Live 8 — the string of star-studded 2005 charity concerts organized by original Live Aid legend Bob Geldof — hosted an incredible number of chart-topping artists, taking to the stage with their greatest hits to raise funds for those battling poverty. A total of 10 concerts were held simultaneously across the globe, with gigs in Paris, Berlin, Rome, and London’s Hyde Park.
As the summer sun sank below the London horizon, Wham! frontman George Michael joined the godfather of pop, Paul McCartney, on stage for a rare rendition of The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” album track: “Drive My Car.” Their performance was so iconic that it’s still making the rounds online today, even 20 years after the gig first made headlines, with George and Paul’s set amassing over 3.8 million YouTube views to date!
There’s hardly anything better than watching two British pop legends join forces for an outstanding cover. And these stars didn’t let fans down for a second.
With Paul jamming on his bass guitar, slaying the first verse with his backing band, he waves an arm out to the stage wings, inviting his surprise guest, George Michael, to come running out just in time for the chorus, buzzing with fresh energy and having a genuine blast with Paul.
Their chemistry runs like wildfire through this high-energy set, Paul stealing the top lines with George laying deep harmonies beneath, recreating that original 60s sound with unimaginable precision. As the guitar solo plays out its janky 60s grooves, George riles up the 200,000-person crowd, pouring his soul into his hand-clapping before jumping into the last chorus.
Just under thirty A-list bands and musicians joined the Live 8 lineup in London, including British mainstays such as Coldplay, Razorlight, Velvet Revolver, Sting, The Who, and Pink Floyd, with a few unexpected stars thrown into the mix, including Snoop Dogg, Madonna, and a cameo from Little Britain’s Matt Lucas and David Walliams.
Sir Elton John collabed with Pete Doherty for an unpredictable cover of Marc Bolan’s “Children of the Revolution”; Richard Ashcroft shared the stage with Coldplay to sing The Verve’s hit, “Bittersweet Symphony,” (check out that viral performance in the video above!) and David Beckham hit the Hyde Park spotlight to introduce Robbie Williams, singing hits “Let Me Entertain You,” “Feel,” “Angels,” and a cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
George Michael and Paul McCartney’s unforgettable Live 8 performance remains a testament to the power of music and collaboration, enthralling fans even decades later. If you want to witness more moments from this iconic concert series, be sure to explore the links below for a deeper dive into the magic that was Live 8.
