Live Aid Changed the World 🌍

🎸 On This Day in Music History 13 July 1985

On this day in 1985, music made history, more than 160,000 fans packed London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium, while an estimated 1.9 billion people across 150 countries tuned in to watch what would become the greatest live music event ever staged Live Aid.

Conceived by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, following the success of the charity single Do They Know It's Christmas?, Live Aid was organised to raise desperately needed funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. It proved that music could unite the world for a common cause.

The London concert opened with Status Quo before an incredible lineup of artists took to the stage, including Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Who, Dire Straits, U2, Sade, Sting, Phil Collins and many more. Across the Atlantic in Philadelphia, audiences witnessed unforgettable performances from Madonna, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Run-D.M.C., Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, and reunion appearances by Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Perhaps the most astonishing feat of the day belonged to Phil Collins, who performed at Wembley before boarding a helicopter to Heathrow, catching the Concorde to New York, then flying by helicopter to Philadelphia to perform again just hours later!

Although the day featured countless legendary performances, it was Queen's electrifying 21-minute set that has become one of the most celebrated live performances in rock history. Freddie Mercury had the entire Wembley crowd in the palm of his hand, delivering a masterclass in showmanship that continues to inspire musicians and fans over 40 years later.

By the end of the marathon concert, approximately £150 million had been raised to help those suffering from famine in Ethiopia, demonstrating the extraordinary power of music to make a real difference.

🎶 Love London's incredible rock history?

Many of the artists who performed at Live Aid have fascinating connections to London's legendary music scene. On my Rock & Roll Walking Tour of Soho, you'll visit the very streets, studios, clubs and venues where icons including David Bowie, Queen, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Elton John and many more wrote, recorded and launched some of the greatest music ever made.

From the former Marquee Club and Trident Studios to Regent Sound, Denmark Street and the famous streets of Soho, you'll discover the hidden stories behind the music that changed the world.

🎸 Come and walk through rock history with me and experience the places where legends were made.

🎶 And that’s how music makes history

📆 Check the Calendar in the main website menu for available tour dates and times.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒 Private group and Corporate tours are available please just email me direct for details