Backstage At Live 8: Bono Works The Crowd, Jay-Z Keeps Cool

LONDON and PHILADELPHIA — Backstage at the Live 8 concerts in Philadelphia and London, the memorable moments came as fast as our correspondents could send them in. Here are some highlights:

Perhaps proof that no good deed goes unrewarded, artists playing the London Live 8 concert whiled away their time between sets in a secure backstage compound equipped with massage tables, a cafe area, dressing trailers, catering and a full bar. The true power nexus of the Hyde Park grounds was undoubtedly the area of the artist compound where the dressing trailers for Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Elton John, Coldplay, Annie Lennox and U2 converged in the shape of a large "U."
Bono worked the backstage crowd like a stumping politician (which one could argue he is) with a smile and handshake for anyone who might want one. Meanwhile, Live 8 (and Live Aid) organizer Geldof, rolling with a posse that would make Elvis proud, garnered cheers of "Thank you, Sir Bob!" as he made his way from the main stage to the media compound to greet the press.
Artists mingled early and often, even those not on the bill. Former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft was spotted hanging out in Coldplay's trailer before that band took the stage (apparently hatching a plan for their collaboration during Coldplay's set on the Verve's 1997 hit "Bittersweet Symphony"). The guys from Keane were positively beaming in the artist compound before their performance, obviously thrilled to be part of the event. Sting and his wife, actress Trudi Styler, sauntered backstage like rock royalty, elegant and inseparable.

Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour may be a rock god to fans, but he looked every bit the family man backstage with lady and children in tow as he made his way to the stage to watch Elton John perform. After Elton's set, Gilmour chatted with long-estranged Floydmate Roger Waters, even warmly shaking hands — a display that shocked the Floyd fans in the vicinity.

"In The Crowds At Live 8: Music, Mud And A Shared Desire To Help"). Few seemed to mind and raised their hands in the air — but one woman sneered, "If I wanted a bath, I would take one."

Another timeless moment: Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff dancing backstage while watching Kanye West perform "All Falls Down" and "Jesus Walks."

After Will Smith's performance (see "Jay-Z, U2, Madonna, Pink Floyd Deliver Live 8 Highlights"), his drumline wanted to keep the party going. So they kept drumming away as they walked through the trailer park.

Biding his time before his performance with Linkin Park, Jay-Z chilled in his white passenger van while bodyguards circled the vehicle.

Paris Hilton and Faye Dunaway were among those who made their way to the area in front of the Hyde Park stage during Velvet Revolver's set. Apparently everyone loves a man in a good top hat.

The backstage accessory of the day in London? Hands down, the cowboy hat. From Paris to dozens of hangers-on, it's the gear of choice. A close runner-up: cell phones with no connectivity.

With so much heat in Philly, people were bound to show some flesh. Among the many once-hidden tattoos put on display was on a picture of Biggie and Bob Marley sharing a smoke, which adorned a man's back.

Meanwhile, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, wearing a slinky black backless dress, was spotted posing for pictures with local police officers and fans before being whisked away to the ultra-exclusive VIP area. Afterward, one cop was heard telling his commanding officer, "Yo, chief, you just missed it. Paula Abdul was standing right there. Right there!" "Are you kidding me?" the chief responded, looking for Abdul. Seconds later another officer walked up and excitedly asked, "Hey, did you guys just see Paula Abdul?"

Elle MacPherson and members of the Killers were seen rushing from the backstage area toward the Hyde Park stage as the reunited Pink Floyd finally made their return.

Slash, Brittany Murphy and Travis' Fran Healy weaved through photographers to get a peek at the Who during that band's brief London set.

Get involved: Learn about the poverty crisis in Africa, the proposed solutions, and how you can help. Plus find all of our coverage of the international Live 8 concerts and more at our thinkMTV Live 8 hub.