Rock extravaganza not the answer to poverty

TEN concerts, 100 performers, one million spectators and two billion TV viewers — and it still adds up to a worldwide one-day wonder.

Shows like the global TV rock festival last Saturday are directed at the under-25s whose world view is more Live 8 than G8.

While Bob and Bono are to be commended for their efforts, the fact is that their fame and fortunes, not to mention their outsize egos, separate them from the real world. How in God’s name does Geldof reconcile his vast wealth (ie, his recently sold TV production company for €7.4 million and ownership of a successful TV station), with his preaching on global poverty.