Duran Duran perform for Italy's Live 8 crowds

Thousands gathered in Rome’s ancient Circus Maximus today to watch Faith Hill, Duran Duran and a long list of Italian stars, in one of 10 concerts across the globe to help raise awareness about African poverty.

Italian favourite Francesco De Gregori kicked off the Rome event under a scorching afternoon sun, before giant screens flicked to the opening performance of the concert in London’s Hyde Park – “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by Paul McCartney and U2.