The War Room

DEAD EARTH LIVE!

Many people have talked about the troubles surrounding Al Gore's Live Earth concerts happening this week-end. Cancelled concerts, poor ticket sales in some areas, questioning the green motivation of the stars have all come into question. It seems more like Dead Earth, or at least Getting by on Life Support Earth.

Finally, about a week ago, I went onto the Live Earth website to see who was actually playing.

I was actually surprised. There really is a shortage of top tier new talent tent-poling these things. It seems like most of the concerts are made up of old fogey acts like The Police, Genesis, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Roger Waters headlining, followed by a second tier of newer artists who are trying to get noticed. Acts like Bloc Party, Pussy Cat Dolls or Snow Patrol.

I was surprised at who did - NOT - show up.

Where is U2, REM, a big splashy Pink Foyd reunion, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney. Why are activists like Springsteen, Green Day, Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails all MIA?

Where is an eco star diva like La Babs Streisand?

I am sure that no matter this thing does it will be spun as a success, but I have to say, the line up seems rather sad. They also seem very inconsistant, which also shows how fractured the music scene is today. Live Aid in '85 had predominantly pop/rock acts. Yet Live Earth in '07 is a bizarre amalgam of rap, hip hop, pop, rock, classic, folk etc.

Who could watch this thing for more than 2 or 3 acts in a row?

Increasingly, I am glad that more people are tired of the fear mongering surrounding the environmental movement. I do not think Al Gore an evil or bad man but I do think that there is great capacity for really bad things to happen with the fear he is spreading.

If you really believe the earth is dying, what WON'T you do to stop it? What do you do to people who question you?

I hope more true scientists question this movement and they are loud enough before things get too far on.

posted by Nicol DuMoulin @ 9:55 AM