Live Aid at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia | photo via Wikimedia Commons
Live Aid Conversations
Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Live Aid, here are chats with those who were on the ground at JFK Stadium.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the legendary Live Aid benefit concert — which took place in part at Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium on July 13, 1985 — WXPN presents a series of deep dives into the historic event, beginning with a short documentary feature by WXPN Morning Show news anchor Bob Bumbera.
The event drew some 100,000 music fans to South Philadelphia on a 95-degree day for legandary performances by Madonna, Run-D.M.C., Bob Dylan, and a reunited Led Zeppelin with Phil Collins on drums. But the day got under way with a performance from Philadelphia hometown heroes The Hooters, who had just released their major label debut Nervous Night. The band’s keyboard player and co-songwriter Rob Hyman spoke with us about his experience at Live Aid.
Along with throngs of fans, the media was out in force at Live Aid, both national and local. Rock radio veteran Pierre Robert, a longtime voice at WMMR, shared his Live Aid tales and memories, including a performance by a reunited Black Sabbath — the first time in seven years that the first time that founding lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward shared a stage together.
Keeping the show moving was an array of celebrity emcees including, in Philadelphia, actor and comedian Chevy Chase, who caught up with us to share his experience from the side of the stage — including legendary rock promoter Bill Graham coaching him on his banter.