Live Aid was a monumental benefit concert that took place on July 13, 1985, simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, it aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, which was suffering from severe drought and civil unrest. The event garnered an estimated 1.5 billion television viewers and raised millions of dollars.

The concert was inspired by Geldof’s response to a 1984 news report on Ethiopian famine. Following this, he partnered with Ure to produce the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” under the name Band Aid, which sold millions of copies. This success led to the creation of Live Aid as a “global jukebox” featuring a vast array of artists.

The live event showcased reunions of iconic bands such as The Who, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin, with Phil Collins performing at both venues. The concert was broadcast via major networks like the BBC and ABC, ensuring global visibility. Each act performed in strict time limits to maintain show flow.

Highlight performances included U2’s Bono, who captivated the Wembley audience during “Bad,” and Freddie Mercury of Queen, who delivered an unforgettable set showcasing his vocal prowess. The concert concluded with everyone joining in the performances of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” from London, and “We Are the World” from Philadelphia.

The 1985 Live Aid concert emerged in response to a severe famine in Ethiopia caused by years of drought, civil war, and poor governance of grain markets. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s earlier project, Band Aid—a charity single featuring various British artists—successfully raised awareness and funds, motivating them to organise a larger collaborative music event. The event aimed to engage global audiences in a unified response to humanitarian needs. Live Aid was intended to be a broad showcase of musical talent, featuring various genres and prominent acts that had significant cultural influence during the 1980s. It represented one of the earliest examples of global entertainment for charity, demonstrating how music could mobilise support for urgent issues like famine relief. The planning and execution of the concert were particularly notable for the short preparation time and the technological challenges associated with a live international broadcast. The event’s structure emphasised minimal equipment and strict time management to keep performances concise and engaging for viewers.

In summary, Live Aid marked a pivotal moment in the intersection of music and humanitarian efforts, bringing together international talent to support famine relief in Ethiopia. The concert not only showcased legendary performances but also demonstrated the potential of global collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises. Its legacy continues to influence charity events and reflects the enduring power of music to drive social change.

Original Source: www.britannica.com

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The prospect of a second African Formula 1 applicant has emerged, with Rwanda pushing for a slot in the F1 calendar and South Africa exploring options to revive its own race. This follows years of absence, with Rwanda proposing a circuit near Kigali and South Africa seeking an organiser for its return. The increasing interest highlights the demand for Formula 1 to represent all inhabited continents, a balance not achieved since 1993—excluding Antarctica, of course.

Africa’s representation in Formula 1 has been limited, with no races scheduled on the continent for decades. However, Rwanda’s bid marks a significant step forward, demonstrating a revived interest in hosting grand prix events in Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa’s efforts to re-enter the F1 scene reflect a growing potential for the continent to contribute to the global racing scene, emphasising the importance of inclusiveness in international sporting events.

The emerging bids from Rwanda and South Africa could mark a transformative moment for Formula 1 in Africa. With a strong desire to see F1 encompass all continents, these developments could lead to an exciting new chapter in the sport’s history. The competition between these nations not only fuels interest in motorsport across Africa but also creates opportunities for economic and tourism growth in the region.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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