A behind-the-scenes photo diary of London's Live8 concert, held in Hyde Park almost exactly a year ago, is launched this week. With all the pictures taken by Mike McCartney - brother of ex-Beatle Paul - the book takes a good look at all the musicians and personalities at the event, giving a unique view of the show.

Live8 Cool Pix

Live8 put the focus on poverty and social deprivation in Africa, and featured a galaxy of stars from the world of music, film, and more, in the shows held across the world. McCartney's new book, "Live8 Cool Pix", is being sold as a special limited edition of 1,000 (500 of which are signed by Mike), and all proceeds will be donated to the Live8 project.

The book promises candid shots of the various performers, thanks to Mike having complete access to all areas - more than press photographers had. It is endorsed by the mastermind behind the event, Bob Geldof, and Sir Paul McCartney, both of which have written forewards in the book.

Sir Paul said: "Live8 was one of the greatest days of the year, possibly the decade. Bob Geldof telephoned me, explained the idea of Making Poverty History and aiming the concert at the G8 conference. I was sold. Bob's a great salesman.

"Luckily, my brother Mike was there with his trusty camera to record the day and capture many of the exciting backstage happenings. This book is made from a selection of those pictures and he and I are proud to have been there together and to have been a part of this momentous event."

Mike McCartney said: "Live8 began as a nice family day out in Hyde Park, London, but when you find yourself backstage at the Greatest Show on Earth, and bump into Brad Pitt, Madonna, George Michael, U2, Annie Lennox, Bill Gates, the Beckhams, Kofi Annan, Paris Hilton, Robbie Williams, Snoop Dog, Peter Kay, Pink Floyd, etc, it would be rude NOT to take their photo!

"It was a unique day with the bottom line of everyone trying to prevent starvation round the world. To that end, my publisher Guy and I have produced 1,000 limited edition, hard back books of the great day, with great forewords by my brother Paul and Bob (Geldof), and are donating all profits to raise money for the Band Aid Trust. If all of them sell, we will raise tens of thousands of pounds towards making African and world poverty...history. Please buy one! Thank U Very Much"

The book is being launched today (June 29th) at Liverpool's Life Museum, and features the following personalities on its pages: Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Bob Geldof, Bono and U2, Brad Pitt, Sting, Jeremy Clarkson, the creators of Little Britain – Matt Lucas and David Walliams, Coffey Annan, Chris Martyn, John MacInroe, Peter Kay, Harvey Goldsmith, Slash (ex Guns n Roses), Madonna, Richard Curtis, Killers, Peter Blake, Sir Ian McKellen, Joss Stone, The Scissor Sisters, Bill Gates, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason and David Gilmour – with his family - along with, of course, the inimitable Roger Waters, along with George Michael and Fran Healy from Travis.

ORDERING INFORMATION

The book can be ordered through the following special links, for delivery upon release: Amazon UK, France, or Germany. If you are outside these countries, do not worry - they ship books worldwide. And remember - each book sold directly helps the Band Aid Trust with their sterling work.

Our thanks to Guy at Cities500 (the publishers) for his help with the information above.