Self Aid. It sounds more like leftover Me Decade pop psychology than what it was — a Dublin benefit by Irish bands and artists to help Ireland's unemployed. Half a million pounds were raised during the twelve-hour show, which included sets by the Chieftains, the Pogues, Cactus World News, Clannad and Blue in Heaven. Bob Geldof, who's about to begin a solo career, played what may have been his last show with the Boomtown Rats. "It's been a very good ten years," he told the crowd. "Rest in peace."
Elvis Costello played with the Attractions, dedicating a song to his fiancee, Cait O'Riordan of the Pogues. Van Morrison previewed his upcoming album with a new song, "Town Called Paradise." But the show really belonged to U2, who did a medley of Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm," John Lennon's "Cold Turkey" and Elton John's "Candle in the Wind." Bono eschewed his customary leap into the audience, but added a back flip off the drum riser to his repertoire of stage moves. The show's emotional highlight was a special tribute to the late Phil Lynott. His band, Thin Lizzy, performed with Geldof filling in as lead singer.
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