Live Aid was one of the biggest live events in history, broadcast simultaneously to over 100 countries via satellite and television. It is estimated that around two billion viewers watched the festival live.
The concert took place on July 13, 1985, in London and Philadelphia, with smaller editions in Sydney, Moscow, and Tokyo.
The festival was organized by British musician Bob Geldof with the goal of raising funds to fight famine in Ethiopia. They initially expected to collect one million pounds, but the final amount surpassed 155 million pounds, equivalent to over $280 million USD.
To achieve this feat, some of the biggest bands and artists of all time performed, delivering unforgettable shows.
The Lineup:
- London: Queen, Paul McCartney, The Who, U2, Ultravox, Elton John, Dire Straits, Sting, and many others.
- Philadelphia: B.B. King, The Beach Boys, Mick Jagger, Santana, Madonna, Kool & The Gang, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath, and more.
- Sydney: INXS and Men at Work brought the house down.
Now, just imagine the logistics and structure required to pull off an event of this size!
On this day, Phil Collins and David Bowie performed in both London and Philadelphia, crossing the Atlantic on a Concorde jet to make it happen.
But the most iconic moment? Queen’s performance at Wembley Stadium, with over 90,000 people—still considered one of the greatest rock performances of all time.
The U2 concert at the same event also helped catapult the band to worldwide fame.
Why is July 13th Known as World Rock Day?
It was Phil Collins who suggested that this historic date should never be forgotten and should be remembered as World Rock Day.
However, not all countries celebrate it on this day.
In Brazil, the tradition gained traction in the ’90s when radio stations in São Paulo started promoting the date heavily.
But let’s be real—for true fans, every day is Rock ‘n’ Roll Day!
Rock Icons Who Changed the Game
Now, let’s talk about some legends who shaped generations through their music and attitude.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Mother of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Did you know that the Mother of Rock ‘n’ Roll was an African-American woman?
That’s right—Sister Rosetta Tharpe (March 20, 1915 – October 9, 1973) was an incredible guitarist who influenced Chuck Berry, who, in turn, became a major influence on Elvis Presley, the so-called “King of Rock”.
Sister Rosetta played gospel music with a blues rhythm, and despite facing racial and gender barriers in the 1940s and 50s, she revolutionized the sound of electric guitar-driven rock music.
She was one of the first musicians to use heavy distortion on a guitar and had an unmistakable stage presence that set the foundation for the rock stars that followed.
So, whether you know it or not—if you’re a rock fan, you’re also a fan of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
🎬 Watch the documentary: “The Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll”
Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar God
James Marshall Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was born in Seattle and is still considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Hendrix revolutionized guitar playing, both in studio recordings and live performances.
He started as a backing musician for B.B. King and Little Richard before moving to England, where he recorded his debut album, Are You Experienced (1967).
His unique technique and showmanship—playing with his teeth, behind his back, and even setting his guitar on fire—cemented his legendary status.
🎬 Watch his legendary performance at Woodstock (1969), where he played a distorted version of the U.S. national anthem in protest of the Vietnam War:
Jimi Hendrix – The Star-Spangled Banner (Live at Woodstock)
Freddie Mercury: The Ultimate Frontman
The UK has been the birthplace of countless rock legends, from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd to Sex Pistols, The Clash, Iron Maiden, and David Bowie.
But one of the greatest of them all was Freddie Mercury.
Born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, he became the charismatic lead singer of Queen.
Freddie’s vocal power, stage presence, and songwriting skills made him one of the most iconic figures in rock history.
His performance at Live Aid (1985) remains one of the most electrifying moments in music history.
🎬 Watch the trailer for Bohemian Rhapsody, the biopic that won Rami Malek an Oscar for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury:
Bohemian Rhapsody – Official Trailer
Brazilian Rock: We Rock Too! 🇧🇷
Let’s not forget Brazilian rock!
From the Jovem Guarda era to the ’80s explosion of rock, the ’90s alternative movement, and the 2000s new wave, Brazil has always had its own rock scene.
Who doesn’t remember Legião Urbana, Barão Vermelho, Titãs, Paralamas do Sucesso, RPM, and Capital Inicial?
Or Charlie Brown Jr., O Rappa, Skank, Jota Quest, Mamonas Assassinas, Dead Fish, Los Hermanos, and Raimundos dominating the ’90s?
And let’s not forget Sepultura, the Brazilian metal band that conquered the world!
Rock in Brazil never died—it just evolved. Keep an eye out for new bands like Black Pantera and Bquatro!
Rock Lives On—Every Single Day!
What’s on your playlist today? Drop your favorite bands, albums, and styles in the comments!
For me, Rock ‘n’ Roll is life, and I’ll keep living it every single day.
Stay safe, get vaccinated, and soon we’ll all be back enjoying live rock shows together. It’s going to be EPIC! 🎸🔥
#RockOn #StickWithUs
