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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast host makes Live Aid plea after 'spine-tingling' update
BBC Breakfast's Rachel Burden made an on-air appeal, asking viewers to get in touch following a nostalgic Live Aid clip from the iconic event over four decades ago. The "spine-tingling" footage featured a montage of the historic day on July 13, 1985, at Wembley Stadium, where fans who managed to secure a ticket to Bob Geldof's philanthropic concert would have shelled out £25 each, with £20 going to charity. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the star-studded lineup that included Bob Geldof, Status Quo, Bono, Tony Hadley, and other '80s icons sharing the stage for the first time, BBC spoke with individuals who witnessed the spectacle in person. Introducing the special segment, Rachel remarked: "Now I wonder if you remember what happened on this day in 1985 when the world's biggest stars came together for what would become one of the biggest gigs in pop music history Live Aid." She continued, outlining the purpose of the monumental concert: "The aim of the transatlantic event was to raise funds for those affected by the Ethiopian famine that claimed the lives of more than a million people. 40 years later, our reporter Piers Hob Cable has been hearing from some of those people involved," reports the Express. Attendees reminisced, with one calling it "the best day of my life" and another recounting the event as "it was spine-tingling" from beginning to end. Sue Goddard was overwhelmed by the experience, saying: "It was absolutely incredible and I have to say I had shivers up my spine. It was incredible." Tony Hadley shared a similarly thrilling memory, describing a "spine-tingling moment" as he watched Status Quo open before him with their anthem Rocking All Over The World, thinking: "Wow this is really happening." Elaine Hills recounted an unforgettable and life-changing incident when Bono leapt into the audience and chose her from the sea of fans to accompany him on stage. Seizing the moment, Elaine didn't hesitate to take the opportunity, despite the significant risk of being caught by her mum, whom she had assured she wouldn't attend the concert. Eventually, word reached Elaine's mother that not only had she been at the concert, but she had also joined U2's frontman Bono on stage, which initially did not sit well with her. Nonetheless, Elaine shared that her mum came around in the end and they were able to share a smile about it. Elaine reflected: "She told me she was proud of me". After hearing these personal accounts of the iconic concert, BBC Breakfast returned to the studio where host Rachel was eager to hear more stories from those who were there. Back in the studio, Rachel expressed her excitement: "Wow, and you can watch the three part documentary Live Aid at 40 When Rock 'n' Roll Took on the World." The presenter also recommended: "It's brilliant actually, I've seen the first part, it's on iPlayer right now. There's also a Radio 2 special called Live Aid the Fans Story which is available on BBC Sounds." In a heartfelt appeal to the audience, she added: "And we'd love to hear from you, your memories of that day." As contact details appeared on screen for viewers to respond, Rachel went on: "Maybe you were there? Do you remember watching it at home?" She encouraged viewers: "Do get in touch in all the usual ways on screen right now, we'd love to hear from you."
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
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."
