Live Aid 1985 – What you did not know

By Márcia Schwarz Perel

                

On December 1984, music producer Bob Geldof had released a single that united the biggest names in British music in the name of charity. The name of the album/band was Band Aid and the single was called “Do they know it’s Christmas”.  This was an effort to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. All artists gave their services for free. Later, on July 1985 Geldof, reunited these artists on a massive live concert televised to the world. It was called Live Aid and its efforts were directed into relieving famine in Ethiopia. Concerts were mainly held in London (Wembley Stadium); some share was in Philadelphia (John F. Kennedy Stadium). Germany, Japan and Australia held non televised concerts as well. Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana attended the concert in the UK.

People in my generation and the ones before me remember this first installment of Live Aid. But there are a lot of facts that very few people know about it.  I came across some curious stories by reading the new Freddie Mercury intimate biography wonderfully written by Lesley - Ann Jones. Most bands had time to rehearse, but not Queen. Queen was in a bad moment as a band and the members were having problems in their personal lives. Queen was not very happy with Geldof, due to a gig in Africa some time before that went horribly wrong. They were afraid to be ostracized by the public, since they have not played live in more than a year and the gig was only allowed to last 21 minutes. It was the GREATEST show in Live Aid history.  Freddie stole the scene starting the band’s concert with Bohemian Rhapsody. It is a song that Queen has always been reluctant to play live.

Phil Collins managed to play in both Wembley and Kennedy venues. The Genesis’ drummer flew from London to Philly on a Concord aircraft. He was the only artist to do so. I still do not know why … I guess that if you are not a Phil Collin diehard fan, you do not understand his sense of entitlement or his sense of humor. Sorry Disney, I know you love him but I still do not get it!!!!

Bob Dylan decided to make a statement that day. He suggested that part of Live Aid proceeds should go to struggling American farmers. This infuriated Geldof but actually gave Willy Nelson and John Mellencamp the idea to start Farm Aid concerts.  What does famine in Africa have to do with struggling farmers? I believe he was the worst performer of the evening. His statement was ridiculous and nationalistic. People were being selfless and playing free to raise money for Ethiopia. Dylan was drunk and had to be escorted out by his manager.

Live Aid had a schedule of 17 minutes per performer and 21 for Queen. It went not as planned. The Who refused to finish on time, having Pete Townshend breaking the timing light and continue the performance for several minutes. Elton John also delayed his performance. Wham! Was supposed to follow his act and ended up without any time to perform. They sang Don’t let the sun go down on me along with Elton. (For those who know me, it crushed me! I went on an “I hate Elton John” phase for quite a while.). U2 were schedule to play 3 songs but had to settle for two only. Bono took too much time interacting with a fan during a song.

Live Aid was a complete success with a lot of problems. Paul McCartney mic went out (The Beatles had refused to play as a band even having Lennon’s son filling up for him), Jimmy Paige’s guitar was out of tune, Robert Plant’s voice sucked, Hal and Oates had to back up for Mick Jagger’s duet with Tina Turner, a generator exploded during The Who’s performance, Tears For Fears, Springsteen and Michael Jackson refused to show up and perform. Strange since 1985 was the height of these artists popularity. BB King did a gig from the Netherlands; if Live Aid was good enough for BB King to pitch in, why do some artists think differently?

A set of 4 DVDs got released with official and non-official performances. Personally this Live Aid DVD and Freddie Mercury Tribute concert top the charts in music history, quality of music and charitable concept.

Live 8 followed on 2005, televised from 10 countries but in no way; shape or form is comparable to the first and only.

See it for yourself and leave a comment:

Sources:

 

Freddy Mercury, an intimate biography by Lesley-Ann Jones

Wikipedia

Youtube.

By Márcia Schwarz Perel

Creative Director Mirella Afonso 

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