Discover the story behind Bob Geldof's gamechanger charity concert.
Before Live Earth, One Love Manchester and Gal Gadot and co gave us a (questionable) rendition of Imagine during Covid 19, there was Live Aid. In 1985, the concert was a gamechanger, which brought together the biggest stars in the world. Now, the story is being told on stage, as Just For One Day is coming to The Old Vic.
When Bob Geldof saw images of the famine in Ethiopia, he was inspired to take action. He released the charity single Do They Know It's Christmas?, which topped the UK charts. He conceived Live Aid, which was a multi-venue benefit concert held on 13 July 1985 in London, New York and Philadelphia, and inspired similar initiatives across the world. The concert raised millions for charity, and was watched by more than 1.5 billion people.
Just For One Day has been written by author John O'Farrell and will be directed by Luke Sheppard. The musical will feature songs by performers from the concert: Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Elton John, Madonna, Paul McCartney, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, The Pretenders. Plus, Bob Geldof's own band, Boomtown Rats.
Bob said: "If this musical encourages just one person to have a positive impact for the better, then it will be a job well done. I'm looking forward to seeing it at the Old Vic."
Matthew Warchus, Old Vic Artistic Director, added: "For those of us who were around in the 1980s, Saturday 13 July 1985, I'm sure will be one of those days that is forever etched in our memories. We all remember where we watched Live Aid, who we watched it with, and the pure amazement at the feat that was unfolding before our eyes."
Just For One Day runs from 26 January to 30 March 2024. The Band Aid Charitable Trust will get 10 per cent from each ticket. Tickets are on sale now.
GO: Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for more information.