Live Aid concert to be turned into stage musical

Live Aid, one of the most iconic concerts in history, is set to be transformed into a stage musical in London next year. The original event, which took place at Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1985, was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The musical, titled “Just For One Day,” will incorporate songs performed that day by legendary acts like Queen, U2, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and Sting.

Scheduled to run at London’s Old Vic Theatre from January 26 to March 30, Just For One Day will not feature impersonators mimicking the original singers. Geldof emphasizes that it is not a tribute act: “This isn’t a tribute thing. I wouldn’t have anything to do with that. So, there isn’t a person dressed up as Freddie wearing a crap moustache. The songs drive the drama along,” he explains.

The musical’s plot, inspired by a line from David Bowie’s “Heroes,” will blend a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Band Aid and Live Aid with a love story rooted in real events. Geldof clarifies, “The story is based on actual testimony from the day. It’s real people telling their story throughout this. So it’s complex theatre.”

The production has received the full endorsement of the Band Aid Charitable Trust, which will receive 10% of ticket sales proceeds. The concept for the show was originally conceived by John O’Farrell, known for writing the Mrs. Doubtfire musical, and Luke Sheppard, director of the musical “& Juliet” featuring songs by Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin.

Geldof reveals that when O’Farrell and Sheppard first approached him with the idea, they weren’t overly confident about his response. Nevertheless, after attending workshops for the musical alongside other Band Aid Trustees, they were thoroughly impressed, leading to their endorsement of the production.

Geldof will be portrayed by English actor Craige Els, known for his roles in TV shows like “Ripper Street” and “Doctor Who.” Watching someone depict him is not something Geldof particularly enjoys, but he appreciates Els’s vocal talent and ability to capture his unique language.

The original Live Aid, held in both Philadelphia and Wembley, featured legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and The Who, with an estimated TV audience of 1.5 billion. The concert raised millions for famine relief and served as a model for numerous charity concerts while highlighting humanitarian relief as a significant global concern.

Live Aid has been dramatized multiple times before, notably in the biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” featuring Queen’s performance and the 2010 Four film “When Harvey Met Bob.” Geldof hopes that the new musical will keep Live Aid’s legacy alive by inspiring individuals to use digital tools to make a positive impact in the world.