Today, Sunday July 13th, marks the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, a two-venue benefit concert and music-based fundraising initiative held on Saturday July 13th 1985. It was a day when the world rocked united in a common goal.
One year earlier, 41 years ago, on November 25th 1984, “Boy George” (George Alan O’Dowd, whose parents, Jerry and Dinah O’Dowd, are Thurles, Co. Tipperary natives), had participated in the successful Band Aid single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.
Latter Band Aid had been founded by Bob Geldof and James “Midge” Ure. The song raised £8 million in its first year alone, for famine relief in Ethiopia.
The 1985, Live Aid event was also organised by Dún Laoghaire native, Irish singer, songwriter and political activist Bob Geldof; again in association with Scottish singer, songwriter and record producer James “Midge” Ure, to raise further funds for the 1983–1985 famine relief fund in Ethiopia.
Others involved in organising Live Aid were Harvey Goldsmith, who was responsible for the Wembley Stadium concert, and Michael C. Mitchell, who put together the American side.
More than 75 acts played at Wembley Stadium in London, UK and at John F. Kennedy Stadium, (later demolished in 1992) in Philadelphia USA on that day, with 1.9 billion people, or 40% of the then world’s population, in 150 nations, watching the live broadcast from their home.
However, it was the 21-minute rock session by 1970’s British rock band “Queen”, [Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass) and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals)], that stole the show that day 40 years ago; who today is still recognised as one of the greatest live rock performances of all time.
Ireland donated to Live Aid in 1985, was £7 million, same donations per capita more than any other country in the world.
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