All-star lineup announced for Live 8 concerts

A plethora of stars have agreed to appear at the Live 8 fundraiser on July 2.

Sir Bob Geldof confirmed the lineup at a press conference this afternoon, describing it as "not for charity but political justice."

He also denied reports that the Spice Girls had been ditched from the gig, adding that there was a strong possibility that they would reform for the occasion.

Geldof went on to reveal that he has asked the newly-elected Pope, Benedict XVI, to put in an appearance. "I think he should turn up," he told the BBC. "It would be his first gig."

Concerts will be held simultaneously in five countries and will be free to attend. The current lineup:

London: Hyde Park

• Annie Lennox
• Bob Geldof
• Coldplay
• The Cure
• Dido
• Elton John
• Joss Stone
• Keane
• The Killers
• Madonna
• Mariah Carey
• Muse
• Paul McCartney
• Razorlight
• REM
• Robbie Williams
• Scissor Sisters
• Snow Patrol
• Stereophonics
• Sting
• U2
• Velvet Revolver

Philadelphia: Museum of Art

• 50 Cent
• Bon Jovi
• The Dave Matthews Band
• Il Divo
• Jay-Z
• Kaiser Chiefs
• Keith Urban
• Maroon 5
• Puff Daddy
• Rob Thomas
• Sarah McLachlan
• Stevie Wonder
• Will Smith

Berlin: Brandenburg Gate

• A-Ha
• Bap
• Brian Wilson
• Crosby, Stills and Nash
• Die Toten Hosen
• Lauren Hill
• Peter Maffay

Paris: Tuilleries Gardens

• Andrea Bocelli
• Axelle Red
• Calo Gero
• Craig David
• Jamiroquai
• Kyo
• Manu Chao
• Placebo
• Renaud
• Yannick Noah
• Youssou N'Dour

Rome: Circus Maximus

• Duran Duran
• Faith Hill
• Irene Grandi
• Jovanotti
• Laura Pasini
• Nek
• Tim McGraw
• Vasco Rossi
• Zucchero