David Bowie & Mick Jagger Unite for Live Aid's Iconic 'Dancing in the Street'

On this day in Musical History 29th June 1985

This day in music history  marked one of the most memorable collaborations in rock history, as David Bowie and Mick Jagger entered the recording studio to record a high-energy version of Martha Reeves & the Vandellas' Motown classic "Dancing in the Street."

The recording was created to raise money for Live Aid, the groundbreaking global charity concert organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to support famine relief in Ethiopia.

Originally, Bowie and Jagger had planned to perform the song live from opposite sides of the Atlantic Bowie at Wembley Stadium in London and Jagger at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. However, engineers soon discovered that the satellite transmission would create a half-second delay, making a live duet impossible. The only alternative would have been for one artist to mime their performance, something neither Bowie nor Jagger was prepared to do.

Instead, the pair quickly recorded the song and filmed its now legendary music video in just a single day at London's Docklands. Packed with energy, humour and unmistakable chemistry, the video became an instant MTV favourite and perfectly captured the excitement and optimism surrounding Live Aid.

Released in August 1985, "Dancing in the Street" raced to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, with all profits donated to Live Aid. It became one of the defining musical moments of the 1980s and remains a lasting symbol of how rock music can unite artists and audiences for an important cause.

David Bowie and Mick Jagger were already among Britain's biggest musical icons, and this unique collaboration brought together two of the greatest frontmen in rock history in support of a global humanitarian effort.

Follow in the Footsteps of Rock Legends

Many of the places associated with David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Live Aid, and London's extraordinary rock 'n' roll heritage can still be explored today.

Join the 100% 5-Star Magical Music Tours Rock & Roll Walking Tour and discover the legendary streets, recording studios, music venues and hidden locations where Bowie, Mick Jagger, The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Clash and countless other artists made music history.

Walk through the very heart of London's rock scene and experience the stories behind the songs that changed the world.

🎸 Because in London, every street has a soundtrack.

 And that’s how music makes history 🎶

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