Today marks the 30th Anniversary of Live Aid. July 13 1985. The year before this many famous musicians got together, called themselves Band Aid and recorded Do They Know It`s Christmas?(numerous other similar projects by other musicians around the world, including Northern Lights-Canada and USA For Africa among others). All proceeds went to help fight famine in Africa. This project spawned talk of a summer event in 1985 with the same goal, and Live Aid was born. The main spark for the project was Bob Geldof. He was called a “foul mouthed fading pop star“, but he was so passionate he basically pestered musicians until the relented and showed up.
The first performance is Boomtown Rats(Bob Geldof)
Next is Dire straits
Here is Queen
Here is Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Now Black Sabbath
Here is Led Zeppelin
It is important to note that many bands reunited just for this event. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Black Sabbath (with Ozzy), and Led Zeppelin. The band members stopped their bickering that had contributed to the bands breaking up. It could be argued that Led Zeppelin stopped when John Bonham died, but there were some hostilities. Jimmy Page was upset that just before the event Robert Plant said he would not do Stairway to Heaven, and it took Freddie Mercury to convince him that it should be done. Also in the Led Zeppelin set Robert Plant`s voice was hoarse, Jimmy Page`s guitar work was a little rusty, and Phil Collins did not have enough time to practice the song. They were on stage but all probably did not want to be.
Here is a link to the first part of a BBC Live Aid Documentary
My first concert was in 1985 in Toronto, but I would have loved if this had been my 2nd. In memory I am glad this event happened, and even if it helped save one life, it was worthwhile.
For the help and effort, I give Bob Geldof and Live Aid
10/10
It was quite the feat putting this thing together. I remember watching it on TV for most of the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was. Bob Geldof did a remarkable job. I wish something like that would be done again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What? Live 8 didn’t do it for you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking something more along the lines of Farm Aid. An annual event that gives all of the money to the needy. Every first world country could have one, and some of the cash could go to local charities, some to starving nations. I know. A pipe dream.
LikeLike
That Queen set was one for the ages!
LikeLike