Flashback to July 13

Entertainment History

1985

The Live Aid benefit concert takes place in London and Philadelphia, as well as other venues such as Sydney and Moscow.

Read more

On July 13, 1985, history was made as the Live Aid benefit concert took place in various locations around the world, including London, Philadelphia, Sydney, and Moscow. The event, organized by musician and activist Bob Geldof, aimed to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief and raise awareness about the dire situation in Africa.

The Live Aid concert was a monumental event, bringing together some of the biggest names in the music industry at that time. From iconic rock bands like Queen, U2, and Led Zeppelin to pop sensations such as Madonna and Duran Duran, the concert lineup was truly impressive. The performances were electrifying, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the world at large.

London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium served as the main venues for the concert, with over 72,000 people attending each location. The event was also broadcasted to an estimated 1.9 billion viewers in 150 countries via television and radio, making it one of the largest live broadcasts in history at the time.

Sydney and Moscow were added to the Live Aid lineup to showcase the global unity of the cause. The Australian leg took place at the Sydney Sports and Entertainment Centre, featuring local acts like INXS and Men at Work. In Moscow, the event was held at the State Lenin Stadium, highlighting the global reach and impact of the concert.

The Live Aid concert was not only a platform for showcasing musical talent but also a catalyst for social change. The main objective was to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, which was experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. The concert successfully raised over $125 million in donations, providing much-needed aid to those affected by the famine.

In addition to raising funds, Live Aid played a crucial role in raising global awareness about the Ethiopian famine. Through the power of music and media, the concert shed light on the severity of the situation, prompting governments and individuals around the world to take action. It sparked a sense of solidarity and compassion, leading to a significant increase in humanitarian aid and support.

The impact of Live Aid extended far beyond July 13, 1985. The concert marked a turning point in the music industry’s involvement in social and political causes. It paved the way for future benefit concerts and charity initiatives, showing that music could be a powerful tool for change.

Moreover, Live Aid served as a milestone in the history of live music events. It showcased the technical capabilities of broadcasting a live concert on a global scale, setting a precedent for future live broadcasts of major events. The concert’s success highlighted the influence and potential of music to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Overall, the Live Aid benefit concert of 1985 was a historic and transformative event, uniting the music industry and the global community for a noble cause. It demonstrated the power of music to inspire change, raising funds and awareness to address a pressing humanitarian crisis. This iconic concert will forever be remembered as a beacon of hope and unity in the face of adversity.

We strive for accuracy. If you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us!


Contact Us
Today's Flashback in Entertainment History | July 13

Wake Up to Today's Flashback

Subscribe now to receive captivating daily digests from Today's Flashback. Delve into a variety of intriguing past events, all conveniently delivered to your inbox. Perfect for history enthusiasts and the curious alike!

We care about your data. View our privacy policy.
" "