Bob Geldof has given 'Just for One Day' his blessing
It remains one of the most enduring pop concerts of the modern era - and now the story of Live Aid is set to be turned into a stage musical.
What's more, its co-organiser Bob Geldof has given his blessing to the show - which is titled 'Just for One Day', after the line from David Bowie's 'Heroes' - although the Irish man has nothing to do with it.
Geldof and Midge Ure organised the concerts in London and Philadelphia on July 13th 1985, which saw a multitude of stars including Queen, David Bowie, Elton John and U2 play the transatlantic TV broadcast, in order to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia.
The show is set to run at London's Old Vic from January 26th to March 30th 2024, and was written by John O'Farrell (Mrs. Doubtfire) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet).
"This isn’t a tribute thing," said Geldof. "I wouldn’t have anything to do with that. So, there isn’t a person dressed up as Freddie wearing a crap moustache. The songs drive the drama along. It hinges on individuals and their experience because that was Live Aid."
The Boomtown Rats singer said that O'Farrell and Sheppard had been reluctant to approach him with the idea.
"They came and said, ‘We know you are going to say no, but we want to do it because our dads have never stopped talking about this day. And we think it’s theatre’,” he said, but added how "We were blown away" after seeing the show. "I have to say there was not a dry eye in the house. Let me be completely blunt: it’s bad enough being Bob Geldof," he quipped. "It’s slightly worse seeing someone else pretending to be you."
Geldof had previously been portrayed on film by Domhnall Gleeson in 'When Harvey Met Bob', but will be played by stage actor Craige Els in 'Just for One Day'.
Songs by all of the aforementioned artists - as well as The Pretenders, The Cars, Status Quo, Paul Weller, Sade, The Boomtown Rats, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan and Ultravox will all feature in the show.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 6th.