Key Facts
• July 13, 1985: Live Aid held in London and Philadelphia simultaneously.
• Organized by Irish singer Bob Geldof to address Ethiopia’s famine crisis.
• Featured top artists like Queen and Madonna; broadcast in over 150 countries.
• Estimated 1.9 billion viewers; raised over $100 million (approx. ¥24 billion at the time).
• Songs like “We Are the World” and “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” became iconic.
• BBC aired a documentary, “Live Aid at 40,” in July 2025.
• London theater staged a new musical, “Just for One Day,” to commemorate the event.
Summary
Live Aid, the historic charity concert held on July 13, 1985, marked its 40th anniversary in 2025. Organized by Bob Geldof to combat Ethiopia’s famine, the event featured global music icons and was broadcast to an estimated 1.9 billion viewers across 150 countries. It raised over $100 million, leaving a lasting legacy in music and philanthropy. Iconic songs like “We Are the World” and “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” continue to inspire. To honor this milestone, the BBC released a documentary, and a new musical, “Just for One Day,” premiered in London, offering a fresh look at the event’s impact.
