As the world gears up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, excitement is building around the upcoming release of Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical album. Set to launch on July 11, 2025, this album will feature the musical's soundtrack, recorded by the cast of its sold-out debut run at The Old Vic last year. The renewed run of the musical is scheduled to kick off on May 15, 2025, in London's West End, marking a significant moment in the cultural landscape.
Backed by Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Charitable Trust, the album will include iconic tracks from legendary performers who participated in the original Live Aid concert, such as Queen, David Bowie, U2, Elton John, The Who, Madonna, and Phil Collins. Geldof emphasized the ongoing relevance of the issues that Live Aid addressed, stating, "We couldn't possibly have known that 40 years down the track, the issue would be as vital or the interest as great. Millions of children today are being forced to starve as an instrument of war, and millions of lives are in peril due to AIDS and because of cuts to international aid."
He further noted that the musical serves as a bridge to a new generation, illustrating the power of collective action. "This musical is extraordinary, and it brings Live Aid to a new generation - the possibility of what individuals can do together," Geldof said. He also reflected on the spirit of unity that characterized the original event, asserting, "It refutes Thatcher's dictum that there's no such thing as society. There is and it roared its existence on that day 40 years ago in Wembley Stadium. Human beings do care about each other - they rise above contemporary politics."
In addition to the album, the BBC is set to commemorate the anniversary with a series of programs, including a 6.5-hour highlight reel of the original concert on BBC Two. This special will feature interviews with iconic figures such as Bono, Bowie, Elvis Costello, Roger Daltrey, and Sting, providing viewers with a nostalgic look back at the monumental event.
The BBC’s programming, titled Live Aid at 40, will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the 1985 concert, which took place on July 13, 1985, and was watched by approximately two billion people across more than 100 countries. The series will include exclusive interviews with prominent figures like Bob Geldof, Bono, and Sting, as well as political leaders such as US President George Bush and Nigeria's President Obasanjo.
This documentary will delve into how musical legends from both the UK and the US mobilized global support to address the famine in Ethiopia, ultimately inspiring world leaders to tackle the root causes of poverty. The series is produced by Zinc Media’s Brook Lapping in partnership with Ronachan Films, with a coproduction between the BBC and CNN Originals.
Emma Hindley, BBC Commissioning Editor, expressed enthusiasm for the series, stating, "The series takes the audience on an irresistible and entertaining ride through the 40 years since the biggest live concert ever was shown on TV. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with an array of stars of rock & pop, Live Aid at 40 revels in the music, unravels the politics, and explores the legacy of Live Aid."
Moreover, viewers will have the opportunity to relive the concert through Live Aid the Concert (working title), which will air on BBC Two in July. This program promises to deliver over 6.5 hours of extended highlights from the London and Philadelphia concerts, including backstage footage and interviews with artists like Brian May, David Bowie, and Phil Collins, who famously conducted a transatlantic interview on Concorde.
Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV, stated, "This summer we’re delighted to be giving viewers a chance to relive one of the biggest concerts in history for the first time on TV since it was originally broadcast on the BBC. By providing over 6.5 hours of footage that was captured on the day Live Aid took place, we want viewers to feel transported back to 1985 and to enjoy all those classic songs that we all still know and love to this day, as they were performed on that stage."
As part of the anniversary celebrations, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast Live Aid – The Fans Story on Sunday, July 13, 2025, exactly 40 years since the original concert. This program will air from midnight to 1 AM and will be available on BBC Sounds.
With the album release, the BBC’s extensive programming, and the ongoing relevance of the issues highlighted by Live Aid, this anniversary promises to be a powerful reminder of the concert's impact on music, politics, and global awareness. The legacy of Live Aid continues to resonate, showing just how much can be accomplished when artists and audiences unite for a common cause.
