I spent the bulk of today watching Live 8 performances from around the world, with a particular focus on our very own Barrie show. There were some great moments, wonderful tunes and a list to sign.
A couple of moments were particularly awesome. In Barrie, Neil Young sounded great and looked strong as he performed the Canadian folk anthem "Four Strong Winds" and a stunningly beautiful stripped down "When God Made Me" before he was joined on stage by the rest of the performers for a closing rendition of "Rockin' in the Free World". That would have been a fitting end, but they followed that up with an impromptu version of "O Canada" which left me covered in goose bumps. Gord Downie and Gordon Lightfoot were there, Blue Rodeo was chiming in, the Barenaked Ladies were along for the ride, dammit it was sweet. Meanwhile, in London we witnessed the first time guitarist David Gilmour, drummer Nick Mason, keyboard player Richard Wright and bassist Roger Waters appeared onstage together since 1981. Pink Floyd sounded spectacular.
Then there was Birham Woldu's appearance, Nelson Mandela's speech, Paul McCartney alongside U2, Coldplay and Richard Ashcroft performing "Bittersweet Symphony", The Hip and much, much more.
As Neil Young asked tonight in "When God Made Me", Did He give me the gift of compassion to help my fellow man? The 31st G8 summit is scheduled to be held from July 6 - 8 at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland and hosted by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. We shall see what comes of this glorious noise.
