One of the most legendary concerts in music history is making a return.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, Greatest Hits Radio will rebroadcast the iconic 1985 benefit concert in a special 10-hour program airing on July 13, 2025. Titled Live Aid Relived, the event will be hosted by British radio presenter Simon Mayo and will showcase unforgettable performances from Queen, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, The Who, and many others.
Broadcast Schedule and Features
The broadcast will begin at noon (local time) and will include exclusive commentary from original Live Aid performers such as Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet, along with cast members from the upcoming musical Just For One Day, inspired by the concert.
The special will conclude with the final episode of Live Aid Set to Re-Air on U.K. Radio for 40th Anniversary Celebration, a documentary series that features interviews with key figures behind the concert, including Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, Queen’s Roger Taylor and Brian May, and concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith.
Personal Reflections and Iconic Performances
Simon Mayo shared his personal connection to the event, saying, “I was there as a paying customer 40 years ago and I can’t wait to relive that extraordinary day — apart from finding a place to park in Wembley, of course.”
Listeners will be able to hear Queen’s full 21-minute performance, often hailed as one of the greatest live sets in rock history, as well as David Bowie’s moving rendition of “Heroes,” dedicated to children worldwide.
The Legacy of Live Aid
Originally broadcast to an estimated 1.9 billion viewers across 150 countries, Live Aid was a dual-venue benefit concert held at London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium. The event raised over £114 million for famine relief in Ethiopia but has also faced later scrutiny over portrayals of African countries and questions surrounding aid distribution.
A Message from Bob Geldof
Bob Geldof, co-founder of the Band Aid Charitable Trust and the force behind the original Live Aid concert, emphasized the lasting impact of music and the importance of the anniversary broadcast.
“Thank you, Greatest Hits Radio, for hopefully reminding people that they are not powerless in the face of human monstrosity,” Geldof said. “What better time than now to know and understand the power of music and what it can achieve.”
When to Tune In
Live Aid Set to Re-Air on U.K. Radio for 40th Anniversary Celebration will air on July 13, 2025, on Greatest Hits Radio.
