Dear grandchildren, this is Live Aid, which celebrates its twenty-five year anniversary today. And this was Bossy in 1985 when the Live Aid concert packed stadiums on both sides of the Atlantic and was broadcast in every nation of the world — but Bossy watched it on her parent’s black and white television set in a beach house in Avalon New Jersey:
The Live Aid summer concert was organized by Bob Geldof on the heels of his multi-artist charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas. Live Aid was meant to offer financial relief to blah blah hunger Bossy forgets. What Bossy doesn’t forget is that Bossy’s close and personal friends The Hooters opened the show at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia:
There were also lesser-known musical artists performing that day. Such as these guys:
And this lady:
And these blokes:
And sometimes many of these unknowns would cluster onstage at the same time:
And it was really touching the way a few people hung out until the very end to see every act:
Bossy can describe her memory of the Live Aid concert in this way: Honestly, council, to have the day back minus big hair.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. Can you tell Bossy in exactly ten words what you remember about the Live Aid time period in music or otherwise? And to you young people: isn’t it your bedtime or something?
And be sure to check back later today for the best memories on the web.
Alison says
July 13, 2010 at 1:17 pmFrankie Goes to Hollywood and those terrible t-shirts, Frankie says Relax.
Sheri Bheri says
July 13, 2010 at 1:25 pmFell off bike – in hospital with concussion – missed it – sad.
Kizz says
July 13, 2010 at 1:25 pmFreddy Mercury. Just before he died. Still miss that man.
Debbie says
July 13, 2010 at 1:34 pm‘Hands Across America’ & heading out w/my parents to hold hands w/strangers…
Kristin says
July 13, 2010 at 1:34 pmStep-maggot lied. Said “we’re going!” Never will be forgiven.
Meg says
July 13, 2010 at 1:35 pmBad perm, hideous clothes; awesome music, won’t forget.
Meg says
July 13, 2010 at 1:35 pm….. and obviously I can’t count because that was only 8 words. GAH.
The Domestic Goddess says
July 13, 2010 at 1:42 pmDad finally let us get cable, not allowed at concert!
teri says
July 13, 2010 at 1:43 pmhot…no sun block or water……or shade……did I mention hot? oh if I had it all to do over……I was just talking about The Hooters the other day. LOVE THEM!
MainlineMom says
July 13, 2010 at 1:46 pmJFK, Philly, HOT, epic, Africa, Wembley, 25 years?, I’m OLD.
Jessie says
July 13, 2010 at 1:46 pmHot day, I remember. Listened on the radio all day.
Sherri says
July 13, 2010 at 1:47 pmHad on the “Relax” t-shirt. Fluorescent green (shudder) shorts, scrunchie in the hair and we were glued to the T.V.
Christina says
July 13, 2010 at 1:49 pmIn US on 7/14. I was in labor
Maggie says
July 13, 2010 at 1:50 pmPhil Collins performing both venues – flying from London to Philadelphia
AmyG says
July 13, 2010 at 1:51 pmWorked. Attached to transistor radio all day. VCR worked too.
Ok, that’s 10 words, but my strongest memory is longer. Listening to Paul McCartney at Wembley and having the foolish announcer say “there’s a reunion onstage!” And the other announcer saying “that’s a reunion of all the other musicians who played today.” Cruel thing to do to a Beatles fan!
Blog Princess says
July 13, 2010 at 1:57 pmU2 was mesmerizing. I watched the whole thing from England.
BOSSY says
July 13, 2010 at 2:00 pmBossy only happy the thing wasn’t Tweeted back then. Gah.
souphead says
July 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm@ camp. Ran to bunk every 90mins to change the tape…(yes,cassette tape!)
MemeGRL says
July 13, 2010 at 2:18 pmListened on small radio working with most sullen lifeguards ever.
BossysMom says
July 13, 2010 at 2:27 pmLive Aid…I needed some in those days, big time.
Lara says
July 13, 2010 at 2:32 pmpeeing in mens room while Madonna sang – great day!
Gramps says
July 13, 2010 at 2:34 pmJeeze, I was 47—so long ago.
Who is the lady????
BossysMom says
July 13, 2010 at 2:36 pmAid as in “kick in the seat of the pants.”
Dan says
July 13, 2010 at 2:37 pmMick Jagger and Tina Turner !!!!! Hot Stuff !!!
WebSavvyMom says
July 13, 2010 at 2:40 pm–>Madonna didn’t talk like a virgin or a Brit.
http://www.WebSavvyMom.com
klcrab says
July 13, 2010 at 2:50 pmfeeling like we might really be able to change something.
km says
July 13, 2010 at 3:06 pmU2 and Queen. Wembley ruled.US broadcast= mere annoyance.
GrandeMocha says
July 13, 2010 at 3:17 pmAt the University of Karlsruhe (Germany). Bonding with Architecture students.
Michele says
July 13, 2010 at 3:53 pmEyes glued. 14 and obsessed with the Duran Duran fellas.
DawnA says
July 13, 2010 at 3:58 pmParachute pants, legwarmers, braces, too much time on hair & makeup.
rockle says
July 13, 2010 at 4:05 pmMy parents let me watch the whole thing. They’re AWESOME.
p/f says
July 13, 2010 at 4:08 pmNeighbor and I watched much of it in our pj’s.
Little Miss Sunshine State says
July 13, 2010 at 4:11 pmNewborn baby had surgery. Me? Nervous Breakdown. Bad summer.
Twice says
July 13, 2010 at 4:20 pmLoved the earrings, hair and clothes. Miss my skinny body.
lauren says
July 13, 2010 at 4:45 pmno tickets. listened from OUTSIDE stadium. then watched MTV’s replay.
(then put it the audio together with the video in my mind!)
one big rocking day for sure!)
Melinda says
July 13, 2010 at 5:07 pmWatched all day with dear friend Kim. She’s gone now.
GreatAunt says
July 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm“We Are The World” was our junior high graduation song.
brenintx says
July 13, 2010 at 5:26 pmThanks Bossy! Now I’ve that song stuck in my head.
(10 words) :-p
Mr Farty says
July 13, 2010 at 5:27 pmT’was a lovely day. Who’s the cutie in the earrings?
Cinthia says
July 13, 2010 at 5:47 pmIt gave us the “African children have no food” lesson.
Suzi says
July 13, 2010 at 5:53 pmDon’t remember it. Too old?
Mary K says
July 13, 2010 at 6:14 pmSingle mom, attending college, 3 kids. Live Aid, Schmive Aid!
21st Century Housewife says
July 13, 2010 at 6:24 pmLiveAid, FarmAid, USA for Africa — loved the music and hope.
21st Century Housewife says
July 13, 2010 at 6:25 pmFriend was worried and confused: “What is this BandAid?”
21st Century Housewife says
July 13, 2010 at 6:26 pmBig hair, bigger shoulder pads, biggest, brightest earrings: so cool!
21st Century Housewife says
July 13, 2010 at 6:28 pmCan we agree that Madonna is the real “Karma Chameleon?”
Carroll says
July 13, 2010 at 6:29 pmMy decade of oblivion. Two small boys. Current events? Hah!
unmitigated me says
July 13, 2010 at 6:29 pmFriend in labor,and only four weeks til my wedding.
Average Jane says
July 13, 2010 at 6:41 pmThe year I graduated from high school. Big blonde hair!
heidi says
July 13, 2010 at 6:43 pmMe: desk girl at Apple health Club. Fred Schneider: guest.
Kerri Anne says
July 13, 2010 at 6:54 pmI was three. As in years old. Live Aid 2011?
Meg at the Members Lounge says
July 13, 2010 at 7:24 pmGinormous permed hair, lipsynched We Are The World with officemates.
BOSSY says
July 13, 2010 at 7:29 pmBossy, watching at home, obsessively worried over crowd size. Trampling?
Franca Bollo says
July 13, 2010 at 7:31 pmWatched Live Aid while packing for move to San Francisco.
kathleen says
July 13, 2010 at 8:06 pmhusband died no money& five year old = never ending work
Amy in NJ says
July 13, 2010 at 8:12 pmAge: Almost 10, watched it, maybe taped it on beta?
The Subtle Rudder says
July 13, 2010 at 8:12 pmShit, Kathy dropped the purple microdot in the shag carpeting.
BOSSY says
July 13, 2010 at 8:13 pmBrother played in bar while watching musician friends on TV.
Catherine McP says
July 13, 2010 at 8:22 pmOne baby, one in oven. Watched in ugly maternity clothes.
Summer says
July 13, 2010 at 8:28 pmFound out “starving student” was not just a cute nickname.
Elizabeth says
July 13, 2010 at 8:40 pmMissed it, parents put me in rehab for entire year.
Lynna says
July 13, 2010 at 8:41 pmTiming labor pains all day for my first born child.
Nikki says
July 13, 2010 at 8:41 pmWas four. Rainbow Bright is all I remember from then.
Cupcake Murphy says
July 13, 2010 at 8:55 pmWaitressing at Hard Rock Cafe—hair feathered like Big Bird.
Debby says
July 13, 2010 at 9:01 pm80’s all good. Loved the hair. Loved the men. Sigh
Maggie says
July 13, 2010 at 9:04 pmMarried 1 year – felt “old” at almost 24 years old
Laurie says
July 13, 2010 at 9:12 pmHad a ticket but gave it up for Wildwood. Dumb.
Susan says
July 13, 2010 at 10:40 pmI was twenty five and did whatever I felt like.
Deborah says
July 13, 2010 at 11:29 pmWatched, loved…and still have 9 hours on video tape.
Baby Favorite says
July 13, 2010 at 11:42 pmAquanet, fingerless gloves, Strawberry Hill, parties, crushing on doctor’s son.
runnergirl says
July 13, 2010 at 11:49 pmgrounded…preventative mom. Watched on tv, best friends front row.
Lil 15 year old Susie Hill was PISSED off that day!!!!
Lynn says
July 14, 2010 at 12:18 amThe world isn’t alot better so what was the point?
Kate says
July 14, 2010 at 1:09 am15 year-old me discovered Queen rocked harder than any other band
Judy Yeager says
July 14, 2010 at 7:58 amI don’t even remember it, What is wrong with me?
Amy Cates says
July 14, 2010 at 9:03 amSat in front of TV until eyes were practically bleeding.
K says
July 14, 2010 at 9:54 am10:
Summer night job. Watched and slept intermittently at boyfriend’s.
Another ten:
Shoulder pads, big hair, bright colors, shining optimism, college kid.
Random thoughts:
I saw the Hooters the day after they signed their recording contract – they played “rock and roll star” – fun show. I still have that first vinyl. The drummer wore a sweaty bright yellow jumpsuit (odd thing to store in my brain all this time). Which college was this at? Lafayette or Bucknell, maybe?
teri says
July 14, 2010 at 10:22 amcrowd scare me….stayed in my seat the whole time….YIKES!
teri says
July 14, 2010 at 10:23 amwas 19……sat with my sister who was 14 and my three other friends were on other side of stadium…..never again…..HATE CROWDS……
Shanna says
July 14, 2010 at 10:32 am“Do They Know It’s Christmas” still brings tears to my eyes. The whole live aid thing I don’t recall that the 3 channels we could maybe get on our TV in the far north of northern Wisconsin didn’t televise it. No MTV at my house, I know, I was deprived as a child. DePRIVED Bossy, not Depraved, that came much later in my life.
Like after I found your blog. 
Kris says
July 14, 2010 at 10:37 amSixteen. Don’t remember watching it. Probably having sex with boyfriend.
Jamie says
July 14, 2010 at 11:02 am6 years old. I only remember “We are the World.”
Gretchen says
July 14, 2010 at 11:26 amHoly Crap. You just reminded me (I had blocked out the possibility) that my middle child is about to turn 25. How is this possible?! No no no no….
renee says
July 14, 2010 at 12:34 pmit was my 21st birthday and my brother wouldn’t take me to the show with him. however, he did call to tell me he rode on an elevator with mick jagger & tina turner. thanks bro.
Maureen in IL says
July 14, 2010 at 3:13 pmPreggers that summer only vaguely remember live aid, anything really
Carroll # 47 – amen
Robyn Taylor says
July 14, 2010 at 7:30 pmNursing my first baby. The birth of MTV. Still love the LiveAid Christmas Song.
Robyn Taylor says
July 14, 2010 at 7:32 pmWait, I think the first two were 1983.
AngAK says
July 14, 2010 at 7:32 pmcan’t remember. antidepressants, failing 1st marriage. stupid young love.
Jennifer says
July 14, 2010 at 8:34 pmTerrible twos
in 1985-
Pixels peeing pants.
So was I.
Pat says
July 15, 2010 at 10:18 amHey Bossy, I don’t remember what I was doing or how much I watched…but I do remember YOUR (1984) face looking exactly the same as it does in 2010! Howdoyoudothat???????
Beth says
July 15, 2010 at 3:32 pmGraduated from high school. Thought of Madonna as bad imitation of Cyndi Lauper.
Beth says
July 15, 2010 at 3:33 pmOops, I completely forgot to count. Sorry!
Rhonda says
July 15, 2010 at 6:12 pmmy oldest will be 26 this year. I was probably watching with BF Becky & kids!!
Jodi says
July 16, 2010 at 10:04 pmDad hired driver to take 6 teens to Philly. AMAZING.
(we were on the field – just to the left of that screen in the middle. Almost crushed near the showers)
joanneinjax says
September 25, 2010 at 8:53 pmI was older when LiveAid happened. But, I have the best memory: Lynard Skynard played in my backyard for my party on the St. Johns River in 1971. I went to Lee High School with these guys in Jacksonville, and their namesake, their football coach, Leonard Skinner, just died last week, after a lifetime of high living, booze and gambling.
I have to say it was a great party, and I have pictures of my mother with Gary and Leon, posing in her Oscar de la
Renta Ikat gown (my, gawd, I wish she had saved that). My best friend, and roommate in college, also had them at her party at the Florida Yacht Club.
Us old gals have stories to tell. I guess I shouldn’t post this on your well-read blog. WTF, I love your writing and hadn’t read it recently. Still, fabulous!
Love you,
Joanne