On July 7, 2007, possibly the largest concert event the planet has ever seen took place. The event was titled Live Earth and concerts were held on all continents to raise awareness of the dangers of global warming. These are 10 of the most memorable moments.
10. Linkin Park - "Numb" - Tokyo
Photo by Junko Kimura / Getty ImagesThe band Linkin Park proved to those attending Live Earth in Tokyo and a worldwide television audience that they are one of the most exciting of today's live bands. The local fans were already in the palm of their hands, but Linkin Park brought down the house with this version of their massive hit "Numb."
9. Spinal Tap and Every Bass Player in the Known Universe - London
Photo by Mat Szwajkos / Getty ImagesLive Earth was the occasion for yet another reunion of the legendary parody rock band Spinal Tap. For their final number, "Big Bottom," they were joined by "every bass player in the known universe." Among those who crowded on to the stage were Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys, James Hetfield of Metallica, and Nate Mendel of the Foo Fighters.
8. Crowded House - Sydney
Photo by Kristian Dowling / Getty ImagesOne of the quieter moments of the Live Earth extravaganza which should be an occasion of rejoicing for every serious pop music fan was the appearance of the reunited Australia-based band Crowded House, one of the most under-rated pop bands in the world. They are missing original member Paul Hester who took his own life in 2005, but their music remains exquisite.
7. Soweto Gospel Choir and Danny K - Johannesburg
Photo by Nadine Hutton / Getty ImagesThe beautiful vocals and percussion of the Soweto Gospel Choir joined by South African pop singer Danny K were just one of many acts that added the distinctive sound of African music to the diverse world of music performed in the Live Earth concerts.
6. The Police with John Mayer and Kanye West - "Message in a Bottle" - New York
Photo by Mat Szwajkos / Getty ImagesThis was possibly one of the most controversial performances at Live Earth. Often rock fans and hip hop fans form a somewhat volatile mix. However, this performance did effectively deliver the message that all of us, regardless of our musical tastes, are responsible for responding effectively to the threat of global warming.
5. Roger Waters - "Another Brick In the Wall" - New York
Photo by Mat Szwajkos / Getty ImagesRoger Waters, primary songwriter and vocalist for the legendary rock group Pink Floyd, took the stage with a group of fresh-faced kids from Trenton, New Jersey sporting "Together We Stand" t-shirts. With a massive inflated pig floating overhead with the slogan "Save Our Sausages," he delivered the pop-rock classic "Another Brick in the Wall" with a massive grin on his face. Seeing Roger Waters smile and the performance poking some fun at the seriousness of Pink Floyd's music and the event itself ("Save Our Sausages" was a play on the S.O.S. "Save Our Selves" slogan for Live Earth) was a great moment not to be missed.
4. Corinne Bailey Rae and John Legend - "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" - London
Photo by Gareth Cattermole / Getty ImagesTwo of the most amazing voices in pop music today joined to deliver Marvin Gaye's 30 year old classic that is just as appropriate today as the day it was recorded.
3. Madonna - "Ray of Light" - London
Photo by Dave Hogan / Getty ImagesFor those familiar with Madonna's Confessions tour, this staging of "Ray of Light" was no surprise. However, Madonna rocking out on guitar with a fantastically choreographed set of dancers is well worth seeing again.
2. Melissa Etheridge - Introduction of Al Gore - New York
Photo by Mat Szwajkos / Getty ImagesVeteran rocker Melissa Etheridge delivered outstanding music as well as a fiery statement of what the entire day was about. She also introduced Al Gore in a heartfelt fashion that provided an emotional foundation for all of Live Earth.
1. Keith Urban and Alicia Keys - "Gimme Shelter" - New York
Photo by Mat Szwajkos / Getty ImagesHave the following Rolling Stones lyrics ever had more resonance than at Live Earth?
"Oh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I dont get some shelter
Oh yeah, Im gonna fade away"
Stepping out of their usual genres, country star Keith Urban and r&b genius Alicia Keys delivered a roaring, soulful version of "Gimme Shelter" that was the showstopping performance of the entire day.
