Live Earth: a curate's egg

Ok, so aside from the fact that I'd have created a massive carbon footprint flying to Sydney just to see Crowded House (they last played live in Sydney eleven years ago in the steps of the Opera House as their farewell gig) and then turned around and come back two hours later (well, maybe a bit later so as to watch the qualifying for the British Grand Prix in a Sydney bar), so undermining the whole concept (as it was, MSN had a fantastic live feed that even on Malaysia's grindingly slow international internet connection streamed almost without interruption so I could really irritate the neighbours and could watch qualifying at home) would the event really do anything?

It's hard to say: sponsored by "Chevvy," and Philips who promoted their low voltage flourescent bulbs incessently, masquarading as an environmental message the events - which are still running as I write this - are hitting news broadcasts all over the world.

But are they having the impact of Live Aid?

Well, Live 8 didn't. In fact, for many it pushed the "Africa" message a little too hard, with the favouritism now being granted to Africa being resented by countries that are poor but not in such a concentration of poor countries as is found in Africa.

In truth, the fact that Madonna, Fergie from Black Eyed Peas and Linkin' Park are playing at various events around the world will soon be forgotten for they would play at the opening of an envelope.

The fact that the Police have recently reformed and this is their big re-announcement gig will go some way to encouraging people to remember the event.

But whether it will mean they remember the message is uncertain.

After all, the Sydney Gig finished ten minutes ago: and already the only thing that burns into my head is this:

CROWDED HOUSE PLAYED LIVE AGAIN !!!!