"Ladies and gentlemen, it's two o'clock. Welcome to the greatest rock concert in the world." And thus, a few minutes after 2pm, Live 8 began simultaneously at venues in London, Paris, Rome and Berlin.
Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band:
'It was 20 years ago today'.
Macca
Bono and U2 then took over, performing It's a Beautiful Day with lyrics especially customised for the event. Overhead, grey clouds gathered, but the crowd greeted the performers enthusiastically.
Coldplay opened with In My Place. Among the spectators were Chris Martin's wife, Gwyneth Paltrow and their daughter Apple. Richard Ashcroft sang his best known song, Bitter Sweet Symphony, backed by Coldplay. Martin sneaked in a small tribute to Status Quo - who opened Live Aid 20 years previously, singing a few words from their song Rocking All Over The World. The singer called Bob Geldof "a hero" and thanked the organiser, referring to those who were cynical as 'stupid'. Their brief set ended with Fix You.
Elton
Geldof then made a brief appearance, to introduce Bill Gates as "the greatest philanthropist of our age." Gates - the richest man in the world - and his wife Melinda have given $5bn (£2.82 bn) towards relieving poverty. Gates paid tribute to Geldof and the event's other organisers. "I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act," he said.
"I have learned that success depends on knowing what works and bringing resources to the problem. We know what to do. The generosity we are asking for can save millions of lives. Some day in the future all people no matter where they are born will be able to lead a healthy life."
Dido was up next. The North Londoner sang White Flag, and then was joined on stage by Sengalese singer Youssou N'Dour to sing her breakthrough hit, Thank You. The two then performed N'Dour's 1994 smash hit Seven Seconds
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