Live Aid DVD Review:

“Remember the day you wanted to help. Remember the bands who did it. Remember the dying who were allowed to live…”
-Bob Geldof, July ‘85

In July of 1985 Live Aid took place, a marathon fund-raising concert that took place across two continents with worldwide television coverage as well. The concert was a fantastic way to raise a great deal of money with the world in mind. 63 musical artists gave their time for the cause as well as numerous other celebrities who contributed what they could as well. For over ten hours audiences were entertained and money was raised for a great cause. The aid continues with the release of all of Live Aid on a four disc set of the concert. There is no worthier cause and for this reason alone I would say that this is the most important rock DVD to purchase all year.

The concert features amazing footage from legends such as Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting, Keith Richards, Phil Collins, U2, Queen, Madonna, Eric Clapton, The Beach Boys, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, and countless others. They are all decked out in their coolest eighties clothes and hairstyles, playing some hits and some surprising little gems such as Elvis Costello’s rendition of “All You Need is Love” and a duet by Mick Jagger and Tina Turner.

On that hot day in July twenty years ago there was a feeling of a difference being made. All of the artists don’t play perfectly, and they don’t try. What they are doing seems much more natural and fun. They all seem to be enjoying themselves as they perform, even as mistakes are made. They were all there because they believe in what they were accomplishing. As they have a group performance at the end of the concert some of the greatest legends of rock actually fight to get their chance on the microphone in an uplifting sight of harmonious and not so harmonious performances.

All of the footage from Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia is presented for the first time since its original air date in 1985. As well as the ten hours of concert footage from legendary rock artists, there is also a 1-hour documentary following the planning of the event itself. There is also a BBC news report by Michael Buerk from 1985 of the concert.

The proceeds that are made from the DVD are still being used to feed the world, specifically Africa. More information can be found online at www.liveaiddvd.net.



Ryan Izay