Live Aid's 40th Anniversary: Impact, Legacy, Criticism

July 13, 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, the landmark dual-venue concert organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure that drew nearly 2 billion viewers and raised over $140 million for Ethiopian famine relief. The event featured memorable performances by Queen, U2, Madonna, and Phil Collins, who played in both London and Philadelphia on the same day. While Live Aid set a precedent for global charity broadcasts, it faced criticism for a lack of diversity and transparency over the distribution of funds, with major Black artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson notably absent. Behind the scenes, organizers including Larry Magid were instrumental in producing the ambitious Philadelphia lineup. The concert's legacy includes both its cultural impact and the personal tragedies experienced by several participants in the years since. Live Aid is remembered as a symbol of global musical unity, but also as an event with lingering questions and controversies.