Bob Geldof doubts the feasibility of another Live Aid event, citing social media’s isolating nature. He reflects on the original event’s impact, the ongoing need for humanitarian aid, and the upcoming musical ‘Just For One Day’, which depicts Live Aid’s legacy and aims to contribute to charitable efforts.
Bob Geldof, the legendary figure behind the original Live Aid event in 1985, has expressed doubt over the potential for another similar gathering, largely due to social media dynamics. The 73-year-old voiced his concerns during a recent interview, saying that while current events in places like Gaza or Ukraine fill our consciousness, organising another Live Aid is “unlikely” in today’s landscape.
“I think it’s very much of its time,” Geldof remarked. He reminisced about how they never anticipated the original event’s success, stating that rock and roll has morphed into something akin to a long pop era, culminating with Live Aid, and this has since been overshadowed by social media.
He further noted that today’s social media can feel isolating, contrasting it with the monolithic media environment of his time. “In those days, there were just two stations in the UK, so everyone ingested the same content at once. With social media, it’s fragmented.” This, he argues, diminishes the likelihood of a unifying event like Live Aid happening again.
Geldof also reflected on the long-lasting impact of the concert, stating it sparked a “focus of all that rage and disgust.” He emphasised the power individuals hold to affect change, even amidst current global crises. “You really can change things,” he insisted, highlighting the concert as a lesson that collective action is not futile, despite the political impotence many may feel.
He shared these insights while attending a launch event for “Just For One Day”, a musical that commemorates the Live Aid concerts held in London and Philadelphia. Describing the significance of the musical, Geldof quipped, “It’s amazing that both of us are alive, frankly.”
Reflecting on the rapid creation of the original fundraising song with fellow musician Midge Ure, Geldof noted that 40 years on, it’s odd and somewhat disheartening to see the same issues still persist. “Can you believe there are starving people in the 21st century? It was unnecessary then, it’s totally unnecessary now,” he lamented. He acknowledged the fatigue many feel from the continuous stream of global crises which makes it difficult to focus on further tragedies.
Midge Ure, who was present as well, elaborated on their ongoing work. He mentioned the consistent reimaginings of the Band Aid song across several decades. He stated, “This as a musical was something way beyond what we could possibly do.”
The musical, “Just For One Day”, is set to return to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre on May 15, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting the Band Aid Charitable Trust after a successful prior run at the Old Vic. This continuation not only pays tribute to their legacy but also aims to address the issues that continue to plague many around the world.
Geldof and Ure’s reflections underscore the challenges of creating impactful collective events in today’s fragmented media world. Despite their initial success in rallying support, they express concerns about the current climate of social media potentially inhibiting major relief efforts. The upcoming musical “Just For One Day” aims to reignite awareness for ongoing humanitarian issues while honouring the legacy of Live Aid. As they continue their work, the hope remains that collective action can still lead to real change, although the battle is tougher in this hyper-connected, yet isolating era.
Original Source: www.breakingnews.ie