Live Aid concert to be turned into stage musical
nme.comJust For One Day, is based on the iconic 1985 concert held at Wembley Stadium, which saw acts including Queen, U2, David Bowie and Paul McCartney perform.Bob Geldof, a former member of The Boomtown Rats turned activist, and ex-Ultravox co-lead singer Midge Ure organised the concert held on July 13, 1965 to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.Now, Geldof has giving playwrights his blessing to stage a musical based on the concert that will feature songs played on the day by acts Elton John, Queen and Sting.
The musical play runs from January 26, 2024 to March 30, 2024 at London’s Old Vic Theatre.BBC News spoke to Geldof about what fans can expect from the show.
He clarified, firstly, that no actors will be trying to imitate the performers.“This isn’t a tribute thing. I wouldn’t have anything to do with that,” he said. “So, there isn’t a person dressed up as Freddie wearing a crap moustache.
The songs drive the drama along.”The plot of Just For One Day, named after a line in Bowie’s song ‘Heroes’, will balance a behind-the-scenes look at how Band Aid and Live Aid came together, with a love story inspired by real events.“The story is based on actual testimony from the day,” Geldof continued. “It’s real people telling their story throughout this.
Read more on nme.com