Live Aid to be turned into a musical featuring songs from Bowie, Queen and U2 | Ents & Arts News
Live Aid - the star-packed gig which raised £127m for charity nearly four decades ago - is being turned into a musical.
The legendary fundraiser, organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was held on 13 July 1985 in front of a 72,000-strong crowd in Wembley Stadium, raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Tens of billions more watched it as it was streamed live on TVs across the world.
Featuring performances from stars including David Bowie, Queen, U2, and The Who, it has since been voted the most memorable gig of all time.
Now, titled Just For One Day, in a nod to David Bowie's 1977 track Heroes, which he sang at the show, it's going to be recreated for theatre.
It's been written by John O'Farrell, who wrote Mrs Doubfire the musical, and directed by Luke Sheppard, who was director of Romeo & Juliet.
Geldof, who has been involved with the production throughout its development, said: "If this musical encourages just one person to have a positive impact for the better, then it will be a job well done."
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Ten percent from the sale of each ticket will go to The Band Aid Charitable Trust, which works across Africa to fight poverty and famine.
Select schools and community groups will also get the chance to see the show for free.
Tickets go on general sale this Friday.
