Live Aid concerts raised over $100 million for Ethiopia's famine relief

In 1985, the Live Aid concerts were held on July 13, simulcast from Philadelphia and London, marking a pivotal moment in music history and humanitarian efforts. Renowned artists including Queen, The Who, and Judas Priest performed during this monumental event, which spanned 16 hours and aimed to address the dire situation of famine in Ethiopia. The broadcasts galvanized international support, raising over $100 million and fostering worldwide awareness regarding the issue. Reflecting on the event ahead of its 40th anniversary, performers such as Rick Springfield, John Oates, Bob Geldof, and Rob Halford shared their thoughts and memories from that day. Many recalled the electric atmosphere and the unusual lineup of artists, which showcased the diversity of talent and the unity of purpose among musicians at the time. For Oates, the surprise appearance of Tina Turner elevated the energy of the performance to extraordinary heights, while Halford reminisced about his encounter with folk legend Joan Baez, who had a heartfelt message from her son regarding his appreciation for Judas Priest's music. Bob Geldof, the organizer of Live Aid, acknowledged how the landscape of music and social awareness has drastically changed in the decades since the concerts. He expressed skepticism about the possibility of replicating a similar event in the contemporary era due to the fragmentation in music genres and divides in society. Geldof noted that while empathy and unity could lead to future charitable endeavors, the challenges of agreement on a universal cause in today's polarized climate would make it difficult. In the years following Live Aid, Geldof organized Live 8, a series of concerts intended to raise awareness and support for poverty and famine relief in Africa. This undertaking further demonstrated the power of music as a tool for positive change, while highlighting the progress made in addressing global issues since the 1980s. As they commented on the event's legacy, artists reflected on how Live Aid not only changed lives through music but also set a precedent for artists to use their platforms for good, ensuring that future generations recognize the importance of addressing humanitarian crises through collective action.