Live Earth sets stage against global warming

Global warming is quickly becoming the hottest topic on the planet, and all jokes aside, people are finally starting to take the threat it poses seriously. To help things along though, Live Earth, an organization co-chaired by Al Gore, is planning a global concert headlined by some of the biggest bands in the world.

So far details are still emerging, but the concert is planned to run a full 24 hours across 7 continents – kicking off in Sydney and wrapping up with the U.S. show at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

The U.S. show will feature: AFI, Akon, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Fall Out Boy, John Mayer, Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, KT Tunstall, Ludacris, Melissa Etheridge, Rihanna, Roger Waters, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Police.

“Capping Live Earth with a blockbuster show like this will ensure we meet our challenge of building a mass audience to combat global warming,” Live Earth Founder and Executive Producer Kevin Wall said. “Live Earth will be a monumental event both in terms of entertainment and in turning the tide against global warming.”

Some of the acts scheduled to perform at Wembley Stadium in London for Live Earth include: the Beastie Boys, Damien Rice, Foo Fighters, Genesis, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snow Patrol.

“We hope the energy created by Live Earth will jump start a massive public education effort,” Live Earth Co-Chair Vice President Al Gore said. “Live Earth will help us reach a tipping point that’s needed to move corporations and governments to take decisive action to solve the climate crisis.”

Tickets are set to go on sale next Monday, April 16 at 10:00 AM (ET) and all proceeds benefit the Alliance for Climate Protection, among other international organizations. Visit www.liveearth.org for more details, or check out LiveEarth.MSN.com.

On a local front, Toronto Mayor David Miller had been quoted by CTV as saying that he would have liked the city to host a Live Earth concert, but it’s unclear whether the New York venue rules out any other North American shows, or if there’s still a chance for Canada to host one of the seven concerts.