At 12.00 (UK time) on July 13th 1985, British broadcaster Richard Skinner said these words:
“It’s twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it’s time for Live Aid.”
Status Quo struck up with Rockin’ All Over The World and the Live Aid extravaganza was under way at Wembley Stadium, London and then continued at The John F Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia.
The event was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of famine in Ethiopia with the cream of the world’s biggest rock stars taking part.
Around 72,000 people attended the London concert and over 89,000 were at the event in Philadelphia, but it was, more importantly, a worldwide event. TV pictures beamed to over 1.9bn people in 160 countries made it the biggest live broadcast ever known, seen by approximately 40% of the world’s population.
Other concerts at venues all around the world contributed to the fundraising, which at one point in the UK reached £300 per second. The next day it was reported that between £40 and £50 million had been raised and it is now estimated that around £150 million in total has been raised for famine relief as a direct result of the concerts.
Artists who appeared included Paul McCartney, The Who, U2, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, Queen, Tina Turner, The Cars, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams, Hall and Oates, Lionel Richie, Led Zeppelin and one artist who appeared at both venues, Phil Collins.
So, for that reason, the Genesis frontman’s solo station is the one we have chosen today.
EXCLUSIVELY PHIL COLLINS LISTEN LIVE
