Live Aid 1985 - Social Studies

In our lesson, Social Studies, we learnt about the hardships countries in the African continent faced during the early to late '80s. Starvation, lack of education, resources, works, bad weather conditions, etc in the economy. 

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Who is Bob Geldof? 

Bob Geldof, born on the 5th of October, 1951. Born in Ireland, US, was a successful musician, the lead singer of the band Boomtown Rats in the late 1970’s. He was popular for his bold personality and was famous for promoting charitable events in order to help people from poverty, Africans in particular. He raised more than $8 million dollars by realising a song record with the contribution of Midge Ure, called “Do They Know It’s Christmas”.

Who is Midge Ure? 

Midge Ure was Scottish though she was born in Cambuslang, UK. He was a musician, singer-songwriter and producer. He became successful in his corporation in bands such as Slik, Thin Lizzy, Rich Kids and Visage. He even rose to fame when he worked with Bob Geldof to co-write and produced the charity song for people who suffered from poverty. The song sold 3.7 million copies in the UK. 

What is the song "Do They Know It's Christmas About?"

The reason why Bob Geldof decided to write a song called “Do They Know It’s Christmas” was because he saw families suffer from a lack of resources like food, clothing, medicine in Africa. Especially, children, he was them die from starvation and no one was taking action, he thought that it was ridiculous no one offered anything, even a single penny. From what he had witnessed, he was determined to write a song, to spread the message, to help those people stand on their own feet again. That’s how the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas” was born, famous musicians contributed to this project to perform concerts in different countries where the money raised would be donated to families suffering. 

Why did Live Aid become successful and why were people keen to watch

The Live Aid became successful because of famous artists that performed in those concerts, when the artists that were going to perform was announced, the fans were thrilled and the news spread. Promotions and advertisements were around the world. People gathered at the concerts and more came in. People also wanted to help the poor conditions and wanted to provide what they can assess. The starvation in Africa reduced by the help of the donation. 

List of the artists: 

Performed at Webley Stadium London

• Adam Ant
• Boomtown Rats
• David Bowie
• Phil Collins
• Elvis Costello 
• Dire Straits 
• Bryan Ferry 
• Elton John 
• Howard Jones
• Nik Kershaw 
• Alison Moyet
• Queen
• Sade 
• Spandau Ballet
• Status Quo
• Style Council
• Sting
• U2
• Ultravox
• Paul Young
• Wham!  
• The Who

Artists who performed at J.F.K Stadium Philadelphia 

• Bryan Adams
• The Cars
• Eric Clapton 
• Duran Duran
• Boy George 
• Hall and Oates
• Mick Jagger
• Billy Joel
• Waylon Jellings
• Judas Priest
• Kris Kristofferson 
• Huey Lewis & The News
• Robert Plant
• Power Station
• Pretenders
• Santana
• Paul Simon
• Simple Minds
• Tears for Fear
• Temptations
• Thompson Twins
• Neil Young
• Stevie Wonder 

Artist: Queen

My thoughts on the song performed at this concert:

In my opinion, the reason why Queen performed this song was to encourage people to help others and that they should be grateful for the things they have that others don't. It's also because they want to use their songs as a motivational tool so that people around the world who are watching them on TVs, radios, etc, to support them by donating and spreading positive words to people. 

Is this a form of protest? 

In my perspective, the song Bohemian Rhapsody was kind of controversial song because of its lyrics, well, that's just in my opinion. I think the message was about the host's fear of others finding out the truth. 

Is it possible for people to do a similar concert as Live Aid? 

I think it is possible with the encouragement and support of others also with the preparation required. Though, due to the pandemic today, it's a bit difficult to perform. 

Favourite song from the Live Aid concert: 

How is music significant today and musicians? Music and artists are significant today because it causes a big impact on humanity; The society today, feelings, it provides the truth. For instance, Ariana Grande held a concert in Manchester, called "One Love Manchester", to gather everyone and uplift them from the bombing that occurs in Manchester.