Keith Richards doubts Geldof

Legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards refused to play Live 8 because he was suspicious of the organisers' political affiliations.

Despite being begged by Bob Geldof to participate, the Wild Horses rocker did not feel comfortable with the way the awareness-raising event was actually closely linked to politicians.

He said: "I just thought the connection between Geldof and the Labour Party was just too tight, and I don't see debt reduction as being like - it's not going to feed the babies down there.

"I mean, who's this gratifying and where are the Africans? Where was their say? And I thought it was being stuck together too fast."

Talking about the pressure on him to participate, he said: "Oh yeah, all the Sirs had a bash, believe me. I wondered who was pulling the strings, that's all."