This weekend, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. Conceived by the visionary duo Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, these star-studded fundraising concerts were pivotal in raising awareness and support for famine relief in Ethiopia.
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On July 13, 1985, the world witnessed an extraordinary display of unity as two concerts unfolded simultaneously—one at Wembley Stadium in London, and the other at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, USA. As Bob Geldof once remarked, “We’ve got to help these people. We can’t sit here and do nothing.” This spirit of action brought together some of the biggest names in music.
Artists like Queen, David Bowie, George Michael, Elton John, Madonna, and The Beach Boys took to the stage, captivating audiences while sending a powerful message. Notably, Phil Collins made headlines for his remarkable back-to-back performance: he played in Wembley and then caught a Concorde to shine on stage in Philadelphia, demonstrating the reach and impact of this event. As he put it, “Music can change the world.”
Ultimately, Live Aid raised an estimated £150 million, with over £7 million originating from Ireland alone—a testament to the collective effort and generosity of people across the globe. Indeed, it was a moment where music transcended borders and brought humanitarian issues to the forefront.
To relive the magic of that day, watch the video where Bairbre shares her reflections on being part of this historic event. It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can make a significant difference.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
