Russell Simmons said, “My role in LIVE 8 is focused on America giving and to promote the idea that giving love, compassion and support is the foundation of a successful foreign policy. There is no defense greater than love.”

The Live 8 event will be broadcast entirely online at aolmusic.com, with special programming set to air on MTV, and on radio at XM Satellite Radio and on Premiere Radio Networks.

These artists – among the biggest names in music – will be performing at all-star concerts in cities around the world to support the campaign to “make poverty history.”

Live 8 will feature concerts in Philadelphia, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Cornwall, Toronto, South Africa and Tokyo to raise awareness about poverty in Africa and encourage the leaders of the G8 nations to eliminate third world debt, increase aid to Africa and adopt fair trade practices.

As the exclusive online partner, America Online will broadcast six of the Live 8 concerts live from start to finish at aolmusic.com in addition to a live worldwide broadcast of all of the concerts from around the world. AOL will also make the performances available on demand for six weeks following the event. AOL will help activate its worldwide online audience, by providing on-site reports from bloggers at the concert cities, links to news and information about poverty in Africa as well as to relief organizations and charities.

“This unprecedented line-up of star performers testifies to the importance of this international emergency. Live 8 is sure to be one of the greatest musical events in history and we are thrilled to make it available to people around the world online,” said Jim Bankoff, Executive Vice President, Programming and Productions, America Online.

“The commitment of these artists and actors to raising their voices to support the mission of Live 8 ­ make poverty history ­is as inspirational as their work,” said Tim Sexton, Live 8 America Executive Producer. “We are not likely to see another event of the scale and passion of Live 8 again in our lifetime. Live 8 is honored to add these great talents to this unprecedented and historic global event.”

With the new artists announced today, artists scheduled to perform at the Live 8 concerts around the world include:

Philadelphia – Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Destiny’s Child, Jars of Clay, Jay-Z, Kaiser Chiefs, Josh Groban, Keith Urban, Linkin Park, Maroon 5, Rob Thomas, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Wonder, Toby Keith, Will Smith;

London – Annie Lennox, Coldplay, Dido, Elton John, Joss Stone, Keane, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Ms. Dynamite, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Razorlight, REM, Robbie Williams, Scissor Sisters, Snoop Dogg, Snow Patrol, Stereophonics, Sting, Travis, U2, UB40, Velvet Revolver, The Who, Youssou N'Dour;

Paris – Andrea Bocelli, Axelle Red, Calogero, Cerrone, Craig David, The Cure, Diam's Dido, Disiz Lapeste, Faudel, Florent Pagny, James Brown, Jamiroquai, Johnny Hallyday, Kool Shen, Kyo, Louise Bertignac, Manu Chao, Muse, Nile Rodgers, Pascal Obispo, Placebo, Raphael, Renaud, Youssou N'Dour, Yannick Noah, Shakira, Sheryl Crowe, Tina Arena, Zucchero;

Berlin – A-ha, Audioslave, Bap, Brian Wilson, Chris De Burgh, Die Toten, Hosen, Green Day, Herbert Gronemeyer, Joana Zimmer, Juan Diego Florez, Juli,Katherine Jenkins, Renee Olstead, Sasha, Silbermond, Sohne Mannheims, Wir Sind Helden, Reamonn, Roxy Music;

Rome – Claudio Baglioni, Faith Hill, Irene Grandi, Jovanotti, Laura Pausini, Nek, Tim McGraw, Articolo 31, Gemelli Diversi, Le Vibrazioni, Max Pezzali, Negramaro, Tiromancino, Negrita, Libague;

Tokyo – Bjork, Def Tech, Dreams Come True, McFly, Good Charlotte, Rize; Cornwall/England – Ayub Ogada (Kenya), Shikisha (South Africa), Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited (Zimbabwe), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Tinariwen (Mali), Daara J (Senegal), Modou Diouf & O Fogum (Senegal), Marian Mursal (Somalia), Akim El Sikameya (Algeria), Chartwell Dutiro (Zimbabwe), Geoffrey Oryema (Uganda), Siyaya (Zimbabwe), Coco Mbassi (Cameroon);

Toronto – African Guitar Summit, Barenaked Ladies, blue Rodeo, bruce Cockburn, Bryan Adams, The Bachman Cummings Band, Celine Dion, Deep Purple, Doba Caracol Featuring Kna'an, Gordon Lightfoot, Great Big Sea, Jann Arden, Jet, Les Trois Accords, Motley Crue, Our Lady Peace, Sam Roberts, Simple Plan, Tom Cochrane, The Tragically Hip;