Global Live Aid Concert Fundraises for Africa
July 13th, 1985
July 13th, 1985

How Long Ago?
39 years, 8 months, 1 day ago
Location
London, United Kingdom and Philadelphia, United States
Category
Entertainment
People
- David Bowie
- Bob Geldof
- Midge Ure
- Freddie Mercury
- Bono
- Elton John
- Sting
Links & References
Tags
Global Live Aid Concert Fundraises for Africa
The Live Aid benefit concert was a dual-venue event featuring performances by many iconic musicians. Held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the concert raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The event was organized by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, motivated by the 1984 Ethiopian famine. Live Aid drew an audience of over 1.5 billion viewers across more than 150 nations and showcased legendary acts like Queen, U2, and David Bowie.
Raised over $70 million for famine relief.
Featured iconic performances from top artists.
Broadcast to an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.
Set a precedent for future charity concerts.
What Happened?
Live Aid was a significant multi-venue benefit concert that took place in London and Philadelphia to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia, which was suffering from a catastrophic famine. Organized by Irish rock musician Bob Geldof and his British counterpart Midge Ure, the event emerged from the realization of the stark disparities faced by millions in Africa. Fueled by the images and stories of suffering broadcast across the media, they mobilized the global music community to participate in a historic show of solidarity.
Held at Wembley Stadium, London, and John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia, the concert featured an astounding lineup of the era's most prominent artists. Performers included Queen, whose electric set is often deemed one of the best live performances in rock history, U2, David Bowie, Elton John, and Paul McCartney, among others. The concert aimed to raise both awareness and funds, with the intention of generating over $70 million to support famine relief initiatives in Africa.
The concert's unprecedented success captured a global audience; it is estimated that around 1.5 billion viewers from over 150 countries tuned in to watch the performances. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Live Aid united people from all walks of life and set a precedent for future charity concerts. It showcased the power of music as a catalyst for social change and international empathy, aiming to enhance the plight of the suffering in Ethiopia and fostering a spirit of global responsibility among individuals and nations.
Why Does it Matter?
Live Aid not only raised millions for famine relief but also galvanized a global movement around humanitarian issues. The concert's massive reach and the participation of legendary artists inspired a new model for charitable fundraising using entertainment to effect social change. It marked a turning point in how charity events would be organized, leading to future initiatives like Live 8 and various other fundraisers.
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