Live 8 - Where were the Soldiers Of The Sixties?

Now that Bob Geldof's "I still call Africa my meal ticket" concerts are over, I find myself puzzled.

Not about the fading rock stars or the predictable rent-a-cause celebrities headed by music's icon of hypocrisy, the boring and self righteous Paul McBlahtney, who were in attendance - but by who wasn't.

Where were the Soldiers of The Sixties? (phrase courtesy of Julie Felix) The guitar carrying, harmonica playing soldiers who helped change the world - or at least made it feel like the world was changing.

Yes we had Paul McCartney and Elton John, who turn up for just about any event that makes the global media, but where for example, was Joan Baez?

Remember Joan at the original Live Aid and her wonderful, “This is your Woodstock and it’s long overdue.”

Where was Dylan? What about Tom Paxton?

Maybe they think the same as myself. It was just a big wank. A showcase for over the hill rock stars and newcomers flogging their latest offerings.

Another thing. Where was Africa in all of this hype?

Damon Albarn from Blur,summed it up pretty well when he described it as an, "Anglo-Saxon" line-up and slammed Geldof for portraying Africa as a "sick" place.

"I don't want to take part in an event that is so exclusive. Is this the most effective way to help Africa? This country is incredibly diverse. More than ever, black culture is an integral part of society, so why is the bill so Anglo-Saxon? It treats Africa like it's a failing, ill, sick, tired place."

Geldof went into damage control and hastily added a new show, "Africa Calling," to the Live 8 bill, specifically for African artists.

Lester Holloway, editor of black news website Blink, said: "This is a terribly token gesture. The irony is that all the white acts will be playing in London, the most multi-cultural city in Europe, while all the black acts will be in Cornwall, where black people are the minority."

I realise that in theory the artists gave their time for free, but I do question the appropriateness of artists involved in a series of concerts aimed at raising awareness of poverty, being given a Hugo Boss bag of expensive gifts, valued at around $3000.

They can also pick up Hugo Boss suits, XM satellite radios, Gibson guitars, Bertolucci watches, valued between $1,500 and $6,000.

Yes, the event raised awareness of the problems facing Africa, but more than likely it will be a short term awareness.

The original Live Aid was designed to alleviate hunger in Ethiopia. How many people truly know what is happening in Ethiopia today - or even genuinely care?

Coming soon to a stadium near you - the next fashionable cause. No prizes for guessing who will be performing.