Live Aid - Rare Backstage Impressions (13th July, 1985)

35 years ago today, the greatest concert of all time took place. This rare footage shows absolutely fascinating, never-seen-before insights into the backstage preparations and activities before, during and after the show. It features many of the world’s most renowned music artists rubbing shoulders and uniquely captures the excitement of the day.

Live Aid was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. Broadcast across the world via one of the largest satellite link-ups of all time, the concerts were seen by around 40% of the global population.

#LiveAid #Live8 #BandAid

BAND AID - How the Money is Spent

In the financial year to 30 November 2024 Band Aid has awarded grants of £3m across 16 projects to date.
Activities in 2024 include:

Provision of life saving medicines and medical supplies
Access to basic healthcare for rural communities
Strengthening the support of health services in Tigray
Therapeutic food for malnourished children and vulnerable adults
Emergency grain supplies
Drought resistant crops
Income generating activities and vocational training
Construction of basic housing to support old and vulnerable people
Construction of emergency shelters for refugees
Provision of clean water and sanitation training across multiple refugee camps in Ethiopia
Training to prevent gender-based violence in communities
Hygiene and sanitation support for adolescent girls
Construction of schools and libraries, and provision of classroom furniture
Cash distributions for vulnerable households
Rehabilitation of boreholes and wells for schools and communities
School feeding programmes in Tigray to support children returning to education

The estimated number of beneficiaries totals more than 350,000 people.

Money raised from BandAid40 will continue to fund similar activities in Ethiopia and the surrounding countries.

More information can be found at

[reddevil]

I lost my Saturday job as a teen to watch this, they wouldn't let me have the day off, so I watched it and got another Saturday job somewhere else after.

[Jeffrgreenmusic]

I was there as an 18 year old, the most incredible and unforgettable day of my life.

[Clara-phmy]

Look how happy and humble they all were. They were all about to take their place, in one of the biggest events of all time.
What a line up. Great times.

[LesleyH]

The moment with Paula & her little girl when they go to their seats is just so freaking raw & beautiful. Amongst all of this.. you see a Mum & her daughter & you know what happens & it just makes you weep for what could have been x

[simonrussell]

"It's 12 noon in London, 7am in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid". Shortly after this, the guards played and then Status Quo lit the fuse. As an 11 year old kid, I cried watching a stadium of people jump to Rockin' All Over the World on the grandparent's rented TV. Music is a pretty good reason for living.

[jobaecker]

How many times in history does that much talent end up in the same space? Like the event or not, this is an incredible piece of footage, not to mention seeing the artists acting more casual than ever.

[sandymount]

Watching this and see so many people who are no longer with us...

[jan]

There will never be a concert like this again. Not only because we have lost some of the finest influential artists of our time. But the sheer genuine love and giving from the artists to the person sat at home watching. It was fantastic raw emotion from the crowd and artists alike.

[theNongskiShow]

when life was less complicated then.. good memories. and we will be forever thankful for these artists...

[lucyterrier]

The 80's were the best! No other generation of music has done so much for mankind before or ever again.

[ron]

How young everyone is. I think it's better to remember them the way they played their songs back then. Long live the eighties!

[vincentjoyce]

I recorded the entire event. Got the dvds when they were released. Now you can just stream it from YouTube. We’ll never see another day like this.

[palomanavarro]

That was one of the more wonderful concerts ever, I watched it from home in Madrid, can't forget that day, it meant a lot to me to see all these musicians, that I loved and love, together. Thank you all for making that weekend so special.

[briteness]

I was there, very close to the front of the crowd in Wembley Stadium that day. My friend and I went there the night before and waited all night in the line to get in. It was general admission, so to be up close you had to be there early. It was definitely worth it. One of the most amazing days of my life. It's cool to see how remembered it is all these years later.

[CharlieVane]

Elton's hat, you can see why Freddie made fun of it. 'You look like the Queen Mother, Dear'.

[bigmurff]

That was an amazing piece of footage to see! Look at the beautiful princess Dianna how young she was, and all of the great performers seeing them outside of their performances just interacting with each other. Thanks for posting this up for the world to see

[archillesmonteclaro]

its been 35 years also when i take a picture with queen and hugged freddie brian john and roger
i missed them

[CarlosGarcia-ygje]

I grew up on THIS music. I had everyone of these artist's cassette back in the 80's.

[nikkynaemates]

There are moments in life when you can remember clearly where and what you were doing. Live Aid was such an event. Absolutely superb.

[lubomishka]

Live Aid was just wonderful, I wish I could go back in time❤️