>>>>I was just wondering what is going to happen to all the money raised by Live8. It seems most of the millions, if not billions, that have been raised to fight aids, poverty, etc in Africa has been stolen by the dictators of the countries we are supposed to be helping. Anyone know what the plan is to ensure this doesn't happen?
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>>>Live 8 collected no money. It was to raise awareness.
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>>Awareness, so that people would be aware they need to send money.
>>So, are you saying AOL and all the other big businesses got involved in this for free? Where did the money for the concerts go? They weren't all free. IT'S ABOUT THE MONEY AND RAISING STARS NOTARIETY.
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>As I understand it, the money for the pay concerts went to PAY for them:- huge stages, security fences, transport, general infrastructure, etc. The tickets were on sale for a nominal amount (£10? - I don't remember) - you can't get to see just Meatloaf for more than twice that. The big-bucks went on the tickets sold by unscrupulous people on eBay, or the ticket touts outside the venues.

Actually, for the concert here, tickets were free (and gone in 25 minutes).
Scalpers (that's what we call those people here who get tickets and sell them at inflated prices to those "in need of tickets") were stymied when someone from a beer company showed up at the site with 2,500 free tickets.
Expenses here (venue, huge stage, cleanup, etc) were covered by the TV contract, which the TV company said would sell adverts for only to cover cost.

All in all, here, it seems to have gone off pretty much as planned and free.