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Live8, as well as inexcusably casting an aura round Bill Gates, was frequently held up while pop stars and actors told us how momentous it all was and offered messages to the G8 leaders. This huge self-delusion of their importance in an era when nobody buys their records or in many cases recognises their faces was probably swallowed by a few hardy fans only. It compares badly with the modesty of stars in the 70s. Alvin Stardust and Les Gray of Mud, at the height of their powers and shifting huge numbers of records (Tiger Feet was the best selling single of 1974 and Mud hold the record for number of appearances on Top of the Pops), were in public information films about crossing the road safely; a useful and practical way of directing fame and influence.