Live Aid 40th Anniversary Reflects Global Impact, Music Legacy

Live Aid, held on July 13, 1985, was a monumental dual-venue charity concert in London and Philadelphia, drawing nearly 2 billion viewers worldwide to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the event featured over 75 performances from iconic artists such as Queen, U2, Phil Collins, and David Bowie, and was notable for its massive logistical achievements in a pre-digital era. Despite its historic status and fundraising success, Live Aid's legacy is mixed; while it cemented some artists' places in music history, it has been criticized for stifling musical innovation by popularizing nostalgia and greatest hits performances, leading to a more commercialized music industry. The Led Zeppelin reunion at the event was highly anticipated but poorly executed, with limited rehearsal and preparation, leading to a disappointing performance. Not all major artists participated; Michael Jackson and Prince notably declined to perform, with Prince only contributing a pre-recorded video. In the decades since, many performers and organizers involved with Live Aid have faced personal tragedies, underscoring the complex human stories behind the landmark event.