Rio’s event on Copacabana beach, which, by the way, featured kid’s TV star Xuxa!
Videos after the jump.
– Notable performances included Madonna at Wembley, who brought out New York gypsy-punk band Gogol Bordello to assist with a revamped (and mashed-up?) version of “La Isla Bonita”:
(Continue watching the segue into “Hung Up” here)
– Retro-rockers Wolfmother doing “Dimension” and “Woman” in Sydney:
– Nunatak, live from Antarctica, making your fingers cold just by watching them:
– Joss Stone in Johannesburg:
– Rihanna in Tokyo:
