Live 8: Geldof Spills Beans, Spoils Fun

Like a schoolboy seeking to gain favor by revealing a coveted secret, Live 8’s seemingly homeless organizer Bob Geldof unconscionably let slip some major details about the upcoming benefit concerts last week. Good work, Bobby, I’m sure there’s no greater feeling in the world than completely ruining the beginning, the end and the most anxiously awaited musical reunion of all time.

The Sunday Times (UK) quotes Geldof and the show’s spokesperson as saying Paul McCartney and U2 — dressed in Sgt Pepper costumes — will open the concert singing “It was 20 years ago today,” in reference to the Live Aid concert of 1985.

So now there’s no suspense there. Well, how about what’ll happen at the end of the night? “McCartney will return to the stage in London’s Hyde Park seven hours later to end the show by leading an ensemble rendition of The Long and Winding Road,” The Times reports.

And Pink Floyd’s reunion? Since we all know live music isn’t best when spontaneous, Bobby G. did us a favor and gave the public a sneak peek…you know, just to calm whatever rabid anticipation he had built: “He also revealed that Pink Floyd, reunited with founder member Roger Waters for the first time in more than 20 years, will play three songs: Breathe, Comfortably Numb and Wish You Were Here.”

Unless he’s intentionally planting misinformation, I just don’t get it. But, as Geldof himself told reporters, those human lockboxes of rumor and gossip, “It will be a surprise for everyone.”

Previously on the LMB: Live 8 Blog Launched, Live 8 Mega Humanitarian Concert Announced, Michael Jackson: Next Stop, Live 8?