Live Aid's forgotten stars from Noel Edmonds to Jack Nicholson
Anyone who was lucky enough to be there will remember it as an electrifying moment in pop history, and just hearing the phrase Live Aid summons iconic images of Freddie Mercury entertaining the crowd with his extravagant dance moves, and The Who bringing down the house with their timeless hit My Generation.
And for those not lucky enough to be in the audience, Live Aid was broadcast live on the BBC, with viewers encouraged to call in and donate money toward the fight against global poverty.
The BBC has made a new documentary, Live Aid: When Rock 'n' Roll Took On the World, looking back at the celebrated musical event, 40 years on.
Give us your f***ing money!Bob Geldof
Like many, you probably can recall Mercury's dance moves, Bowie's stylish grey suit, Elton John and Kiki Dee's duet and Geldof famously shouting to the crowds "Give us your f***ing money!" But there were some famous faces at Live Aid who may have slipped your mind. So let us jog your memory.
These days, former Deal Or No Deal host Noel Edmonds is busy making a new life for himself in New Zealand. But back on the day of Live Aid 1985, the Top Of The Pops and Noel's House Party presenter appeared on stage to introduce rock stars Sting and Phil Collins duetting together. Sting performed his hits Roxanne and Message In A Bottle, while Collins Against All Odds and In The Air Tonight. Then the pair dueted for two songs, finishing with Every Breath You Take.
Princess Diana was a big fan of Wham! and later went on to become friends with George Michael as well as Live Aid performer Elton John.
The Princess of Wales and King Charles were both invited to represent the Royal Family at the special British event. They were sitting in the VIP box in front of David Bowie, Roger Taylor and Brian May.
Paula Yates, Bob Geldof's wife, once revealed she stopped at a petrol station on the way to Wembley to buy flowers to present to the princess.
Movie star Jack Nicholson made a surprise appearance at Live Aid. The star of The Shining and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest was at the US Live Aid concert, which took place on the same day in Philadelphia. Nicholson appeared by video link at the Wembley concert to introduce U2 and The Who to the stage.
Comedian Billy Connolly was among the original Live Aid line-up. The Scottish comedian entertained the crowd before introducing Elton John's set.
Elton John wowed the crowds with hits I'm Still Standing, Bennie and the Jets and Rocket Man, before he was accompanied by Kiki Dee for their duet Don't Go Break My Heart. He was then joined on stage by Wham!'s George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley to sing Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
There weren't many female performers at Live Aid, but Alison Moyet was one of them. The singer lent her incredible voice to The Beatles' hit Let It Be, along with The Who's Pete Townshend, David Bowie, Bob Geldof and Paul McCartney. A real goosebumps moment.
The historic concert kicked off at midday, with the British Army's official band, The Coldstream Guards, playing a Royal Salute to mark the arrival of the Prince and Princess of Wales to their seats in Wembley Stadium. This was followed by the National Anthem.
After the military band had officially opened the show, the first act was Status Quo, famously kicking things off with their own anthem Rockin' All Over The World.
Comedy duo Mel Smith and Gryff Rhys Jones, known collectively as Smith and Jones, also helped to introduce Queen. The pair appeared dressed in police uniforms and told the crowd, "We have had a bit of a complaint about the noise... from a woman in Belgium."
They went on: "We would like you to bear in mind there are a lot of people in the area, perhaps older people, who aren't quite up to date with modern music. Perhaps Status Quo, for example."
We have had a bit of a complaint about the noise... from a woman in BelgiumSmith and Jones
The late actor John Hurt — known across generations as the star of The Elephant Man and the Alien films, as well as Mr Ollivander the wand maker in the Harry Potter films — lent his dulcet tones to Live Aid.
Hurt did not sing, but introduced Freddie Mercury and Brian May, doing an encore.
Influential soul band Sade performed three tracks at Live Aid, coming on ninth in the billing just before Sting and Phil Collins. Following Live Aid, their career really started to take off, with the release of hit single Smooth Operator, and they won Album of the Year at the Brit Awards for their debut album Diamond Life. Sade has gone on the have a long and successful career, and last year was nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Prog rock stars Pink Floyd did not appear at Live Aid, Roger Waters had recently left the band, and things were a bit muddy between them. But David Gilmour did perform on stage at the event, playing the guitar for Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry. They performed Slave To Love and John Lennon's Jealous Guy.
Pink Floyd eventually reunited for Live 8, a series of benefit concerts in 2005 on the 20th anniversary of Live Aid.
Teen pop idol Paul Young had the girls all swooning and screaming when he appeared at Live Aid. He was joined by Alison Moyet for a cover of That's The Way Love Is and closed with his hit single Every Time You Go Away.
Rockers Dire Straits were on the line-up, performing their debut hit Sultans of Swing and dueting with Sting on Money For Nothing.
After The Jam disbanded and before he became The Modfather, Paul Weller was frontman of The Style Council.
And it was as The Style Council that Weller appeared on the billing at Live Aid, with bandmate Mick Talbot. They performed their crowd-pleaser You're The Best Thing.
Prince Charming, Adam Ant himself, appeared on stage at the Wembley live show for just one track - Vive Le Rock.
Read more: Live Aid 40th anniversary
Bob Geldof looks back at Live Aid in new trailer for 40th anniversary documentary (Music Radar, 1 min read)
Live Aid 40th Anniversary Celebration To Include Musical Cast Album, Behind-the-Scenes BBC Doc and Highlight Broadcast (Billboard, 2 min read)
On 40th Anniversary Of Live Aid, Bob Geldof Denounces 'Thuggery' Of Trump, Vance, Musk As He Questions Why Charity Has Become 'Almost An Embarrassment' (Deadline, 2 min read)
Pop heartthrobs Spandau Ballet were another favourite of Princess Diana's. Brother Gary and Martin Kemp, and their bandmate Tony Hadley treated the crowd to three songs, finishing with their romantic ballad True.
Crooner and acclaimed lyricist Elvis Costello also made a brief appearance and sang The Beatles All You Need Is Love.
Everyone remembers Bob Geldof at Live Aid because of his infamous profanities as he shouted for the crowd to donate money to the fundraiser. Geldof came up with the idea for the Band Aid charity Christmas single Do They Know It's Christmas and the subsequent Live Aid concert with his friend Midge Ure.
After Geldof's band, Boomtown Rats, sang I Don't Like Mondays, Ure's band, Ultravox, also got a chance to shine, performing four singles, including Vienna.
Live Aid: When Rock 'n' Roll Took On the World airs on BBC Two at 9pm on Sunday, 6 July and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ben Shelton's sister booed by Wimbedon crowd when job revealed
Ben Shelton's sister Emma (right) was jokingly booed by the Wimbledon crowd after Shelton revealed her job in an on court interview (John Walton/PA Wire) Ben Shelton launched a public plea for his sister to get some extra time off from her job at investment bank Morgan Stanley so she could remain at Wimbledon to cheer for him. It worked. After advancing to face Italy's Lorenzo Sonego on Monday in the fourth round, Shelton spoke in an on-court interview in front of a crowd that included his sister, Emma, and his girlfriend, United States women's national team star Trinity Rodman. Advertisement "I've been playing well this week. It's not just been me here. I have a great team. My parents are here. My girlfriend's here. 'Also, my sister's here. She's been here for every match that I've played this tournament so far. She's been the lucky charm," said the 10th-seeded Shelton, a 22-year-old American who has appeared in two Grand Slam semi-finals. "But she has work back in the US, starting on Monday. She works for Morgan Stanley." That comment drew some jovial boos from spectators as Emma embarrassingly covered her face with her hands. "If any of you all have some (connections) and get her a couple extra days off so she can (stay and) we can keep this rolling," Shelton continued after his 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory over Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Saturday, "that'd be great." Advertisement Sure enough, hours later, Emma posted a short video on Instagram in which Ben is heard asking her, "You got the week off or what?" Ben Shelton is through to the fourth round at Wimbledon thanks to the support of sister Emma, his 'lucky charm' (John Walton/PA Wire) She jumps up and down with her arms raised and a wide smile, and Ben says, "Shoutout, Morgan Stanley." The caption reads: "thank you MS" with three blue heart emojis and "return flight: cancelled." Ben Shelton, who has won all nine sets he's played in the first week at the All England Club, takes on Italy's Lorenzo Sonego on Monday. The American previously beat Sonego in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'My dad got his moment' - Kelly Osbourne's heartfelt tribute to Ozzy after final gig
Kelly Osbourne has praised her dad, Ozzy Osbourne, following his final ever performance with Black Sabbath. The metal legend was joined by original band members Tony, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, alongside the likes of Metallica, Travis Barker and Steven Tyler during a show last night (Saturday, July 5). The Back to the Beginning gig at Villa Park saw swarms of fans come into Birmingham to enjoy one of the city's most famous sons. READ MORE: Crowds boo as 'controversial' first supergroup takes to stage at Black Sabbath gig READ MORE: Major UK restaurant chain confirms sudden closure of all UK branches And among them was his daughter, Kelly, who went on to say that her dad "got his moment in the sun" in an emotional social media post. READ MORE: Black Sabbath full review, pictures and best moments as Ozzy bids emotional farewell Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join Sharing a carousel of images from the show, she penned: "To say that yesterday was magic was an understatement! "I can't even [write] this without tears streaming down my face! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kelly Osbourne (@kellyosbourne) "Thank you to everyone who came to support my dad. "Thank you to the fans who without we are nothing! "My dad got his moment in the sun! "He was able to say thank you and goodbye in the most beautiful way!" The mum went on to add the hashtags: "#ozzyForever #blacksabbath #backtothebiginning." The show raised money for charities including Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice. Ozzy, 76, suffers from Parkinson's disease himself and performed four of Black Sabbath's hits from a chair on the stage. Famous faces enjoyed the show, including actor Jason Momoa who was seen in the mosh pit with fans.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Sonay Kartal: The unlikely heroine flying the flag for Britain
With 14 tattoos, a retro range of baggy Adidas clothes, and a childhood spent around her parents' kebab shop while struggling to afford tennis coaching, the sense that Sonay Kartal's Wimbledon fairy tale could reach far beyond a traditional tennis fanbase is obvious. We also now know that it was almost over before it started, with Kartal revealing ahead of her big Centre Court debut on Sunday how her baby steps in tennis – at the Pavilion & Avenue club in Brighton – became tinged with fear and anxiety. Advertisement 'We used to do this thing called the lines game, it's a little warm-up,' she said. 'They'd shout, 'service line', and all the kids had to run to the service line. That was always the first game and I was too shy for three months to actually come on court. My coach Julie [Hobbs] finally managed to get me to do it. I tried to run to the outside tramline, tripped over, burst into tears. Off I went, and I didn't come back for a couple of months.' It is a story that plenty of parents and children will relate to, with Hobbs, a former British No 1, eventually coaxing her back to the sport. Fast forward 17 years and you did not need long around a packed Court 16 on Saturday to feel the impact that Kartal is having. Fresh from three brilliant singles wins, she was in doubles action alongside her friend Jodie Burrage in front of a distinctly youthful audience. Kartal has attracted a youthful following after a successful first week at Wimbledon - Getty Images/Rob Newell Kartal, who is now 23 and the last remaining British woman in the singles draw, hopes that her story can particularly inspire girls who are shy about sport. Advertisement 'My coach has a daughter and she was super shy, got into tennis and has changed like a completely different person,' she said. 'She's got so much more personality, she's so much more talkative.' And is playing sport becoming cooler for girls? 'I think it's changing,' she says. 'I think now a lot of girls are getting more comfortable with having more muscle on their body. I think that's turning, which is obviously incredible. 'I don't think anyone should feel like girls have to look a certain way. I think that's changing in tennis as well. You look at the tennis players, everyone's all different physiques and sizes and heights. So, it's definitely getting more versatile. If I can inspire kids, whether that's boys or girls, then I'm obviously doing something good.' Kartal played football and cricket at a similar level to her tennis until she was 13 and is a self-confessed sports lover. 'I was a little bit of a tomboy and super sporty,' she said. 'I loved football. My school actually used to have a lot of girls football and I used to go to my local park with my dad. In cricket I was always the batter and just launching [the ball] as far as I could.' Saturday's doubles might not have gone to plan – Kartal and Burrage were beaten in straight sets – but her partner could sense the buzz. Kartal had been informed that she would be first up on Centre Court at 1.30pm on Sunday against the Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova just before stepping on court with Burrage. Advertisement 'Her story shows there's not one way to do what we do – but multiple ways,' said Burrage. 'She has done incredible – and she is going to go a lot higher. For everyone out there, regardless of where you are from, you can do it if you put your mind to it – especially like this chick here. That's the moral of this story.' Kartal's ranking has risen from 864 in 2022 to the world's top 50 – she will overtake Emma Raducanu as the British No 2 once Wimbledon is done and dusted – and Burrage clearly does not think the story will end against Pavlyuchenkova. 'I've got full belief,' she said. Kartal goes into the match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in confident mood - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph There certainly seems little chance of the attention going to Kartal's head. She was six when she made that first trip to a tennis club following an invitation from a tennis official who had eaten at one of her father's two Turkish restaurants. And, while she was competitive against players like Emma Raducana through the British junior rankings, has largely progressed in senior tennis away from the limelight. Advertisement Kartal's social media remains largely fixated with animals or food and, perhaps most telling of all, she has resisted inevitable pressure to change a coaching team that, as well as Hobbs, also still includes Ben and Martin Reeves from her original club in Brighton. 'I was hearing people saying, you know, 'Do you think you should get a coach that has already done that?' But I didn't want that. If I can have a coach that can take me from a six-year-old to the WTA Tour, I think that's obviously good enough. We just learned together. It's kind of doing this crazy thing together. Kartal did find herself being recognised during a 'tricky' trip to the shops near Wimbledon on Friday night and her phone has been flooded with suggestions for her next tattoo. They have included one of Centre Court itself, a vintage polo shirt in recognition of her distinctive Adidas playing top and, from Burrage, an image of fire and ice. 'I actually like that,' she said. Among other things, Kartal is known for her tattoos - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph Fans are now suggesting what tattoo Kartal gets next - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph She has, until now, remained a member of the same no-thrills High Street gym in Brighton, although wonders if she may now have to review that arrangement. 'It was getting a bit tricky prior [to Wimbledon]. But to be honest they were actually pretty respectful there [at the gym]. They would just say hello and then just let me get on with it. So maybe I'll have to test that when I'm back. I go to the gym and just kind of have a bit of 'me time', stick my headphones in and just forget about the world. Advertisement 'People think I don't like [being in the spotlight], because I have gone under the radar my whole life but I don't have an issue with being in the spotlight or not being in the spotlight. I'll take it as a compliment.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
