Live Earth On The BBC This Summer

Global concerts spanning seven continents will be broadcast on the BBC this summer, it was announced on BBC Radio 1 yesterday. Created by former United States Vice-President Al Gore and Live 8's organiser Kevin Wall to raise awareness of environmental issues, the Live Earth concerts will take place simultaneously in seven countries across the world on 7 July 2007.

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, said: "The BBC is proud to be the host broadcaster of this important event which organisers hope will raise awareness about climate change.

"On 7 July audiences across the UK will be able to enjoy performances from some of top names from the world of music on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Radio."

Artists performing live on stage at the Wembley concert include the Beastie Boys, Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damien Rice, David Gray, Duran Duran, Foo Fighters, Genesis, James Blunt, John Legend, Keane, Madonna, Paolo Nutini, Razorlight, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snow Patrol.

Additional performers will be announced at a future date.

Live Earth spokesman and founder Kevin Wall, who was also behind Live 8, said: "Live Earth will not only span all seven continents but the musicians who have answered our call span all genres and generations."

The 24 hours of live music will include concerts in Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, Tokyo and the United States. The BBC will feature highlights from around the world.

The concerts will be shown on more than 120 networks across the globe.