From Radio 1's Newsbeat

Sir Elton John spoke about playing Live 8 at the launch press conference:

"The reason why I'm here today, if Bob Geldof asked me to do something. I would go on a dangerous mission with Bob, I would trust him with my life."

"He is an honourable, honourable man, I admire him so much for what he's doing here today."

"I think he's encouraged through Live Aid 20 years ago, musicians to really think about what they should be doing instead of just playing and driving around in flashy cars."

Bob said he was hopeful that the Spice Girls would reunite for it. Karl from Razorlight is glad to be involved:

"Two months ago when they approached us and told us what it was all about we were like 'Oh God, we'll definitely do whatever we can to support it. I mean 12,000 kids a day die from poverty."

"I'm really happy that we're doing it, I've seen loads and loads of bands, all of them great. It sounds ridiculously huge, it's insane."

Gary from Snow Patrol, who are playing the London leg in Hyde Park along with Madonna, Sir Elton John, Coldplay and loads more, rang us to say they can't wait to take part.

He's particularly looking forward to being on the same stage as some of the older acts:

"The line-up is pretty impressive and it's for a tremendous cause."

"I was a little kid when the first one was on, so it's pretty cool to be asked to do this."

"If we're asked to sing altogether on the stage then of course we'll do it."

"It's a great honour to share the stage with a lot of the bands there - ever since I was a kid I've loved a lot of these bands."

Craig David is playing the Paris gig - they're having trouble finding a venue for that one - but Craig's chuffed about playing in the French capital:

"It'll be great to be on the same stage as Jamiroquai."

"I've been lucky enough to sell records over there - it's going to be really great to play in a place that I know so well.

"I think it's one of the best cities in the world, outside of London."

"To be flying the flag for the UK over there is going to be really cool."

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