Summary: Live Aid, held on July 13, 1985, marked a significant moment in music history, showcasing a mix of New Wave, Boomer rock, and pop artists in a grand philanthropic effort. The event emerged from the Band Aid initiative led by Bob Geldof, which aimed to address the African famine. However, while it generated immense funds, it simultaneously reinforced the dominance of older Boomer artists over the new wave of musicians, sidestepping the punk ethos of musical accessibility and intimacy. The juxtap of vast stadiums with heartfelt intentions sparked discussions about the commercialization of charity and the implications for the music landscape.
Discussion Question: How do you think the commercialization of charity events like Live Aid affects the authenticity of musical movements and artists, especially those striving for genuine social change?
