a day ago
Ian Dempsey recalls his day working on Live Aid
Former 2fm DJ and current Today FM breakfast show host Ian Dempsey worked behind the scenes on RTÉ's award-winning TV coverage of Live Aid. He shares some memories of the day
What was your role on the day?
"Along with my colleagues, I was 'manning' the phones (a term which probably doesn't exist 40 years later) with fellow presenter Barry Lang and Broadcasting Assistant Linda Bent.
"Our job was to chat, flirt and secure plenty of cash from a very willing public. What a great day it was. We were also simulcasting on Radio 2 (now 2FM) so there was no escape for anybody!"
Were you there for the whole thing?
"No. As I remember it, we each had to do a shift of about three hours over in the TV Block. I was there from about midday until 3pm so early enough and I drove straight home afterwards and went into a darkened room with the television on and watched every microsecond until about 3am the next day."
Live Aid was a HUGE live event with a lot of moving parts and a lot going on so lots of chances for cock-ups - were there many during RTÉ's coverage?
"To be fair to the Donnybrook end of things, it was plain sailing as far as I could see. I suppose they had very little control over the actual music, the feeds, the satellites etc so it was just a case of filling in the spaces whenever necessary. Of course, there was an amazing 'can do' attitude with everybody involved and that usually helps things run both smoothly and brilliantly."
What were your highlights - musical and otherwise?
"I think that pocket of Live Aid in the late afternoon in London which featured separate performances by U2 (landscape changing for Bono), Queen (21 minutes of excellence - no debate) and David Bowie (well, what did we expect?) - but it has to be said that Status Quo at midday kicking it all off with the most appropriate song ever was a bit special - Rocking All Over The World."
What were your lowlights - musical and otherwise?
"I thought the American end was less good but maybe I was just tired. It didn't seem to have the same oomph! Although, I did enjoy The Thompson Twins with Madonna."
Did you get the feeling early on in the day that Ireland would end up contributing the most per capita than any other county?
"Well, Ireland has a brilliant record at helping others. I knew it would be an impressive total from the response that we got on the phones. It was non-stop!"
Was it an emotional experience for you?
"Yes, I think it was something the whole world could come together for and it proved the power of people when we all felt passionately about the issues in Ethiopia. And the fact that Bob Geldof, a lad from South County Dublin, was putting the fear of God into rock stars, TV viewers and donors made it all extra emotional."
What do you think Live Aid's legacy is?
"It was a unique event that will never happen again. Everybody was caught on the hop and the outcome was unbelievable."
