Live Aid Commemorates 40th Anniversary, Recalling £150 Million Impact for Famine Relief

On July 13, 2025, the world marks the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, the monumental dual-venue benefit concert organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Held simultaneously at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium, the event aimed to alleviate the devastating 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia. The concert, broadcast globally, ultimately raised an estimated £150 million for the cause.

The original Live Aid, often dubbed the "global jukebox," captivated an estimated 1.9 billion television viewers across 150 nations on July 13, 1985. Its genesis followed the success of the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?", also co-written by Geldof and Ure. The event brought together an unprecedented roster of musical talent, uniting artists for a singular humanitarian purpose.

Among the many memorable acts, Queen's 21-minute set at Wembley is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in rock history. As noted by the tweet from "🎸 Rock History 🎸", Queen's rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a highlight. Other iconic artists like Madonna, Paul McCartney, U2, David Bowie, and Phil Collins (who famously performed at both venues) also contributed to the day's enduring legacy.

Beyond the immediate fundraising, Live Aid significantly elevated global awareness of the famine crisis and cemented the role of large-scale charity concerts. Bob Geldof's impassioned plea for donations during the broadcast became legendary, contributing to a surge in contributions. The Band Aid Trust, established from the concert's efforts, continues its work, providing vital aid including medical supplies, food, and education in Ethiopia and surrounding countries.

The 40th anniversary is being celebrated through various initiatives, reflecting the concert's lasting cultural impact. These include a new BBC documentary, "Live Aid at 40: When Rock'n'Roll Took on the World," and a West End musical titled "Just For One Day," which donates 10% of its profits to the Band Aid Charitable Trust. Additionally, a new 2024 mix of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" has been released, featuring a blend of voices from different generations of artists.

Live Aid remains a powerful symbol of music's capacity to drive social change and unite people for a common good. The commemorations underscore its historical significance and its continued inspiration for humanitarian efforts worldwide, reminding audiences of the day rock and roll truly made a difference.