Midge Ure: Band Aid, Live Aid, and the Legacy of Charity Through Music

The Creation of Band Aid and Its Lasting Impact

Midge Ure, co-founder of the legendary charity collective Band Aid, has always been at the heart of some of the most significant musical movements in history. The 1984 Band Aid single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, written by Ure and Bob Geldof, was a groundbreaking moment in the world of charity and music. The song, featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry at the time, was created to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Ure reflects on how the Band Aid project not only achieved its goal of raising millions of pounds but also set the stage for similar charity projects worldwide, most notably the Live Aid concert that followed in 1985.

Looking back, Ure is proud of what Band Aid accomplished, but he also recognizes that the project’s impact went beyond fundraising. It ignited a global movement where music became a tool for social change. In the years since, the project has continued to inspire new generations of musicians, activists, and philanthropists. “Band Aid was about doing something immediately and raising awareness on a global scale,” Ure says. “It showed that music, in all its forms, could unite people and spark action.” The success of Band Aid was a testament to the power of music to affect social change, and Ure remains deeply connected to that mission to this day.

Live Aid: The Concert That Changed the World

Just a few months after the release of the Band Aid single, Ure and Geldof organized the monumental Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. The event, which took place on July 13, 1985, featured an all-star lineup of artists, including Queen, David Bowie, U2, and Led Zeppelin, all performing to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. With an estimated 1.9 billion people tuning in across the globe, Live Aid became the largest broadcast in television history at the time, raising over £150 million.

Ure’s involvement in both Band Aid and Live Aid was not just as a performer but as a key organizer. He recalls the whirlwind preparations and the immense pressure to deliver an event that would live up to the magnitude of its cause. However, despite the challenges, Ure remembers the energy and excitement surrounding the event. “The power of music and the idea that we could do something so huge and make a tangible difference—it was electrifying,” he reflects. The success of Live Aid went far beyond the fundraising efforts; it was a defining moment in music history, showing that entertainment could be a force for positive change.

The 40th Anniversary of Live Aid: “Just For One Day”

As the 40th anniversary of Live Aid approaches, Ure has been reflecting on the enduring legacy of both Band Aid and Live Aid. To commemorate this landmark occasion, a new musical titled Just For One Day will debut at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre on May 15, 2025. The musical will pay tribute to the iconic concert and the impact it had on the world. Through a mix of music, storytelling, and powerful visuals, Just For One Day will capture the energy, emotion, and significance of the original Live Aid event.

Ure sees the musical as a celebration of the achievements of Live Aid and the lasting impact it continues to have on the music industry and charitable causes. He acknowledges that while many things have changed in the world since 1985, the core message of Live Aid—using music to bring attention to global crises—remains just as relevant today. “Live Aid was about coming together, showing empathy, and doing something for those who needed help,” Ure says. “Forty years later, we’re still fighting those same battles, and the music is still a catalyst for change.”

The Just For One Day musical will feature 30 cover tracks from the 1985 Live Aid concert, bringing those iconic performances back to life. Ure is excited to see the music from that era resonate with a new generation, as the songs continue to carry the spirit of the original event. The musical is not just a retrospective, but a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.

The Accompanying Album: 30 Cover Tracks from Live Aid

Alongside the musical, an album will be released featuring 30 cover tracks of the most memorable songs performed during the original Live Aid concert. This album is set to feature modern artists who will reinterpret the classics, bringing fresh perspectives to these timeless songs. Ure believes that the new covers will help bridge the gap between the original artists and today’s music scene, while honoring the legacy of Live Aid.

The album will include songs like Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga,” U2’s “Bad,” and David Bowie’s “Heroes,” all of which were iconic performances during Live Aid. The idea behind the album, Ure explains, is not to replicate the original performances but to celebrate them by bringing in new voices and fresh interpretations. “These songs mean so much to people who were there, but we also want to show how they can still speak to the issues we face today,” Ure says. “Music has a way of transcending time, and these tracks still resonate.”

Ure is particularly excited about the inclusion of contemporary artists, who will bring new energy and relevance to the songs. He believes that the collaboration between generations of musicians is essential in keeping the spirit of Live Aid alive. As with Band Aid, Ure is once again witnessing music becoming a medium for not only artistic expression but also social change.

Looking Ahead: The Enduring Legacy of Band Aid and Live Aid

Looking back on the creation of Band Aid and Live Aid, Ure feels an immense sense of pride in what those events accomplished, but he also recognizes that the need for such movements is still present. While much has been achieved since the 1980s, Ure emphasizes that there is still much to be done. “The world has changed, but the fight for justice, equality, and human rights continues,” he says. “Music is still one of the most powerful ways we can bring attention to these issues.”

As Just For One Day prepares to take the stage, Ure is hopeful that the 40th anniversary celebration will inspire new generations to use their voices and platforms to make a difference. The legacy of Band Aid and Live Aid remains a powerful reminder of the impact that music can have in times of crisis, and Ure is committed to continuing the work of uniting people through song.