Live Aid

Definition

Live Aid was a dual-venue benefit concert held on July 13, 1985, to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. This monumental event is recognized not only for its incredible lineup of musicians but also for its significant role in merging music with global social activism and politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Live Aid raised over $125 million for famine relief efforts in Ethiopia, making it one of the most successful benefit concerts in history.
2. The concert took place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, with performances from iconic artists like Queen, U2, and David Bowie.
3. It was watched by an estimated 1.9 billion people across 150 nations, highlighting the power of music as a tool for raising awareness on global issues.
4. Live Aid marked a turning point in how artists engaged with social issues, inspiring many musicians to use their platform for activism.
5. The event's success led to future concerts and initiatives aimed at addressing global crises through music, including subsequent events like Live 8.

Review Questions

• How did Live Aid illustrate the relationship between music and social activism?
  • Live Aid showcased the powerful connection between music and social activism by bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry to address the urgent issue of famine in Ethiopia. The event not only raised significant funds but also raised global awareness about the crisis. By using their platform to unite millions around a common cause, artists demonstrated how music can mobilize people for social change.
• Discuss the impact that Live Aid had on future movements related to AIDS activism and other global causes.
  • Live Aid set a precedent for using large-scale musical events as vehicles for activism, influencing later movements like AIDS activism through initiatives such as 'Concerts for a Cause.' The visibility achieved during Live Aid encouraged artists to engage with pressing issues such as health crises and poverty. This created a culture where musicians felt empowered to take a stand and contribute to causes that resonated with them.
• Evaluate how Live Aid's commercialization influenced protest music and its role in education and cultural memory.
  • Live Aid's commercialization raised important questions about the authenticity of protest music and whether its message can be diluted by corporate sponsorships. While the funds raised were crucial, the blending of commercial interests with activism sparked debates regarding the integrity of protest music. This has led to discussions in educational settings about how cultural memory surrounding events like Live Aid shapes perceptions of activism in music today, influencing how new generations engage with social justice through art.

Related terms

Band Aid: A charity supergroup formed in 1984, which included various British and Irish musicians who came together to record the song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

We Are the World: A charity single written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, recorded in 1985 by USA for Africa, which aimed to raise funds for African famine relief, further demonstrating the intersection of music and activism.

Famine Relief: The act of providing food, resources, and support to communities suffering from severe shortages of food due to natural disasters, conflicts, or systemic issues; a central focus of Live Aid's mission.