Bob Geldof: Live Aid Revealed the True Spirit of Ireland

Bob Geldof Praises Kindness During Live Aid Concerts

Bob Geldof revealed on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show that the 1985 Live Aid concerts offered a glimpse of the Ireland he had always believed existed, praising the kindness and solidarity shown during the global famine relief effort. Live Aid took place on July 13, 1985, with simultaneous concerts staged at Wembley Stadium in London and John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia to raise funds for Ethiopia.

Organised by Geldof and musician Midge Ure, the historic event brought together music icons including Queen, U2, David Bowie, Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney. Speaking to presenter Patrick Kielty, Geldof recalled growing anxious during the broadcast as donations failed to arrive as quickly as anticipated.

Five Women Outside the Stadium

The mood shifted when the Irish production team informed him that five women were waiting outside Wembley Stadium with an extraordinary offering: their wedding rings.

Concerned that the donors might later regret parting with such personal items, Geldof instructed organisers to hold the rings for a week to give the women an opportunity to reclaim them if they changed their minds. Reflecting on that response, Geldof told Kielty, “Pro rata, as we all know famously, this country did more than any other country in the world.” He added that the moment marked an early manifestation of an Ireland that was generous, kind, intelligent, and funny.

From Concert Arena to West End Stage

The legacy of the 1985 concerts is returning to the stage through Just For One Day, an Olivier-nominated musical inspired by Live Aid. The production features music by Queen, U2, David Bowie, Elton John, and Madonna, celebrating the collective spirit behind the original concerts. Geldof admitted he was initially reluctant to get involved with the theatrical project before being won over.

Craige Els Portrays Geldof in West End Musical

The turning point in his support came during workshop sessions when actor Craige Els, who portrays Geldof in the musical, shared that his grandmother in Liverpool used to have him stand on a kitchen table at nine years old to perform impressions of the musician. Geldof noted that the production is the only West End show he has attended where the audience breaks into a standing ovation at intermission.

Just For One Day is scheduled to run at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from August 24 to September 11, 2027.