Did that really happen?

Am I being naive, or will a humungous show like yesterday's Live8 actually help make a difference to thousands of lives? I want so badly to believe that it will.

I've always been a big fan of U2, not only for their music but for how strongly the band has supported causes they believe in. There was a time when people sniggered that this was just a ploy for them to gain mileage for their music. May be. But after yesterday's performance at Hyde Park, I've no doubt left in my mind. This IS the greatest band in the world.

'It was twenty years ago today...' sang Bono and Macca in a sparkling rendition of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. 'Paul McCartney,' said Bono at the end, as a legend exited stage left. It felt like Bono was pinching himself: 'Did that really happen?' he asked, faintly bemused.

Then came an uplifting version of Beautiful Day, complete with the release of dozens of white doves. A beautiful moment. Vertigo took things up another level, with Bono inserting a lyrical twist to remind people of the potential of the coming meeting of the G8 leaders in Scotland: 'Your mission is possible!'

'So this is our moment,' mused Bono as Edge began strumming the chords of One. 'This is our time, this is our chance — to stand up for what's right. We're not looking for charity, we're looking for justice. We can't fix every problem, but those we can we must. This is our moment to make poverty history.'

And this time, 20 years after their intended three-song set became a two-song set (when Bono disappeared into the audience) at Live Aid, U2 played a third and final track to close out a great set and a great way to kick off Live8. 'I need your love,' sang Bono, segueing into a snippet of Unchained Melody.

And I wanted to cry. I'm not a very emotional person, but music does something to me that no man ever can. It touches me in a way that still surprises me. So to watch such an electric opening act from the first English-language band I ever heard as a six-year-old in a war-torn, repressed country like Iran singing about hope and our chance to make our generation proud, made me pray. I prayed that this concert would actually make a difference. I prayed this wasn't a sham and the artistes up there actually believed, that's why they came.

Thinking back about my reactions today makes me kinda sheepish. I mean it wasn't like I was there in Hyde Park watching this live or actually making any sort of difference other than sitting in my cushy office and signing the Live8 petition online. But heck, if it works, I'm going to tell just about anyone who cares to listen that I SIGNED that list. That I was a small but significant part of something so fantastic. And that it makes me prouder than I've ever been of myself.

So I'm an idealist. Sue me.