Live8

[Fletch]

Mark has often said that he might play with his old band if it were for charity. Does anyone know if Mark was approached for Live8? Did he decline, or was he not asked?

[Pottel]

ask Guy?

[ds1984]

Declined 'cause did  already have another comitment (very diplomatic answer isn't it?)

[herlock]

Live 8 concerts were held on July 2nd, 2005.
On that very day Mark played in Montreal, Canada, for the North America Leg of his acclaimed Shangri-La tour.
No doubt that the venues are booked way in advance, but i'm quite sure that Live 8 was also prepared way in advance.
I find it a pity indeed that Mark could not accomodate that. Dire Straits had done it for Live Aid in 1985.
When you see proceeds generated by the 23-minute Pink Floyd reunion... you can dream that a Dire Straits reunion would have had as big an impact ! (Even tough MK and John Ilsley never fought to death like David Gilmour and Roger Waters did, hence making the reunion less incredible ).

[ds1984]

Dire Straits had done it for Live Aid in 1985.

Difference : they were playing the arena just at short distance and they performed both the same day.
And Live 8 universal appeal was not as strong as the Live Aid one. Many artist that did answer the call in '85 did not the second time.