U2 confirms 'Live 8' appearance

(JAM! Music) -- U2 has confirmed that they will be taking part in the London portion of Bob Geldof's July 2 benefit concert "Live 8," according to the Boston Globe.

"We're looking forward to it. We definitely want to be a part of it," bassist Adam Clayton told the newspaper.

The Irish rockers plan to perform earlier in the day so they can make it in time for their concert at Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria later that night.

Geldof is planning a second event in Philadelphia will coincide with the London concert.

Details, including the lineup and other possible venues, remain secret. They are expected to be unveiled Tuesday morning at joint press conferences in Philadelphia and London, publicist Laura Perez said.

The show, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid, is a nod to the G-8 summit, a meeting of the world's leading powers, set to start days later in Scotland. Geldof has pressed for the world's wealthiest countries to do more to fight famine and poverty in Africa.

Live Aid, held July 13, 1985 at Wembley Stadium, featured U2, Queen, Paul McCartney, David Bowie and others, while the Philadelphia show at the former JFK Stadium had performances by by Mick Jagger, Madonna, Tina Turner, The Who and many others. The effort raised tens of millions of dollars for Ethiopia.

"What started 20 years ago is coming to a political point in a few weeks," Geldof told the BBC on Thursday. "There's more than a chance that the boys and girls with guitars will finally get to turn the world on its axis."

Sting has also confirmed that he will take part in the event. "Bob called me up and said I was doing it," Sting said. "He doesn't ask you, he tells you."

-- with files from AP