Sir Bob Geldof, co-founder of Live Aid, has revealed he has never been able to watch the iconic 1985 concert, despite its enduring impact. As the event celebrates its 40th anniversary, Geldof reflected on its continued relevance and the “exceptional” acts that performed.
Speaking to the PA news agency before a special gala performance of “Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical,” the 73-year-old musician highlighted how the concert still resonates today through documentaries, radio shows, and even a musical. He recounted being at a recent Oasis gig, saying, “I was at Oasis last night in Manchester, who were staggeringly brilliant. So I’m buzzing, and I’m still amazed that this old guy can be so thrilled by a great rock and roll band.”
Geldof reminisced about the spirit of the day, where some of the biggest names in music performed. “But imagine 40 years ago, seeing all of the greatest rock and roll bands, one after the other, being exceptional for free, no contracts with anyone, they had to pay their own plane fares,” he said. He also noted the unique camaraderie, adding, “the performances were ‘other,’ just like the day itself. They rose way above and everyone hung around to watch each other.”
Despite its significance, Geldof admitted, “I’ve never seen it because I can’t watch or listen to myself. I can’t stand all the stupid things I say.” However, he did recently watch the finale, comparing it to a chaotic school play. “And here are the greatest creative talents of the rock era, and it’s like the worst ever nativity play in school,” he joked, noting that the artists “wouldn’t leave.”
He believes the “sheer improbable exhilaration” of the concert is “what resonates” today, especially in what he called the “age of the death of kindness.” He encouraged the public to continue to donate, noting that it was a time when “Britain did something profound with their American brothers.”
Co-founder Midge Ure, 71, also spoke to PA about the event, describing a feeling of bewilderment. “We were in the middle of this. We couldn’t see just how big this thing was… It seems to have grown over the last 40 years. It’s now a historic, social moment,” he said.
The charity initiative began with the Band Aid single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in December 1984. The following July, concerts were held in London and the US, attended by a total estimated audience of 1.5 billion people. The London concert featured performances from artists like Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and Queen, while the US event in Philadelphia included acts such as The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and Tina Turner.
A musical centered on the event, featuring songs from the performing artists, is currently running at the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre.
