Dylans Greatest
The Who’s And Why’s Of Live Aid
In July of 1985 dozens of artists came together to help put a stop to the famine in Ethiopia. Founded by singer of the UK pseudo-punk band The Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof, this was one of the most ultimate concerts in history.
The concert was held in several countries including Australia and Germany, but only showed footage from the UK and USA. Even though the tickets at Philly’s JFK Stadium were fetching $25 each, the bleachers were sold out. They even got some portable bleachers for the Wimbledon event in the UK. This one-day show set new records for charitable donations by raising over $150 million. The governing family of Dubai gave the single biggest contribution at $1 million. Bob Geldof was then blown away by the amount of generosity that poured in as forms of donations, thinking at the time they might only bring in a few million.
Folks who were sitting in the bleachers during Queen’s performance of “We Are the Champions” are still saying that was one of the most memorable and touching moments in their lives even after almost 30 years later. Folks were blown away with heavy vocals and speeches about famine relief and children dying in the streets by Paul McCartney, Phil Collins (who was the only entertainer to perform at two concerts), and U2, in addition to Queen.
Not all performers were gracious, though. At the time Bob Dylan’s quote, “Wouldn’t it be great if we did something for our own farmers right here in America?” was tactless, even though it led to the next large benefit, Farm Aid. “He displayed a complete lack of understanding of the issues raised by Live Aid…. it was a crass, stupid, and nationalistic thing to say” was Bob Geldof’s retort to Bob Dylan’s disappointing comments.
For those who watched the concert live or sitting in the bleachers at JFK stadium, one of the most embarrassing moments came when frontman of Duran Duran, Simon LeBon hit an off note on their very first song, “A View To A Kill”. Some media outlets named this mistake “The Bum Note Heard Round The World” and later LeBon declared this was his most embarrassing moment ever.
Thanks to Scottish born guitarist Midge Ure and the now knighted Bob Geldof, there is an acceptable and popular way to help when money is needed after tragic disasters and political turmoil, through benefits. To help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and more recently the tsunami victims in Japan, stars have taken up the causes and reached out for monetary support. With billions being contributed, it is good to know that civilization cares. Sir Bob Geldof, thank you.
Dylan’s Greatest Hits
