Bob Geldof has dismissed accusations of being a ‘white saviour’ ahead of the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, the monumental concert he co-organized with Midge Ure. Scheduled for Sunday, July 13, this landmark event was designed to raise funds for the severe famine that struck Ethiopia between 1983 and 1985.
The original Live Aid concerts took place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, drawing an estimated 1.9 billion viewers globally. Iconic performances from artists such as Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Madonna contributed to raising over £114 million for the humanitarian cause, marking the day as one of the most significant in music history.
As Live Aid’s anniversary approaches, the BBC is set to air “Live Aid at 40: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took on the World” on Sunday, July 6. This program will explore how a 1984 BBC news report about the dire situation in Ethiopia inspired Geldof to create the charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” through Band Aid, which not only helped raise funds but also increased international awareness on the crisis.
In a recent interview, Geldof articulated his frustrations regarding the ‘white saviour’ label, labeling it as “nonsense.” While expressing that he understands the argument behind the label, he firmly believes his intentions centered solely on raising awareness and funds for those in need. He reflected on his unexpected role as a spokesperson for the cause, emphasizing that the true story is not about him, but about the people struggling with hunger.
The anticipated documentary promises to include archival footage and interviews with not only Geldof and Ure but also notable figures like Bono and Sting, as well as Ethiopian officials involved in the aid efforts.
Live Aid continues to be remembered not just for the music, but for its powerful impact in mobilizing support for global humanitarian efforts, reinforcing the idea that collective action can address pressing humanitarian crises.