BBC to mark 40th anniversary of Live Aid

Live Aid at 40 delves deep into the complex, sometimes controversial, stories behind this historic event and its legacy…

This July, BBC Two and Radio 2 will mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, which took place on Saturday 13th July 1985.

BBC Two and BBC iPlayer broadcasts Live Aid at 40, which reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the 1985 concert that brought the idea of charity to a new generation. Exclusive interviews include iconic figures such as Bob Geldof, Bono and Sting – along with US President George Bush, President Obasanjo of Nigeria and Birhan Woldu, the woman who as a dying child, became the abiding image of the Wembley concert and the famine.

The series weaves the back-room stories of two gangs of musicians, from the UK and the US with the political stories that both inspired them and brought them to a worldwide audience. Live Aid forever altered the perception of charity and humanitarian efforts. Starting from small donations, to the donations of thousands of pounds, the story ends in billions of government aid.

Archive of the performances and back stage of the record and the concert feature Paula Yates, Boy George, Status Quo and George Michael whilst interviews with Nile Rodgers, Lenny Henry, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Patti LaBelle, Roger Taylor and Brian May are set against the memories of the Ethiopian politicians at the heart of the relief effort, Dawit Giorgis and Berhane Deressa.

These combine with the stories from political heavyweights including President Obasanjo of Nigeria, Condoleezza Rice, George W Bush and Tony Blair. The series offers a gripping account of Live Aid’s impact on music, politics and global awareness over the twenty years between Live Aid in 1985 and Live 8 in 2005.

Emma Hindley, BBC Commissioning Editor:

“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.”

Just for one Day – The Live Aid Musical will transfer to the West End, beginning performances at The Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday 15 May 2025

Also coming to BBC Two in July is Live Aid the Concert. 16 hours of music, performed by some of the world’s greatest artists, including David Bowie, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Patti LaBelle, Phil Collins, Queen, Spandau Ballet, Sade, Sting, Status Quo, Tina Turner and U2. This concert was Live Aid, which was brought together by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, following the success of the Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Approximately two billion people watched the broadcast in more than 100 countries. Now, for the first time since 1985, BBC Two gives viewers a chance to relive over 6.5 hours of extended highlights of the London and Philadelphia concerts, in addition to backstage footage, including interviews with Bono, Brian May, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Howard Jones, Roger Daltrey, Spandau Ballet, Sting, The Style Council and a transatlantic interview with Phil Collins on Concorde.

Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV:

“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.”

The Making of Do They Know It’s Christmas, which was broadcast on BBC Four in November 2024, is available for viewers to enjoy on BBC iPlayer.

BBC Radio 2 have a late-night effort in marking the anniversary on Sunday 13 July, exactly 40 years since the concert, as the station broadcasts Live Aid – The Fans Story at 12am.

A musical Just for one Day – The Live Aid Musical will transfer to the West End, beginning performances at The Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday 15 May 2025.