Live Aid's iconic legacy takes center stage in London's musical extravaganza
Live Aid, the historic transatlantic concert that captured the hearts of an estimated 1.5 billion viewers while raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia almost four decades ago, is set to make a musical comeback. The Old Vic Theatre in London announced on Monday that «Just For One Day,» a stage musical inspired by Live Aid, will premiere there in early 2024.
Organized by iconic rockers Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Live Aid's impact still resonates.
Geldof, reflecting on the project's development, shared, «If this musical encourages just one person to have a positive impact for the better, then it will be a job well done.» Known for his outspoken nature, Geldof also humorously quipped, «I'm looking forward to seeing it… it better not be shit!»
«Just For One Day,» a production crafted by author John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard, is scheduled to run at The Old Vic from January 26 to March 30, 2024. The theatre has secured the necessary permissions from the Band Aid Charitable Trust, which will receive 10% of the proceeds from each ticket sale.
Old Vic's Artistic Director, Matthew Warchus, fondly recalled the historical significance of Live Aid, saying, «For those of us who were around in the ‘80s, Saturday, July 13, 1985, I’m sure will be one of those days that is forever etched in our memories.
We all remember where we watched Live Aid, who we watched it with, and the pure amazement at the feat that was unfolding before our eyes.»
The upcoming musical, «Just For One Day,» will feature the timeless songs of renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Queen, The Who, Paul McCartney, Elton John, The Boomtown Rats, and others who graced the Live Aid stage. This iconic concert was simultaneously held at
