Four decades after Live Aid transformed the musical landscape, Evelyn O’Rourke reflects on ten significant ways this legendary event made history.
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“A weird and wonderful crusade.”
This is how BBC journalist Michael Buerk characterized the Band Aid project initiated by Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, and their fellow musicians during Christmas 1984.
He pointed out that even though many of the participating pop stars were immensely wealthy, they displayed remarkable public empathy for the suffering of the Ethiopian people.
It all began with Band Aid, the iconic charity single, which then paved the way for a audacious idea: a monumental 16-hour live music event featuring some of the biggest stars in the industry, spanning Wembley and Philadelphia—Live Aid.
Amidst the spectacle, the UK’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana shared the royal box with Bob Geldof and Paula Yates, as 1.5 billion viewers tuned in worldwide, resulting in over £110 million raised for charity.
As we commemorate this milestone, discussions will inevitably arise about the standout performances—was it Queen, U2, Bob Geldof with the Boomtown Rats, or perhaps David Bowie?
U2’s ‘Bad’
At the forefront is U2’s powerful performance of “Bad.” Bono recalls feeling self-conscious about his appearance that day, yet the footage reveals a vibrant 25-year-old artist who understood that Live Aid was not just a concert but a global television event.
With unforgettable renditions of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Bad,” U2 captivated the Wembley audience, reaching viewers in 150 countries. Bono’s impulsive leap into the crowd during “Bad” solidified a connection that ultimately propelled U2 to international superstardom.
Queen
Queen’s Freddie Mercury delivered an unforgettable performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Radio Ga Ga,” characterized by his dynamic interaction with the crowd. This segment is frequently regarded as one of the greatest live rock performances in history, where Paul Gambaccini from the BBC aptly noted, “Everybody realized that Queen was stealing the show.”
Even Elton John humorously acknowledged their triumph, jokingly telling Mercury, “You bastards, you stole the show.” Indeed, Queen left an indelible mark that day.
The Absence of Female Acts
It is worth noting the striking lack of female representation at both venues. Only Sade graced the stage at Wembley, while Philadelphia hosted a few more female artists, including Joan Baez, Madonna, Chrissie Hynde, and Patti LaBelle. Even then, the overall representation was minimal.
David Bowie’s Tribute
David Bowie, known as the Thin White Duke, delivered a heartfelt performance of “Heroes,” dedicated to children affected by famine. Although each artist had a strict time limit, Bowie chose to forego his final song, opting instead to show a poignant montage of the Ethiopian famine. The combination of the visuals and the haunting melody sparked tremendous donations, marking that moment as a powerful highlight.
Paul McCartney’s ‘Let It Be’
Paul McCartney’s stripped-down version of “Let It Be,” performed solo on the piano, was both moving and intimate. Despite initial technical issues, the crowd quickly joined in, creating a sense of unity that resonated throughout the event.
The Boomtown Rats
The Boomtown Rats brought their hit “I Don’t Like Mondays” to the stage, with Bob Geldof captivating the audience not just as a musician, but as a passionate philanthropist. His iconic line, “and the lesson today is how to die,” was met with roaring approval from the crowd.
Led Zeppelin’s Reunion
Led Zeppelin’s set marked a monumental reunion, featuring classic tracks like “Rock and Roll,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Stairway to Heaven” at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia—their first performance since John Bonham’s passing in 1980, with Phil Collins sitting in on drums.
‘The Quo’ Sets the Tone
Starting the entire event was Status Quo with “Rockin’ All Over the World,” setting a lively tone for a day filled with unforgettable moments of unity and music.
Springsteen’s Generosity
Although Bruce Springsteen was absent from the stage, having informed Bob Geldof of his honeymoon plans, he contributed significantly by allowing his Wembley stage to be used for Live Aid, ultimately saving valuable time and resources.
Ireland’s Impact
While not strictly a musical moment, Ireland’s fundraising response to Live Aid was remarkable, contributing an astonishing £7 million. Producer Niall Matthews initiated a telethon throughout the day, encouraging viewers to pledge donations, leading to a significant impact.
In the wake of Live Aid, just under a year later in May 1986, Ireland hosted its own live musical event for the unemployed, “Self Aid,” featuring bands that had also performed at Live Aid. This spirit of giving and community has continued to influence music events to this day.
Live Aid was more than a concert; it was 16 hours of music that united people, sparked laughter, tears, and profound generosity—all orchestrated meticulously by Bob Geldof.
