ChronoFive
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Setting the scene
Live Aid concerts took place July 13, 1985, simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, raising funds for Ethiopian famine relief. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the concerts featured Queen, U2, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin reunion, and others, broadcast to 1.9 billion people in 150 countries.
What happened
The concerts raised £150 million ($385 million today). Queen's 20-minute set is considered one of rock's greatest performances. The event demonstrated the power of global television and celebrity activism. It followed the Band Aid single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' from 1984.
Why it still matters
Live Aid created the template for benefit concerts and raised awareness of African famine, though critics later questioned aid effectiveness. It showed how popular culture could mobilize for humanitarian causes. July 13, 1985, marked the peak of 1980s activism and the birth of the global charity concert.
Background
Global satellite broadcasts reached millions.