Banbury businessman shares memorable moments from 'Live Aid' rock concert event at its 35th anniversary

Monday July 13 will mark the 35th anniversary of “Live Aid,“ which was billed as the biggest rock event the world would ever see.

Ronnie Johnson, the owner of Star UK Travel located in Parsons Street, Banbury has shared some of his experiences from the once-in-a-life time event.

A benefit concert held on Saturday July 13, 1985 was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine.

It was a “global Jukebox,“ with the event held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London attended by 72,000 people and John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, USA attended by 89,000 people.

The event began at midday at Wembley Stadium with a fanfare for Prince Charles and Princess Diana and then it was over to veteran rockers Status Quo who opened with their hit “Rockin’ All Over The World“ in front of a global audience.

Each act had around 20 minutes. Whilst all put on a show some acts gave blistering performances, no more than Queen and Freddie Mercury.

U2’s performance established them as a pre-eminent live group, a highlight being Bono jumping off the stage to dance with a girl in the crowd. It was later revealed that he actually jumped down because he saw the girl being crushed as the throngs of people pushed forward.

Phil Collins appeared with Sting at Wembley before getting on the Concorde and flying to the USA to appear on stage at Philadelphia – What a day.

Ronnie Johnson, then tour manager for Jeffs Travel Banbury, was privileged to be at the global event with 50 customers from the Banbury area and had the added bonus of attending the 'hospitality area' at Wembley and mingling with all the many stars and celebrities on the day.

Ronnie said: "On the concert day our coach left Banbury early in the morning. The pure joy and anticipation on the faces of the Banbury contingent as we travelled to Wembley was magic with everyone full of expectation.

"For me personally it was an event that has stayed with me ever since. The 16-hour music marathon was beamed live to 1.5 billion people worldwide and raised £30 million to help the starving in Africa.

"Over the years when the Live Aid subject has come up in conversation I excitedly state 'I was there, singing, dancing, cheering and clapping for an unrivalled event, the day the world came together as one.'

"In our present difficult times it is maybe that unity we should all remember and hope to achieve.

"I will finish with Bob Geldof’s rallying cry for donations for the event - 'Don’t go to the pub tonight – please stay in and give us your money' – Classic Sir Bob Geldof!"

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