What's Live 8, ask Delhi musicians

While the world eagerly awaits Live 8, some Indian rockers seem ignorant, writes Yojana Sharma.

While the world eagerly awaits the Live 8 concert on July 2, back home some of the Indian rockers don't know anything about the great gig.

"Is it a new concert?," asks singer Shibani Kashyap, adding that she was in Mumbai for some time, which is why she is ignorant of recent developments in Delhi! Just for the record, Live 8 is billed as the greatest charity concert after Live Aid in 1985. Some hundred odd singers will gather publicity for the starving Africans at 10 different locations.

Kashyap's ignorance can be excused if you listen to Amit Kilam's case. Kilam, a member of rock group Indian Ocean, apologises for not knowing about the Live 8 gala. "I don't know anything about this show… I might come across as a fool if you ask me about it," he says.

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However Kilam does know about the great Live Aid which rocked the world in 1985. "Live Aid was undoubtedly the greatest charity concert ever," he adds.

However, Shubha Mudgal and Subir Malik (of Parikrama) are more aware of what is happening. Malik can even give you the inside details of the show and can preach Bob Geldof's philosophy in the same spirit. "Music is the best medium to get people together and it can definitely echo serious concerns as well," says Malik, shrugging off concerns that harping on causes like these may not achieve the desired aim. "Music has its impact worldwide and when the top rockers take to stage for some cause it will definitely reach the right ears," justifies Malik. He appreciates Geldof's spirit and hopes that the money he raises should reach the needy.

Mudgal also believes in the same philosophy. She adds that such concerts erase political boundaries and get people together for relevant causes. "I am sure that the G8 countries will definitely be touched by this gesture and they will give more grants for the starving continent".

Do not mistake Live 8 to be a sequel to Live Aid of 1985. Irish rocker Geldof (then a bandmember of Boomtown Rats) along with fellow pop star Midge Ure organised huge concerts in Europe and North America to raise consciousness about poverty in Africa. Then too, he had got about 60 singers to perform in different places on the same day at the same time. It was the biggest satellite link-up of its time. Geldof raised about $144,124,69 then.