Bob Geldof recalled how Live Aid revealed a spirit of generosity and solidarity, pointing to five Irish women who offered their wedding rings as famine relief donations on July 13, 1985. Speaking on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show, the singer, author and humanitarian told host Patrick Kielty that the charity event offered a glimpse of the Ireland he always believed existed.
The 1985 dual-venue concert at London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s John F Kennedy Stadium brought together music legends including Queen, U2, David Bowie, Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney to support famine relief in Ethiopia. Geldof recalled growing concerned that donations were not coming in quickly enough. Irish production staff then contacted him at Wembley about five women waiting outside to hand over their wedding rings.
Fearing the donors might experience regret over such a personal sacrifice, Geldof instructed organizers to hold the jewelry for a week to give the women an opportunity to reclaim them. Reflecting on that response, Geldof noted that the country contributed more pro rata than any other nation in the world.
Just For One Day Comes to Dublin
The legacy of the 1985 concerts is being revisited through Just For One Day, an Olivier-nominated musical featuring music by Queen, U2, David Bowie, Elton John, and Madonna. The production is scheduled to run at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from August 24 to September 11, 2027. Geldof admitted he initially felt reluctant to get involved before a charming Liverpudlian won him over.
During workshop sessions for the stage show, actor Craige Els—who portrays Geldof in the production—shared a childhood connection with the singer. Els explained that his grandmother in Liverpool used to make him stand on a kitchen table at nine years old to perform impressions of him. That revelation convinced Geldof to back the theatrical run.