34 years on from the original concert, Queen guitarist Brian May wants to see another Live Aid event to raise awareness for climate change.
Back in July of 1985, the world of music changed forever. Inspired by the plight of those affected by the Ethiopian famine, Bob Geldof put in a few calls to begin organising the now-iconic Live Aid concerts.
Taking place at England’s Wembley Stadium and America’s John F. Kennedy Stadium, these two concerts helped draw widespread attention to the effects of the famine, with broadcasts drawing in 1.9 billion people, and related events helping to raise £150 million in the process.
While subsequent events have since taken place (including 2005’s Live 8), one of the most memorable moments of these performances was undoubtedly Queen, featuring frontman Freddie Mercury at his charismatic, crowd-pleasing best.
Now, Queen’s Brian May feels that another concert should take place to help tackle the ever-present threat of climate change.
Check out Queen performing at Live Aid:
Speaking to The Daily Mirror, Brian May explained that the problems faced by the world at the current time undoubtedly necessitate another wide-scale event to help bring attention to the issue.
“It probably would take the younger generation to take that bull by the horns,” May explained. “We’d help in any way we can but I think that’s what it would require.”
However, May explained that with this issue being “so enormous”, the idea of a star-studded concert might not be anywhere near enough to make a difference.
“People have seen so many concerts since Live Aid purporting to be solving the problems of the world so it’s not quite as easy as it seems,” he added.
Of course, Brian May isn’t the first to suggest such a concert, in fact, 2007 saw the debut of Al Gore’s Live Earth concert, which intended to raise awareness for climate change and its effects.
With multiple events taking place around the world (including one at the Sydney Football Stadium), it’s unclear how much Live Earth raised, and its second event in 2008 was cancelled before it began.
In related news, Queen are set to bring their Rhapsody tour to Australia in 2020, performing shows all around the country with acclaimed singer Adam Lambert tackling Freddie Mercury’s iconic vocals.
Check out Queen performing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’:
Queen Rhapsody Australian Tour 2020
Thursday, February 13th
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday, February 15th
ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday, February 19th
AAMI Park, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday, February 23rd
Optus Stadium, Perth, WA
Wednesday, February 26th
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA
Saturday, February 29th
Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast, QLD
Tickets on sale via Ticketek
