Live Aid Concerts Unite 161,000 Fans, Raise Millions for Ethiopia

The 40th anniversary of the 1985 Live Aid concert was marked by reflections on the event's profound impact, both musically and philanthropically. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief, the concert took place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, attracting a combined audience of over 160,000 attendees and an estimated 1.9 billion viewers worldwide. The Wembley event featured iconic performances by Queen, David Bowie, U2, and many others, with Queen's set regarded as career-defining despite initial doubts from Geldof. Backstage at Wembley, intimate gatherings of top performers including Freddie Mercury, Paul McCartney, and Elton John were captured by photographers David Bailey and Denis O’Regan, who later published an official photo book despite challenges with the negatives. The concert not only raised £150 million but also set a standard for future benefit events, with its blend of star power and urgent humanitarian appeal remaining unmatched. Attendees and organizers alike continue to celebrate Live Aid as a historic moment of global solidarity and musical excellence.