It was an interesting coincidence that Bob Geldof chose the same day to announce plans for a new Live Aid as Alabama 3 did to breeze into Brighton.

The huge concerts planned for July 2 will, we are told, highlight global trade injustices in a bid to beat world poverty.

With this in mind, which one of the following bands actually sings lines like: "Some mother in Jakarta, lays down her weary head, in some free trade zone compound, where they work you 'til you're dead..."?

U2? Coldplay? 50 Cent?

Or is it a bunch of ex-junky exiles of Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, who blend country and techno music into a big beat hoedown which kept a packed Concorde 2 enthralled all night? You guessed it.

In fact, Alabama 3 are one of the few bands on the cusp of mainstream success not afraid of the "p" word.

The ironic thing is this raised-clenched-fist music, which sums up Live 8's political message perfectly, is exactly what's kept them on the nation's corporate-controlled airwaves and off the Live 8 bill.

Interestingly, their latest material seems to have mellowed, and a cover of Aslan's How Can I Forget You could even be easy listening for Terry Wogan's breakfast radio show audience.

So Bob, got any room for an issue-aware pop group with the tunes, charisma and talent to entrance a 150,000-strong crowd?

With Alabama 3 on the bill, Live 8 might not change the world but at least it would be remembered.