It was the 13th of July, 1985 and the world waited with anticipation as the stage at Wembley Stadium was poised to launch Live Aid. BBC Radio 1 DJ Richard Skinner famously declared,
“It’s 12 noon in London, 7am in Philadelphia and around the world, it’s time for Live Aid”.
We reflect on the legacy by displaying some items from the personal collection of organiser Bob Geldof. Items include letters from Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, planning documents for Live Aid, the very first test pressing for Band Aid, Peter Blake’s stage-side sketches of Live 8, hand-written re-worked lyrics for Band Aid 20 and much more.
Items from Bob Geldof's Personal Collection
Hand-written lyrics for Band Aid 20
Original official Band Aid and Live Aid merchandise on sale
Past Exhibitions
Live Aid 40: Music, Power & Unity
5 June 2025 - 18 January 2026
