Sydney launches Live Earth concert

Live Earth has kicked off around the world in spectacular style with Japan and Australia hosting the first of eight huge concerts.

The events have been organised by former US vice-president Al Gore to help raise awareness about global warming.

The Sydney event kicked off with a traditional and colourful Aboriginal welcome with thousands of people gathered for the extravaganza.

Mr Gore launched the event via video link calling the concerts a "global response to a global problem."

Sydney's music line up featured the likes of Australian band Crowded House who performed hits from their new album Time On Earth.

Virtual reality act Genki Rockets started things off in Tokyo with a sparkling laser act.

Rubbish from the Tokyo event is being recycled to keep in line with the message of the concert of preserving the environment.

The next event will get launch in Johannesburg, followed by London, the US and Brazil amongst others.

Madonna, Duran Duran and the Beastie Boys will take centre stage at Wembley Stadium.

A band called Nunatak, made up of five members of the British Antarctic Survey, will perform two songs in sub zero conditions via satellite link-up from the Antarctica.

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