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Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Secret behind Freddie Mercury's Live Aid performance and Gary Kemp's big regret
On July 13 1985 Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially opened Live Aid - Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's organisational triumph, that saw some of the world's greatest musicians perform at Wembley and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium. Broadcast to 1.9 billion people globally, performers like The Style Council's Dee C. Lee recall the thrilling, but nerve-wracking concert, that raised more than £114m for Ethiopian famine relief. Fans assumed she was wearing shades because of the sun. In fact, she was so nervous that she threw up just before the band, led by her future husband Paul Weller, went on stage. 'Travelling to Wembley felt pretty much like travelling to perform at any festival, but once we got there, it all got very real very quick.' says Dee, 64. 'Before we went on, the nerves had properly kicked in, to the point I had thrown up just before walking out onto the stage. This explains why I had to perform in dark glasses, as my eye makeup had run. Not my normal practice!' Speaking on BBC Sounds' Live Aid: Fans' Story, released today, Dee is celebrating that magic day's 40th anniversary. She also sang on the Band Aid single, Do They Know It's Christmas? which raised around £8 million for the famine and was the precursor to the concert. Dee - who went on to have two children, Nathanial and Leah, with Paul before their 1998 split - continues: 'Looking back, I'd felt I'd been part of something amazing, but I didn't realise how historic the day would become. I'm still very proud to have played a small part in it.' The Style Council performed second on the bill after Status Quo, who had the perfect opener with Rockin' All Over The World, following a brief performance by the Coldstream Guard. The Quo's Francis Rossi, 76, says: 'Nobody wanted to go on first. There were lots of egos. I remember asking our manager if anybody had decided yet. 'I said we would gladly go on first, because everybody was arguing. We thought we'd be out of there in 15 minutes and home and didn't think the whole thing would be anywhere near as important as it became.' Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp didn't anticipate the magnitude of the day either. Had he done so, he says he wouldn't have chosen that moment to perform new track Virgin to the audience of 72,000 at Wembley and 89,000 at JFK Stadium watching via satellite, not to mention the billion plus viewers at home. 'I am slightly irritated by the fact that we chose that moment to do a new song,' admits Gary, 65. 'I can't believe that we did a new song out of the three we chose. We didn't do Gold, which frustrates me. We did True and Only When You Leave. We didn't fully get that people would be talking about it 40 years later." The Who had not played together for years when they did Live Aid. 'I was quite excited to watch them,' says Gary, revealing how guitarist Pete Townshend allowed him to watch them perform from the side of the stage. 'At the end of the concert, Sting was handing out the hymn sheets of Do They Know It's Christmas and was very much the head boy of the situation. 'We all kind of did a sort of rehearsal backstage that sort of fell apart and then, of course, everyone ran on stage and tried to do their best. Some people were much better at getting to the front than others.' Nik Kershaw, 67, was approached by Sir Bob about Live Aid in January 1985, when the Boomtown Rats singer spotted him at Heathrow Airport waiting for a flight. 'There was a whole bunch of us going off to a German TV show, and Bob was lurking in the terminal. I never figured out exactly why he was there,' he says. Recalling the atmosphere at Live Aid being 'fraught and tense' until he finished his set, he continues: 'There was a whole load of us hanging out in the royal box. I remember Tony Hadley standing up in the front and saying, 'Does anyone want a beer?' And everybody, I mean, everybody, put their hand up, and he just slumped off and appeared about half an hour later with trays and trays and trays of beers. Good man, Tony. 'When Queen came on, it was an utterly joyous celebration of music. But there were other moments. I remember a particularly poignant moment when David Bowie came off stage a song early, so they could play the original 1984 Michael Burke news report in Ethiopia that started the whole thing off, and the whole place went quiet as everybody remembered what they were there for.' When the show was over and they were all packing up to go home, Nik heard someone singing to himself ' Do They Know It's Christmas time' 'It was Mr. Bowie and I was completely and utterly star-struck,' he says. Billy Ocean performed across the pond at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium. 'I was pleased they asked me to do it,' he says, 'I would have liked to have been one of the black artists in London. I would have been very offended if they hadn't asked me. 'I've always given Bob my respect ( for putting together Live Aid). I thank him for doing something like that for Africans." Meanwhile, Queen's set, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Hammer To Fall, Radio Ga Ga, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions is widely regarded as the most famous single performance in popular music history . But it almost never happened. Sir Bob reveals how Freddie Mercury called him, unsure about taking part. Doing an impersonation of Freddie, Sir Bob 73, remembers the call, saying: 'The phone rang and he goes 'Is that you Bobsy? 'I said, 'Yes, and he said, 'So what's all this? It's wonderful what you're doing, but that's not really our thing, you know?' 'I said 'I get it, Fred, honestly, man. But if there was one stage in the world ever built for you, this is it.' And he said, 'Well, what do you mean?' And I said, 'Well, hello, darling! the world.' 'There was a pause, and then Freddie said, 'Yes, I think I know where you're coming from.' And then the next minute, Freddie went on and blasted the world. ' Legendary DJ Paul Gambaccini was backstage, recalling: 'Someone came up to me and said 'they are stealing the show!' You could feel the frisson.' Meanwhile, Sir Bob adds: 'Freddie and Queen will always be remembered for Live Aid. It's not me bigging myself up, but they came from a space of exhaustion with each other, with their music and unsure where to go next. I think they thought, 'if we're gonna go we're gonna go out on a high - by telling people what we did.' These guys just wrapped it up in their blazing 15- 20 minutes.' Freddie, who died from an AIDS related illness in 1991, called it 'a turning point in the history of Queen.' Supported by drummer Roger Taylor, lead guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon, one of the world's greatest showmen ensured that we are still celebrating Live Aid 40 years later.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The King's ‘workaholic' two weeks before cancer treatment side effects
The King has cancelled engagements on Friday after a 'short period of observation in hospital' due to 'temporary side effects' from his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace said that after 'scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer' on Thursday morning, the King 'experienced temporary side effects'. Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and returned to public-facing duties in April despite still undergoing weekly treatment. It is understood the side effects, of which specifics have not been disclosed, were temporary and not uncommon with many medical treatments. He travelled to and from the hospital by car and was not joined by the Queen during his brief stay. A source described it as a 'most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction'. The King is said to be on good form at home in Clarence House where is working on state papers and making calls from his study. Charles, who is known for being a workaholic, is said to have thrived on carrying out public and state duties in recent months, seeing them as being of great benefit to his overall wellbeing. Here are the King's most high-profile official engagements from the last two weeks: – Thursday March 13, London The King held a WaterAid reception at Buckingham Palace with guests including fitness influencer Joe Wicks who said he would 'love to know' the King's fitness routine. – Monday March 17, London The King met the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the royal residence in London. He told Mr Carney 'it's a great treat to see you again' as he welcomed him in the 1844 Room. – Wednesday March 19, Belfast After arriving in Northern Ireland, the King and Queen were greeted by sea shanties and acrobatics in Belfast's Commercial Court where they met members of the public. The King then visited the Newforge sports complex in Belfast where he gave a speech paying tribute to the police and thanking them for their work. – Thursday March 20, Limavady The King and Queen visited an arable farm near Limavady in Northern Ireland. Charles was presented with an oak sapling while Camilla helped cook steak using the farm's oil produce. – Thursday March 20, Hillsborough The King met young people taking part in Co-operation Ireland's future leaders programme at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, his official residence in Northern Ireland. – Thursday March 20, Coleraine In his final stop in the north west of Northern Ireland, the King visited Ulster University's campus in Coleraine. Here he learned about ground-breaking research that scientists are conducting into cancer therapies. – Friday March 21, Banbridge At the final stop of the Northern Ireland tour, the King met representatives from the Game Of Thrones experience, the owner of a gift shop, local bakers and linen makers in Banbridge. Two ukulele bands, from Banbridge and Lisburn, played Rockin' All Over The World as he arrived with the Queen. – Monday March 24, London The King met the UK and France's top military leaders at Windsor Castle. Charles, who is head of the British armed forces, held an audience with the joint chiefs of staff from both countries. – Tuesday March 25, London At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, the King knighted a number of notable figures including actor Sir Stephen Fry who said he was 'chuffed to the heavens'. Athlete Dina Asher-Smith, a Second World War veteran and novelist Alan Hollinghurst were all also knighted by Charles at the ceremony. – Tuesday March 25, London The King attended a reception hosted by the Queen at Clarence House. Camilla unveiled the Queen's Reading Room Medal, which will be awarded annually to people who support storytelling in their local communities. The King then attended the annual Butler Trust Awards ceremony alongside the Princess Royal at St James's Palace in central London. The King's sister presented the awards to outstanding people working in prisons, probation and youth justice across the UK. – Wednesday March 26, London The King attended an exhibition celebrating the power and potential of soil at Somerset House. Curators Of The Soil: The World At Our Feet exhibition praised his 'incredible sense of curiosity' as he toured the exhibition. The King and Queen then in the evening hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. – Thursday March 27, London The King was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations on Thursday afternoon. This was cancelled as he visited the London Clinic due to temporary side effects of his cancer treatment. – Friday March 28, Birmingham The King was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham on Friday but these have been rescheduled under medical advice.
The Independent
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The King's busy fortnight as he cancels Friday engagements after hospital stay
The King has cancelled engagements on Friday after a 'short period of observation in hospital' due to 'temporary side effects' from his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace said that after 'scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer' on Thursday morning, the King 'experienced temporary side effects'. 'His Majesty's afternoon engagements were therefore postponed,' the statement added. Charles, who is known for being a workaholic, is said to have thrived on carrying out public and state duties in recent months, seeing them as being of great benefit to his overall wellbeing. Here are the King's most high-profile official engagements from the last two weeks: – Thursday March 13, London The King held a WaterAid reception at Buckingham Palace with guests including fitness influencer Joe Wicks who said he would 'love to know' the King's fitness routine. – Monday March 17, London The King met the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the royal residence in London. He told Mr Carney 'it's a great treat to see you again' as he welcomed him in the 1844 Room. – Wednesday March 19, Belfast After arriving in Northern Ireland, the King and Queen were greeted by sea shanties and acrobatics in Belfast's Commercial Court where they met members of the public. The King then visited the Newforge sports complex in Belfast where he gave a speech paying tribute to the police and thanking them for their work. – Thursday March 20, Limavady The King and Queen visited an arable farm near Limavady in Northern Ireland. Charles was presented with an oak sapling while Camilla helped cook steak using the farm's oil produce. – Thursday March 20, Hillsborough The King met young people taking part in Co-operation Ireland's future leaders programme at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, his official residence in Northern Ireland. – Thursday March 20, Coleraine In his final stop in the north west of Northern Ireland, the King visited Ulster University's campus in Coleraine. Here he learned about ground-breaking research that scientists are conducting into cancer therapies. – Friday March 21, Banbridge At the final stop of the Northern Ireland tour, the King met representatives from the Game Of Thrones experience, the owner of a gift shop, local bakers and linen makers in Banbridge. Two ukulele bands, from Banbridge and Lisburn, played Rockin' All Over The World as he arrived with the Queen. – Monday March 24, London The King met the UK and France's top military leaders at Windsor Castle. Charles, who is head of the British armed forces, held an audience with the joint chiefs of staff from both countries. – Tuesday March 25, London At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, the King knighted a number of notable figures including actor Sir Stephen Fry who said he was 'chuffed to the heavens'. Athlete Dina Asher-Smith, a Second World War veteran and novelist Alan Hollinghurst were all also knighted by Charles at the ceremony. – Tuesday March 25, London The King attended a reception hosted by the Queen at Clarence House. Camilla unveiled the Queen's Reading Room Medal, which will be awarded annually to people who support storytelling in their local communities. The King then attended the annual Butler Trust Awards ceremony alongside the Princess Royal at St James's Palace in central London. The King's sister presented the awards to outstanding people working in prisons, probation and youth justice across the UK. – Wednesday March 26, London The King attended an exhibition celebrating the power and potential of soil at Somerset House. Curators Of The Soil: The World At Our Feet exhibition praised his 'incredible sense of curiosity' as he toured the exhibition. The King and Queen then in the evening hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. – Thursday March 27, London The King was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations on Thursday afternoon. This was cancelled as he visited the London Clinic due to temporary side effects of his cancer treatment. – Friday March 28, Birmingham The King was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham on Friday but these have been rescheduled under medical advice.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
King and Queen conclude three-day visit to Northern Ireland
The King and Queen greeted members of the public as they concluded their three-day visit to Northern Ireland. Hundreds of people packed the streets of Banbridge, Co Down, waving flags and bearing bouquets and other gifts, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royals. Two ukulele bands, from Banbridge and Lisburn, played Rockin' All Over The World as Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, upon their arrival. At Banbridge Old Town Hall, Charles met representatives from the Game Of Thrones experience, the owner of a gift shop, local bakers and linen makers. Sam Harding, managing director of the Game Of Thrones Studio Tour, said it was 'a very good day for the area and for the business'. Mr Harding said he explained to the King that what is now a tourist attraction was the location for the popular series, and it was a family-run linen mill before that. 'He was really easy to talk to and very pleasant,' he told the PA news agency. 'He is aware of Game Of Thrones, hadn't watched it himself but was really keen to understand what the business was like and the contribution to the local community. 'We asked if he'd seen the show, and he said no, he hadn't had the time to do it. But we told him it was eight seasons long if he did want to give it a go.' William Porter, owner of a local giftshop, spoke to Charles about a small ceramic crown and the uniqueness of a £5 note with the late Queen's head on both sides. 'It's either worth a complete fortune or a forgery,' he said. Asked whether the King said much about it, Mr Porter said he did not. Camilla visited Banbridge Library and listened in while Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back, written by local author Kate Russell, was read to children. She was also presented with a bouquet of pink cupcakes by Nikki McDonald, general manager of The Windsor Bakery, which opened the year of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. As the couple departed from the town hall, Charles was presented with a ceramic artwork of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh by Deputy Lord Mayor Kyle Savage. 'He was delighted to receive the gift,' Mr Savage said. 'The visit was fantastic, he was very down to earth, he connected with people and really engaged with all the businesses. 'It was great to hear His Majesty taking the time to talk with so many local businesses.' The royal couple were then told about the history of the Co Down town and briefed on its famous bridge built in 1835. Before concluding their visit to the region, they shook hands with members of the public, accepting gifts and flowers and petting a few dogs as children wearing paper crowns waved flags. Over their three-day visit, Charles was briefed on research into cancer therapies at the Ulster University campus in Coleraine, while Camilla took part in a cookery demonstration at a farm near Limavady with celebrity chef Paula McIntyre. The Charles and Camilla stand on the Rathfriland Street bridge as they look over Bridge Street in Banbridge (Liam McBurney/PA)They met farmers, artists, acrobats and sea shanty singers during the visit, as well as Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
