According to BBC online, the 1985 Live Aid concert, one of the defining events in modern music, is to be released on DVD for the first time.

Organisers will auction the rights to release the DVD after pirate copies were found for sale on the internet.

They are hoping to raise "a few million pounds" for charity and are aiming for a Christmas release.

The concert, split between London and Philadelphia, brought together stars including U2, Queen and Madonna - but has never come out on CD, video or DVD.

Organisers have decided to allow the DVD release after realising bootleggers were making money from it - but none was going to charity.


Proceeds from the DVD release will go to the Band Aid Trust, which still exists to relieve poverty and hunger in Ethiopia and the surrounding area.

Bob Geldof "sees it as an asset of the people of Ethiopia" that was not being fully utilised, according to fellow founding Band Aid trustee John Kennedy.

"It's a surprise to all of us that we're still here 20 years on spending and receiving money," he told BBC News Online.

"But because of piracy, it's becoming available without earning any money."

The successful bidder will have to get the permission of every artist - but "we don't expect any of them to be anything other than co-operative", he said.

Geldof organised Live Aid and the Band Aid single in response to famine in Ethiopia, in which 1.2 million people starved to death in 1984 and 1985.

Music marathon

Live Aid saw 72,000 pack into Wembley Stadium in London to see artists such as DAVID BOWIE, Wham! and Dire Straits.

The 16-hour music marathon was completed at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium with acts including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Mick Jagger.

Live Aid eventually raised £40m. Half of the money was spent on food and half on long term development.

The DVD plan comes after pirated DVDs were found on sale over the internet for £110 for a 10-disc set.

After a tip-off from Geldof himself, police raided a property in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, and arrested a man.

Bowie in Australia 2004 | Join the Community

That is brilliant news. Live Aid was a historical show and it does make loads of sense to squeeze out a few more bucks for the good cause. It may not be so exciting for those who didn't witness the event back then and some of the stuff might even look and sound quite ridiculous. But for those who were in front of the telly the whole day and night (or even at the shows itself, anybody?) it will be a fantastic release, bringing back some tremendous performances of the best rock and pop artists available at the time. There was also loads of rubbish, of course, but most of the music and the atmosphere was simply exciting. If you never liked Queen - watch them here and you will change your mind in a flash. If you never understood why U2 once were a band like no other on this planet - watch them here and you will know. And if you want an incredible live version of a song called "Heroes" - go and get this DVD when it comes out.

Of course this is all truly 80s and thus probably a little painful in appearance - but still this a milestone in pop music. In sound and attitude.

I hope they will release the full lot.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

how does the title of this thread not warrant an exclamation point?

it's about fucking time

show bush the door in 2004: please contribute to http://www.moveon.org
current approval rating: 47%

I'm just wondering, is there a Bowie song on this?? "Heroes", I would predict...

The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty!"

Bowie performed TVC 15, Rebel Rebel, Modern Love and "Heroes"

He also sang the opening lines of Do They Know It's Christmas in a huge star studded Wembley finale. And provided backing vocals on Let It Be with Paul McCartney.

As EJ said, the 80s stylings are showing their age, but that's half the enjoyment of this video. The Madonna performance and fashion is really dated but amusing. Bowie's performance is a bit as well thanks to his backing singers and Thomas Dolby (recognised 80s one hit wonder) who was in the band. But the version of "Heroes" is excellent.

I bought it on 3 x VHS tapes about 8 years ago from a bootleger. I payed $20 per tape but the quality is average. The Australian broadcast missed the beginning of "TVC 15". I am not sure if this is the case with other broadcasts as well?

Looking VERY forward to the official DVD.


Bowie in Australia 2004 | Join the Community

Hmm it sounds like it might be worth checking out. That sounds pretty good.

The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty!"

In reply to:

---

And provided backing vocals on Let It Be with Paul McCartney.

---

Is that the one where Bowie's standing in the background looking slightly bemused, like he's not really sure what he's doing there?

...or is it?

Yes, that is the one.....although part of the bemusement probably comes from the fact that he doesn't know the words and everyone around him does.

Bowie in Australia 2004 | Join the Community

In reply to:

---

Thomas Dolby (recognised 80s one hit wonder)

---

Still it was a pretty cool move at the time to have the "Mad Professor of 80s pop" in the band. Unlike other one hit wonders of that era Dolby hat a reputation for being experimental and weird, but still full of humor. "She Blinded Me With Science" is definitely one of the best true 80s hits, and maybe Bowie should cover that thing just like he did Sigue Sigue Sputnik's "Love Missile F1-11". Could be great fun.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

Well im certainly not shelling out plenty of money on a DVD that only has a smallish amount of Bowie on it.

From what i can remember the rest of it is quite awful.

I only hope the money from this?,Goes to worthy charities.

Enjoy the head banging with Status Quo YUK...


________________________
Humming Rheingold
We scavenge up our clothes.
________________________
London Bye Ta-Ta...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. I bet it is pretty good, but I bet the price will be high. And for only a little bit of Bowie, I don't think it would really be worth it.

The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty!"

Spot on my young Dude:-)


________________________
Humming Rheingold
We scavenge up our clothes.
________________________
London Bye Ta-Ta...

A little bit of Bowie, a little bit of Queen. A tiny piece of U2 and all the 80s pops. Even LedZep performed, if not fantastically. Then there is the golden moment when Duran Duran blew their careers in one false note.

Might be worth buying.

BowieLive will from now on focus on the musical output of Simon Le Bon. Bowie is old news and has been scrapped from the site!

In reply to:

---

Might be worth buying.

---

I wouldn't be surprised if they released some sort of a "Best Of" DVD, probably a double. I guess that's what most people would go for and where most of the money could be raised.

But hopefully they will also put out a "Collector's Edition" including the full day+night. I would certainly be in for that one.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

NO i've no interest in this.

I do remember seeing Bowie perform in the evening and he wore a beautiful lime green suit ( also bear in mind that im colour blind ).

Its very dated now,But if it can make some money for charities?,Then good luck to the sales.


________________________
Humming Rheingold
We scavenge up our clothes.
________________________
London Bye Ta-Ta...

His set was amazing.
I didn't get to see his bit on tv as i was in a taxi at the time but I had my radio cassette with me and recorded it all. Great renditions.

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

In reply to:

---

She Blinded Me With Science" is definitely one of the best true 80s hits, and maybe Bowie should cover that thing just like he did Sigue Sigue Sputnik's "Love Missile F1-11". Could be great fun.

---

Interesting idea, EJ. Although if Bowie were to cover a Thomas Dolby song I'd like it to be Flying North or One of Our Submarines. It's been many years. though, since I've listened to Dolby so I'm not sure if I'd like it as much as I did back in those heady days of frilly shirts, eyeliner, pixie boots and wedge haircuts.......

In reply to:

---

[diamonddogz74] I do remember seeing Bowie perform in the evening and he wore a beautiful lime green suit ( also bear in mind that im colour blind ).

---

Unless it really is colour blindness, you're getting somewhat confused with the Freddie Mercury tribute concert several years later.

Ich heisse super fantastische

Hey Pablo,I loved the opening line of your post.

His set was amazing ( it even smells like a street ) Ok i know he says MY,But still im impressed.

What were the songs please?.


________________________
Humming Rheingold
We scavenge up our clothes.
________________________
London Bye Ta-Ta...

Yeah knowing me im wrong yet again.

So what did he wear at Live aid please?.


________________________
Humming Rheingold
We scavenge up our clothes.
________________________
London Bye Ta-Ta...

TVC15,rebel rebel,Modern Love, and ("For my son, and all the children of the world) Heroes.
He was going to sing a fifth song (I think Golden Years, but I'm not sure) but he gave this up so that the specially made video of "Drive" by the Cars could be shown. The rest is History.

Of course there was also his video of Dancing in the street with Jagger, which was different at this point, it didn't have the brass, I have a lo fi recording of this, as my radio was going through some reception problems when it was on.
Then at the end, Bowie was the first person to sing a part of Do they know it's christmas?

Loads of memories from this time as about three days later, my father was diagnosed with cancer.

The best of times and the worst of times, as life usually is.

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

In reply to:

---

So what did he wear at Live aid please?.

---

Why don't you just read the posts in this thread instead of flooding it again with multiple posts?

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

He wore a quite fantastic grey double breasted suit, with short blonde hair. He looked really well that day.

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

In reply to:

---

He wore a quite fantastic grey double breasted suit, with short blonde hair. He looked really well that day.

---

It was more of a sky-blue affair & it was ill-fitting because he borrowed it from some guy slightly smaller than himself only 20 minutes before going on stage.

Don't doubt me, I was there.


Kirk Douglas

How come he went to the biggest concert ever staged in the world, expecting to be seen by nearly a billion people and borrow a suit?
I'm not doubting you, just wonder what the story was.

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

Indeed that opening line from a "Tale of Two Cities" being very poignant.

My father died on December the 8th 1987 ( from renal failure and a massive heart attack ).

My young sister is now battling her second dose of cancer,This is her fifth week of chemo and radium treatment now coming up.

As we grow older life turns very bitter-sweet.

Thank you for the set list.


________________________
Humming Rheingold
We scavenge up our clothes.
________________________
London Bye Ta-Ta...

Sorry to be tease/pain in the arse, whatever, but I am unable to divulge any detailed information regarding said subject due to possible liable implications.

You never know who's watching.

What I can tell you is that it was one of the most memorable days of my life. I even enjoyed Status Quo . U2 & Queen were out of this world & Bowie was my world (way back when, before the wife & kids scenario kinda thing)

By the time McCartney's microphone failed him I was comatose.

Kirk Douglas

Edited by Strawman on 03/14/04 10:24 AM (server time).

Of course, the original plan for Dancing in the Street was to have Bowie and Jagger singing it as a duet over a satellite link-up, with one in the US and one in the UK (can't remember which). It was their idea to do this, but when they spoke to some technical people they discovered it would be impossible to do with the delay. Such a shame, it would have been so cool for them to be literally "calling out around the world"...

Of course, these days it may be possible to do it over a high-speed connection...

Project cancelled
Tumbling central
Red Money

In reply to:

---

Of course, these days it may be possible to do it over a high-speed connection...

---

Still it would be impossible to get the timing right simultaneausly on both sides of the Atlantic. The audio/video delay from one side of the Atlantic to the other is still some 2-3 seconds.

What you could do is something like this: Make Jagger sing live in the US and transmit the signal to the UK where Bowie can join in fairly simultaneously. Like in Karaoke. This would give the European stadium audience a Jagger/Bowie live duet. Of course you cannot send back Bowie's signal into Jagger's ears because he would have to wait for what he gets from Bowie while Bowie is singing to what he hears from Jagger first. The Death Of A Circle. So the Jagger audience can only get Jagger live, without Bowie.

But here is plan B: Take the mix signal from Bowie in London (him singing to Jagger's signal from US) and send this to TV sets all across the world. So you would have the Jagger/Bowie live duet everywhere on this planet apart from the stadium where Jagger is singing himself. They could have done that in 1985.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

Still, it is sad to see two rock gods be bowed by the laws of physics. What a bummer.

Project cancelled
Tumbling central
Red Money

In reply to:

---

He was going to sing a fifth song (I think Golden Years, but I'm not sure) but he gave this up so that the specially made video of "Drive" by the Cars could be shown. The rest is History.

---

Five Years, according to Strange Fascination.

KArt | Project Michelangelo | LiveJournal

Thanks Sysiyo, I knew someone would know, I actually bought Strange Fascination a couple of weeks ago but haven't got round to reading it yet.

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

isn't five years a kind of tasteless choice at an AIDS event?

show bush the door in 2004: please contribute to http://www.moveon.org
current approval rating: 47%

Well yeah but this was Live aid?!?!?!?!?!?!?

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

In reply to:

---

isn't five years a kind of tasteless choice at an AIDS event?

---

I cannot quite decide if that's another case of 1985 / 1992 confusion...or tongue in cheek humour.

As for the appropriatenss of Five Years.....Bowie had once intended it as an anthem to the dying world for lack of natural resources (granted it was electricity, not food).

Bowie in Australia 2004 | Join the Community

<<Bowie borrowed a suit from someone smaller than him>>

Was Prince at Live Aid?

BFP

Yes. Prince apparantly performed in a Ziggy Stardust costume......no one could work out why.......

He was broadcast from Japan (all other artists performed in Philadelphia or Wembley to my knowledge).

Bowie in Australia 2004 | Join the Community

As far as I remember, he made a pre recorded film, sitting cross-legged strumming a guitar, naked. Can anyone confirm?

I believe in the Power of Good
I Believe in the State of Love
I Will Fight For the Right to be Right
I Will Kill for the Good of the Fight for the Right to be Right

Yeah, it is coming!
Amazon.de has the Live Aid 4 DVD Set put on release for November 8, the price here is 41, 99 €. Pre-order is done.
What a great time for music DVDs: first Reality then Live Aid. Cant't wait for those long red wine music dvd winter nights.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

For all those interested in more background info about how that massive Live Aid concert was planned, organised and televised here is a fascinating report by Hal Uplinger, the US producer for the show.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'

There's a 1 hour documentary on the new DVD. There are 3 Bowie related surprises on their you cannot get anywhere else.

The collection is definitely worth checking out.

BFP

I have the DVD set but haven't watched the documentary yet. I am working my way through it but it is indeed a lot of stuff to watch. But it is great.

And I want to believe
In the madness that calls 'now'