HAVE YOUR SAY: Live Aid Memories

What are your memories of Live Aid?

Your Live Aid memories

Jane, London
I was 24 at the time. I remember it was a hot day and, being an avid sun worshipper in those days, it was difficult for me to stay indoors and watch the TV. But I did! All the artists on stage were brilliant but Freddie Mercury and Queen were the best. I watched the whole Wembley show and stayed up to watch the Philadelphia show as I wanted to see if Phil Collins had made it across the Atlantic in time. Nothing will ever top the original Live Aid show at Wembley!

phil owen, swansea, wale
live aid was a great day that i will always remember. it was the summer i did my a levels and life was perfect. i spent the day surfing at llangennith beach, gower with friends and when we came out of the water everyone in the car park had parked in a massive circle with a fire in the middle and all cars had the radio tuned into the live aid concert. we left the beach at dark, went to a friends house and drank beer all night while watching the us live aid!! i remember watching keith, ron and bob finish the night!! and then walked home with a smile on my face as the sun came up. life was good!!

Mandy Jackson, Barnsley
I had just moved into a flat about 1/2 mile from Wembley Stadium and on the day had the tv on with the sound turned down and opened all the windows, so I got it sort-of live and it was the next best thing to being there. I remember Status Quo coming on and the noise of the crowd cheering getting louder and louder so you could hardly hear the music start, then the unmistakeable sound of 'Rockin all over the world' and I felt like the whole country was cheering. The highlight for me was Queen of course - every artist gave it 110% and it showed, but they just had that little extra, and 'Is this the world we created' summed it all up for me.

Sarah, Ayrshire, Scotland
I had just left school and we were still living in Rosyth, i set up the deck chair and tv outside on the patio and sat there all day watching it, still get goosebumps thinking bout the Quo coming on for the first song.

Max Robson, Newbury
I was there, great day..although I have always been a Bowie fan I have to admit that Queen stole the show...only went to the loo once ,during Status Quo and saw Bob Geldof in the corridor...he never spoke to me!

Kevin Sermon- Wokingham
Only myself and the other lucky ones in the Wembley crowd saw all of The Who,didn't notice that Maccas mic was off,sang with Freddie and had the best day of our lives to help people have better days in theirs.Years later I met Geldof and said 'I was there' he just said 'So was I'

Bethan Whitby, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshir
I clearly remember the day, as I gave birth that evening! My husband was cross because he missed U2's performance. I have since bought him the DVD of the day's concert, so the 'baby' and I are now forgiven!

Meera, Emsworth, Hants
I remember Queen and the energy Freddie Mercury had when he was singing Radio Ga Ga. It was an awesome day, a day when Music changed the world. I hope we can do it again this time round and let Africa know that we are with them in the fight to end poverty.

Andrea, Chester
I was 16 and remember it vividly as an uncharacteristically hot day in Glasgow. We were due to pile into the car and head south for a family holiday, but that was delayed for a day and instead I sat glued to the tv with the VCR remote and 6hrs of tape to capture the best bits... Hard to pick a moment, but mid-afternoon Elvis Costello strolled out with guitar to sing that northern folk song... 'All you need is love', as they changed sets in the background. Band Aid, Live Aid, Run the World... all those events years back made me think about what goes on beyond my own front door... and 20 years on I not only consider these issues, but take action accordingly... isn't that what it's all about?

Sarah, Northampton
It was my 5th birthday party and we played musical chairs to Status Quo as they opened the concert. My dad managed to set the record player to the exact same time as the tv and the sound was deafening! All the houses in my street had the concert blaring out of their open windows. Being only 5, I didn't really take much interest, but I do remember feeling something pretty major was happening. Oh, and I remember Bob swearing!!

steve ferguson berkshire
I was a soldier in the Falklands at the time, one of the lads had his mother video it all and send it out. Not only was it fantastic to watch, all be it several days late, but the only other video we had to watch was a 3 hour war drama that was deadly dull so we watched the Live Aid videos until they fell apart.

Keith Povall - Walsall
The morning of Live Aid, my next door neighbours and I went to the gym for a work out (the first and last time for me). We hit the gym hard, then hit the off licence even harder and spent the rest of the day boozing and watching the concert on TV. Next day I had friends coming to lunch and I couldn't move from the previous days pumping iron.

Shona Christie, Aberdeen, Scotland
Was dragged into town to purchase a new TV on the day of Live Aid so spent most of the day watching the concert in loads of TV shops - not ideal. The best bit for me was U2, when Bono took that girl on to the stage, danced and kissed her I so wanted it to be me. Live Aid was fantastic! Hope Live8 is too.

Sophia Maddison, Northamptonshire
My daughter was 6 months old and I sat her in front of the TV on Live Aid day even though it was a glorious sunny day and we could have been outside in the garden. She's now 20, home from uni, and looking forward to watching this year's concert at home - I daresay she will have heard of more bands there than her aged parents! Her 17 year old brother is waiting to see what all the fuss is about!

Angela Turnpenny Somersham Huntingdon
My husband got back from Ethiopia that morning after 6 weeks "Feeding the World" based in Addis Ababa - he's in the RAF. We had the TV blasting out, the BBQ in the garden and a fantastic weekend!

Steve McDonald . Old Harlow Essex
We should call him saint Bob not Sir Bob, 20 years on and he still belives in the kindness onf the human heart.I saw live aid and I will make sure I see live 8. Fantastic.

Victoria Hanwell Leicestershire
I was there,at wembley with my best friend Linda, Iwas nineteen and we were so excited and had traveled by bus from Leics. we had come mainly to see Paul MCcartney. We started the concert at the back end of the stadium and by the end we had worked our way to the front.No mean feat i can tell you. Wham fans tried to stop us getting through,but we did it,just as Paul came on stage....a cameraman stood right in our way,and then the sound disappeared! We just smiled and the smile is still there,when i think of that mindblowing hot July day twenty years ago,and I WAS THERE!

Rupert Pane, Brackley
I'm only 16 so i hadn't been born - sadly - but i have watched the DVD and i must say Queen and Bowie were awesome!

Robbie mcguire,farnham,surrey.
Knocking at doors trying to sell double glazing,i was 17 years old and it was my first job so i was trying my hardest.Every door that opened i could hear music,great music,ended up in a few houses watching live aid and having a few beers,every one was so kind,the nation was happy that day. Will live with me forever.

Julia, Birmingham
I spent the Live Aid day house sitting for a family friend. I was making curtains for the Bedroom. I had the T.V. on and I was recording the concert on the radio. I still have the tapes! It was a very emotive day and on a number of occasions I was wiping tears from my eyes with the curtain lining! My fave was Madonna singing 'Love Makes The World Go Round'. This concert was a one of a kind, Live 8 will help give a boost to the Third Word economy and help them get on a par with the rest of the world. I am lucky and will be going to Hyde Park, it will be a fantastic day, rain or shine!

Christine Pitman - Uxbridge
I was twelve, and my family had travelled back from our Butlins Holiday that morning so that we were near a TV for the Start at Midday, It was amazing, and I watched it all day and got very emotional by the evening when it got to me the grandure of the event and the thousands of lives we were trying to relive. I could feel the aura of the event through the TV and as I was a few miles from Wembley, I saw the Lights in the Sky in the evening and heard the buzzing of helicopters and light aircraft as they landed and took off. I was part of it but nobody new. I watched it to the very end which was very late for a 12 year old. I'm sad that another concert has to be done for the millions suffering.

Mrs. Glynis Mackie Newcastle upon Tyne
I was expecting my first baby and we were decorating her (as it turned out) room with Live Aid playing loud in the background, we kept stopping to watch bits, she is now 19 and on Saturday returns from 6 months in Ethiopia where she has been teaching as part of her gap year.

michaela hope from walton on thames, surrey
I ws having a party to celebrate my 18th birthday when live aid was on. My friends and i kept popping into the lunge to watch the event as well as partying. it made my day feel really special and i will never forget the day!

Chris Barron, Bournemouth
Biggest event the world had seen and I missed the whole thing! I was undergoing Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell. They had us marching all over Lincolnshire for the whole day, then cleaning all our kit and accommodation all night for an early morning inspection the next day. I managed to catch about 2 minutes of the Philly concert at about 1 am, but that was it.

Janine Carey, Ealing, London
It was a glorious hot and sunny day at Wembley. My greatest memory was when Queen came on stage, my boyfiend and I were sitting down by then, and when they started playing everyone around us got to their feet and we couldn't understand why (as they were 'old hat' by then) by the end of their first song (I think it was Radio Ga Ga?) we understood why - they were such a great stadium band. U2 were good as well. Good luck to Live 8, hopefully a new generation will understand the message whilst having a great day like we did in 1985.

Gillian Douglas, Aberdeenshire
We had just moved house (from Fife to Aberdeenshire) and had returned our rented colour TV so we watched Live Aid on a 14 inch black and white portable TV. I remember the weather being great and watched the coverage in between gardening and topping up my sun tan!

Paul George, Exeter
It was the start of the summer holidays. We'd just finished our A-levels and six of us travelled to Swanage to spend a week in my Grandparents static caravan. We saw Quo start the show at my parents flat, then drove to Swanage listening to the radio in the car. The TV was switched on as soon as we got to the caravan and we watched the rest of the show with a few beers, enjoying the sunshine and the music. I remember at 5am the following morning thinking what a glorious evening it had been and watching the sunrise - it was magical!

Sara Cook,Richmond Surrey
It was my 18th birthday and my friends had bought me a ticket but I couldn't go!We rigged up a TV in the garden and watched it from start to finish with a whole group of friends.We had prepared a whole lot of food to nibble on during the concert but found we couldn't eat it for obvious reasons........

James Child Horsham, West Sussex
I missed most of the event as I was with my wife who was giving birth to our first child. We didn't have a video recorder back then so we have never seen the whole event (must buy the DVD). No more babies expected so we can watch in a bit more comfort this time.

Emily Culverhouse in Chesham
I was holidaying in Cornwall in a caravan and I remember waking up and there being an air of excitement to the day. We were among the enviable few who had a television so we sat watching. It was a beautiful sunny day and other holiday makers were walking past and stopping at the caravan to watch through the window... We'd never been so popular!

Kelly Rutter, Bristol
I was 11 when Live Aid happened - it was the most thrilling day of my young life! I watched every moment I could possibly manage, staying up far later than I ever had to see Duran Duran. The most vivid memory I had was 'The Cars' with the video message from Africa - I still well up every time I hear Drive. I'm going to Live8 and I absolutely can't wait!!!!

Alison Whitton, Shirebrook, Derbyshire
I'd just returned home from hospital, having given birth to my beautiful, healthy baby son, James. He was clean, safe, warm and well fed, lying in his Moses Basket. I was relaxing on the sofa, ready to watch the concert. The Cars song and video footsge from Africa began playing. I looked at my baby, listened to the song and then watched the images on TV. I sobbed. Here we were, happy and safe together, yet such suffering was and still is happening in our world. I stayed put until very late, but had to go to sleep, ready for the late feed! Here we are, now awaiting the 20th birthday next Friday, of my healthy, happy, 6'4" son!! Though it's one child's lifetime away, it's remains as strong an image and memory. This time around, that small baby will be languishing on the couch, stuffing his face and getting ready for a night in the town. Marvellous!

Sue Jones (MRS!!) Reading
I got married at 2 o'clock on Live Aid day - so missed the lot! My husband saw Status Quo as he sat in his parents' garden drinking strong tea to calm his nerves - but I was at the hairdresser's and in those days people didn't have small TVs to watch in shops etc. We left for our honeymoon at midnight and spent the night at Gatwick airport - again no TV - because our flight had been brought forward from 9 am to 5 am - so we missed our special wedding night at a hotel too! We watched the highlight programme 10 years ago on a special anniversary weekend away from our 4 children - and celebrate our 20th anniversary in 10 days time. So I suppose it was worth missing the wonderful music but at the time we were a bit miffed. Our wedding had been planned for ayear so Live Aid caught us by surprise and there was no way we could change anything. Good luck this year - we plan to have a picnic in front of the TV as we weren't lucky enough to get tickets.

Lesley Follington, now living in Farnham, Surrey,
I held a big going way parti because I was going to live in Italy for 3 years and it seemed a suitably occasion given that I love live music. Settling in for the long haul when the phone rang, just as the Quo were getting into Rockin' all over the World! So missed the rest of their set while collecting a friend from the station. But everything else on the day was perfect. The sun shone, the beer flowed, loads of buddies turned up from all over, my sister's friends, my brother's friends, my mum, aunt & uncle. When we ran out of beer, we went to the pub to get some more! TV's in 3 rooms and the garden and I think the last person went to bed around 4.30. We also had a collection and raised some cash, which got us a mention in the local paper. Wonderful day, lovely people, great music.This year we will be running a real ale tent on the village green for our local village fete & carnival, so I may not get to see much of it live.

Kevin, Glastonbury
I started to watch it my little bedsit then went and listened to it outside as it was a lovely day. In the evening i went out with my best mate and we managed to get into a party we weren't invited to, and then i managed to get back to my bedsit out about 2 am to watch it until it finished.

Peter Cook, Childrey, Oxfordshire
I was above Wembley in the Goodyear Airship. The gondola is in the shadow of the helium envelope, and a door was removed for a television camera making it cold and noisy. The wind and the aero engine drowned out any vestige of music. Why was I there? I was operating the airship's TV camera for BBC. The view was amazing; I remember particularly the abudance of red cars in the car parks. When I viewed a video tape the next day to see how my shots had blended in with the music. The best shots were undoubtedly in the evening when Tom Corcoran was directing. Having worked together often, we had a good understanding of each other. His directions ensured that camera moves started and finished perfectly on musical beats as if I had been able to hear music. (I particularly remember 'Rocket Man')

Julie Wilson, South Bedfordshire
Hi! I had been married 11months, and had had our 1st Baby, Rebecca, on 2nd July, a very hot day, as was Live Aid Day! My friend Julie Messider came up from north London for the day, to see my new baby and we walked around the town centre for a bit of air. The shops were strangly quiet and the concert blared from most of the shops, like an abandoned disco! Quite a surreal feeling but still stuck in my mind......

Nick Ellis, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Live aid day for us was moving house! The priority was to get the video recorder set up even before having a cup of tea!It was hot work moving in but we at last sat down to enjoy the event...some live and some that we had recorded. A memorable day without doubt.

Fiona Seymour, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
We were on our honeymoon in Kenya. I remember my husband swimming in the pool during torrential rain whilst I was in the lounge watching Live Aid. I was relaying the concert to him and watching the audience being sprayed with hosepipes to keep them cool in the sweltering heat of London!

Rosemary Thane Newton, Hyde
I drove from Hyde, cheshire to Devon and listened to Live Aid on Radio 1 all the way down. Oce I arrived there, I watched the Philadelphia concert on TV. It was 2 days before my son'd first birthday. I will never forget it and now have the boxed set of DVDs.

Martin, Daventry
I was on holiday in Italy on Live Aid day so I missed lots of it. In the evening I went up to the hotel roof and watched Neil Young's performance on a TV in the block of flats next door through one of the open windows! It was magnificent.

Byron Lewis, Barry South Glamorgan
I was there. Although the expectations were very high, it seemed to surpass anything we hoped for. The crowd burst into a spontaneous rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" after the finale - that's what's going to stay with me forever - it filled my eyes with gladness!

Mick Sherriff Sunderland Tyne and Wear.
I remember where I was that glorious day-stuck onboard HMS Plymouth in the middle of the atlantic ocean on my way back home from a 6 month trip to America and the West Indies.It wasnt until we docked back in Rosyth Scotland a week later that we actually watched videos of the event,brought onboard by families and friends.We couldnt believe what we were watching,especially when the video showing the poor people of africa dead and dieing with the soundtrack of the cars "drive",playing.The mess,which held 52 men was in total silence.Im glad that I can be home for live8 and remember, again where I,ll be on that day in history.

Kal Khalique London
In response to Kelly above - I was the 15 year old who Bono pulled out from the crowd. My sister and I were desperate to see Wham so we had made it down to the front of the stage. Half way through the day U2 came on suddenly Bono was pointing to me in the crowd and after a no. of other girls were pulled out he finally jumped down and got the security guys to pull me out and danced and hugged me, and I even got a kiss. I’ve been a huge U2 fan ever since

Anna Anobile, Manchester
During U2's performance at Live Aid in '85, we received a phone call to say my brother had received severe head injuries in a motorbike accident. The rest of the day was spent at the hospital praying for him to survive intensive surgery and recover. Alan made a recovery which astounded the Neurosurgeons and amazed his family and friends. I want to be able to enjoy Live 8 in the knowledge that my brother and family are well, and that the poverty and starvation suffered by the people of Africa is being highlighted in such an amazing way. Those people in Africa who lose loved ones every day don't have success stories such as mine to tell, do they?

Carolyn, Plymouth
I remember walking up the steps and looking down into the stadium just as Quo started to play - a magical moment. When we came out at the end and walked down Wembley Way everyone was still singing - and did so all the way back on the tube. We got back to Plymouth just in time for the American finale so the timing was perfect. No other event could capture the atmosphere of the day and I was priviledged to be part of it. Highlights : Queen, and Elton John/Kiki Dee without a doubt.

Marco - London
I was woring for a lighting company at the time and had just come back from working on the U2 homecoming gig in Croke Park. I turned up at the office to find everybody stripping the warehouse and sending all the spare gear to Wembley. Everybody who worked for the UK Vari-Lite office ended up working Wembley, except for one, who was at Phily. By the end of the show it wasn't just the talent who was on stage, but half the crew as well. I am one of the blurs hanging off the scaffolding on stage right!

Su, Chelmsford
Age 13. It was the day of my school fete. Walked home barefoot burning the soles of my feet. Watched in awe as Status Quo opened. Saw as much as I could before going to a friends leaving party. I can remember it was on in the background all the time. Came home and was told in no uncertain tearms that I was not alowed to stay up to watch the Philadelphia sets. To make matters worse my parents turned round a month later and said if they had known what a landmark occaision it was they would have let me stay up! Something that will live with me forever is Bob Geldof going on to sing.

Jean Johnstone, Paisley, Scotland
I was at the concert, and it was a fantastic day, Queen stole the show, and The Cars video was so moving. A day to be remembered for ever. I queued outside the Appollo in Glasgow for 5 hours to buy tickets for my sister, cousin and myself and would do it again. I am very fortunate my sister got 2 tickets for the Edinburgh event on 06 July and she is taking me with her.

John Parker, Totnes, Devon
It was stunning weather in Devon and I spent most of the day sitting on a tractor turning hay, listening to the radio slung from the rollbar - so I didn't get to see it properly until later that evening. I watched it all on video three years later in my cousin's home in Kuala Lumpur. Best bits were Quo kicking off, Queen of course, but the bit I really remember is Geldof's 'how to die' pause - that really summed it up for me.

Sandi Bomphray
I gave birth to my first child on 13 July 1985. I remember feeling very cheated I was missing out on the fun of Live Aid! The staff in the hospital had the radio and television on and I could hear the event taking place. My memory was Queen playing in the corridors while I was pushing!!

Yvonne Shephard, Cambridge Street, Stafford
On Live Aid Day I ended up going to my aunt and uncle's 25th Wedding anniversary party, without my husband who was at home watching all of it. I had to tell everyone at the party that he was suffering really badly from hay fever! This time I am going to Inverness to stay with a friend for the Live 8 weekend and intend to sit through the whole lot...........

Steve Reid (Fife) now Hampshire
Ihad just started seeing my wife Susan we are still going strong twenty years later.I watched at home with the speakers at the back of the room sort of surround sound.I did tape it but my brother taped over it, and i have always wished they would release it and finally they did,thank you.The best bit QUEEN! awesome the best live performance ever, Freddie had every person in the world in the palm of his hand fantastic.Good luck this time have a fab day everyone,peace and love x x x x.

Chris, Didcot
I was in Devon on holiday and although I managed to see a lot of it I wanted to record it, and had no way of doing it from Devon. So the morning of the concert I was on the telephone to my sister telling her what I wanted recorded. For my sins I was a big Duran Duran fan at the time and said to my sister whatever happens make sure you record their set. When I spoke to my sister next day she said that she had to admit something to me. Yes, you guessed it - we had 16 hours of Live Aid, but only half of Duran Duran's set recorded. She hadn't noticed the tape had run out! A fantastic day anyway, and one I will never forget. I put a lot of my love of music down to that one day. Music how it was meant to be heard.

Richard Drain, 6 The Vale Basildon Essex
We got married on Live aid day and am still married to my wonderful wife Julie. Our wedding was booked before the concert was announced. I didnt have the guts to cancel! The TV was on at the reception during the day and behind the dicso in the evening. I remember everything stopping whilst we watched Queen. It was a great day in all respects.

Mike Reynolds, Exeter
A stunning, unforgettable day! I was 18 years old, and watched with my family, even my father who hated pop music (and said to me that the Pretenders were in his opinion, the best thing at the event). Why has Midge only got an OBE, he should have been knighted along with Bob.

Sarah Loveluck, Taranaki, New Zealand
Originally from Bridgend, South Wales – I was there. I was 18 and my sister called the night before to see if I wanted to go with my brother in law. She couldn’t get a babysitter – how nice of her was that? Couldn't sleep and 8am Saturday I begged my manager where I had my summer job to let me go and I got on the train to London. Hard to believe it was 20 years ago – I remember it like it was yesterday – a fantastic day to be part of. If I hadn’t already arranged my trip back to UK this August I would have liked to have been at Live 8. We fell asleep on the train and I left my camera behind!! That was a bummer but the memories are vivid. I still have the videos and the DVD has been on my gift list since last Christmas...Sis?

Cheryl Creswick...Ryemead Buckinghamshire
I was lucky enough to be asked by one of my dads friends Tony to accompany him and his son Christain to Live aid.. I was 15 it was the highlight of my youth..i remember seeing Nik kershaw Cross over the bridge thingy into the journalists boxes, just over head of us...i took some photo with my little camera... you can only just make out whos who.. we were quite a way down the side of the stadium...i wish now that i could take my son to Live 8 but alas we haven't got tickets...Maybe there'll be something similar another 10 years from now...thanks for the Memories Bob and Co....

Warren. Now in California USA.
I had tickets to see Dire Straits who were playing Wembley Arena that evening,which is just across the parking lot from the Stadium. We went early to hang aroung the Stadium and absorb such an event up close. We could hear Bowie performing as we walked aroung the Stadium. Had a drink with some Wembley employees. I bought the program which I still have (signed by Phil Collins too!)I still get very moved when reading Geldofs witness to what he saw in Africa... "Let me try and show you this...." I was very impressed with how high up the camera guy was placed at the back! That's who got those high angle shots that we see! An amazing day.......

paul mayle, chelmsford
that weekend in july 1985 was a very special weekend for my wife and i, as we'd just bought our new born eldest son home from hospital after he'd been in the special care unit for a week, as to live aid i think my fondest memory being a huge genesis fan was the phill collins and sting set.

June Read East Yorkshire
My sister Jeannie & I where there at Wembley. We qued up to get tickets in spite of being told by my husband Terry that it was a waste of time as all the tickets would be sold.. they weren't!!! He then had the cheek to ask if we had bought him one .. we didn't (someone had to babysit). It was the best concert ever, & so hot. Brian Ferry & Bowie were FAB but Queen were The BEST. I've still got all my video recordings, T shirt & Ticket. I'm not going to live8 but I'm sure that everyone will have the time of their lives.

Gary Murphy, Bristol
I was in Frenchay Hospital in Bristol recovering from a bad motorcycle accident, I was on a female orthopaedic ward in a side room, there was no room in the male ward, so I had my own telly and watched the whole thing. biggest memory of the night was the Nurse kept coming in and telling me to turn it down. I thought Bos pashion was excellent especially when he told Daved Bowie to sort the next one out.

wendy, farnworth near bolton
my brother and i were having a saturday-night-parent-gone-out-party, those kids crying cos they were hungry while the cars sang really hit home. we grew up that night.

Chris, Watford, Herts
I was there! so it says on the T-shirt I still have. It was my first concert at Wembley, a bit bigger than the "Hammersmith Odeon". Funnily enough no concert at Wembley since has quite lived up to this. Queen did it for me with the Beach Boys (some what surprised me at the time) from the other side of the pond.

Sue Lloyd - West Moors, Dorset
I was working as a Radiographer at Poole Hospital (Dorset) all night on Saturday 13th July that year!! We perched a small portable TV on a window sill - the only place we could get a signal in one of the X-Ray rooms as we didn't want to miss anything!! I remember it being a very hot day and hoping not many people would need x-rays that evening!

Angie Randall, Llangollen
My husband & I were there - what a day to remember! One of friends rang us from the ticket queue asking if we wanted to go - yes please! We travelled down & stayed with them the day beforehand - being from sheep country, we didn't expect it to be so hot but we had great seats & wandered down to the pitch now and again! Queen were AMAZING, but the whole thing was a wonderful experience. My younger sister stayed at our house to look after the menagerie and was under threat of death not to tape the whole thing! Coming back out of London on the tube afterwards was memorable too - everyone in high spirits! Good luck to Live8!

Siobhan, West Bromwich
I remember rushing over to my friends house to see the event with her. The streets were absolutely deserted. We were teenageers and excited at the very idea of a pop concert that went on until the very early hours! The idea that we could be part of soemthign that could change the world was pretty heady. Even the next day you had this feeling that barriers had been broken down and people seemed more willing to reach out to others. It was certainly the start of people thinking about poverty and third world hunger and wanting action on it. It was the start of many good ideas and intentions.

Jacqueline Pérez, Nimes, FRANCE
I was only eight when Live Aid tok place but it's probably one of my clearest memories of that age. We lived just behind the Stadium at the time (my dad's still there) so we could here eveything! It was fabulous, there was such an atmosphere in the whole area. Some Spanish cousins were staying with us at the time and they just went mad in the garden listening to it all!! Great memories. I'm sorry I won't be able to hear it live this time!!!

Kate Evans from Doncaster
I watched it on tv at home while my boyfriend was there at Wembley watching it with his best friend!He's still unforgiven even now.My memories are of a perfect summer's day with the tv permanently tuned into the concert with me watching it on and off all day.I remember seeeing Queen and U2 and thinking they were both amazing live acts. Sadly I never managed to see Queen with Freddie, but twenty years later I've finally mamaged to see U2

Mary Casey, Stalybridge, Cheshire
On the 13th July, 1985 I was celebrating my 40th birthday at the Little Mill Inn in Rowarth, on the way home listening in the car to the concert, in pouring rain. I was hoping this year you would be celebrating my 60th with me.

Tanya Abercrombie; Atlanta, GA
I was 12. I vaguely remeber the showas I had just returned from my great grandmothers funeral and we were watching it on the telly in Texas. From what I do remember it was a good show.

Wendy Pohl , Grande Prairie, Canada (formerly Dors
Really unexciting but.... I was working in Safeways and it was like FA Cup final or Grand National day - everyone came shopping in the morning. My mate lived right across the street and her hubby would come in every so often to tell us who'd been on and how great they were!

Derek Preece, Billingham
Live aid, I was with my wife, shopping in Chester Le Street, during the afternoon, but got home in time to see Queen and U2 steal the show in each of their own ways.

Yoho, Dorchester
I was so looking forward to Page, Plant and Jones. And then Phil Collins played the drums...oh dear :-(

Colin, Ipswich
I was on a Sunday School outing! It was a baking hot day and where were we? Maldon in Essex! It's not the seaside, there's no zoo, notghing. We just spent most of the day sitting under a tree listening to a transistor radio. The great irony is that we were from the seaside resort of Felixstowe!

Sandra Woolley, Borehamwood
I think my favourite memories at Wembley are...when the afternoon turned to evening, the stage lights went on, and it was just the best place in the world to be at that moment. The atmosphere on the day is something I have never experienced since...and of concorde flying over the stadium!! Wow!

Heather. York
My Dad rigged the TV up in the garde and I spent the whole live Aid Concert glued to the screen.Will NEVER forget U2 they stole the show! I taped the whole thing and still have my Video tho upgraded to DVD at Christmas. My friend and I have ticket for Hyde Park and are BEYOND excitement! I cant believe I'm gonna be there!! .......this is gonna be AMAZING!!

Wayne Wright, Salisbury
I remember turning up at work and on my desk was a note from my mate Lee saying "Big charity concert, Wembley Stadium, The Who are reforming". That was the hook being a huge Who fan. I immediately rang Wembley who said that although tickets officially went on sale tomorrow, they did have actually have them there for sale. So I quickly booked the afternoon off, got the train to London from Surrey and proceeded to Wembley. Inside the Box Office there were less than 1/2 dozen people milling around, a few vague posters about the bgig and nothing else. I parted with my £150 for six tickets which I'd somehow managed to get together as this was a lot of money in those days. I could have bought as many tickets as I liked on the day, but next day you couldn't get a ticket for love nor money as they sold out within a couple of hours. I was lucky really, and after a while this event just got bigger and bigger and we all realised how massive it was going to be.

Harsha Desai, Philadelphia, USA
I was 9 yrs old in 1985, 2yrs prior my family and I moved over to the UK from Kenya, so watching Live Aid all about Africa was really special to us, I had just got into the music of Wham, Queen and Sting and thought how wonderful they were and the energy that was created in helping others out who are less fortunate then myself and my family. I dont think i will ever forget it, and hope that we keep moving with helping Africa. I now live in Philadelphia, which will be a great place to see Live 8, I feel very luckly to be part of this generation and hope that we succeed to changing the state of Africa. I plan to be at the Art musuem in Philly rocking out to Stevie Wonder and all the rest of the lineup, I think the UK has the best lineup and wish i was there with my family again, but im sure i will gain many wonderful memories from this venue that i can share with my family later on. Bob Geldof is a true visionary and his efforts are out of this world.

emma ling horsham west sussex
I was there in baking sun, with people all around me tollerating the heat and lack of air with good nature and a sense of excitement to be a part of what we allo felt was history. A massive u2 fan i looked forward to them teh most but the night belonged to queen who were totallt fab. I'm gutted to say that despite entering i ddin't get live8 tickets, but i wish those that did a day as fantastic as i experienced.

Mark Occomore , Crawley West Sussex
I remember watching the whole event on TV. It was great to see all the great music artists being able to come together and sing some great music. I also had sad memories which brought a tear to my eye watching the video of the poor children in africa and "The Cars" song "Drive". Cant wait for Live 8.

ian, wakefield, west yorkshire
I was there ! It was hot ! It was history in the making ! I remember getting back home to Wakefield for last orders in my Live Aid T-Shirt and everyone asking what it was like. A truly unique experience !

Randall Dobson - Orlando, Florida, USA
I took the day off from work in Miami Beach, and was glued to the television from the early morning, throughout the entire day and taped it on VHS... one of my most prized articles until it was finally released on DVD recently. Most striking memories are of U2, Eric Clapton's, and Sting's performances. I have a professionally framed poster of the event that still hangs proudly in my house in Orlando, Florida. A day that changed the world.

Debbie Paddock, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Wow what a day! The greatest concert i have ever been to or likely too! It was awesome, the atmosphere was out of this world, it was like one big family pulling together for all those in Africa. My hi-light of the day was when Freddie Mercury and Queen came on stage. They transformed the day into something very special. It was a day I will never ever forget and I wish i was going to the Live8 concert but unfortunately i didnt get tickets! I hope everyone has a great day and enjoys it the way I enjoyed the first live aid concert

Chewy ... Rugby
I was relaxing by the pool at a 5-star hotel in Sardinia, and in the pool were the Norwegian female water polo team - honest! It was pure hell!!!!

kelly wythenshawe
i never got to see live aid in 1985 cos was nt born but i saw u2 perform on vh1 they was aussom theystole the show i think when bono saved the girl from the crowd it was amazing i wish it was me

Kathryn O'Connell, Cricklewood, London
There was an overwhelming feeling of unity and hope. The music was just amazing and I will never forget the Queen set- incredible. Good on Bob Geldof he has done it again

Janet R Campbell, Beckenham
I was only 11 years old in July 1985 growing up in Northern Ireland thinking that my own country was in Dire Straits, for at least a day we all realised how lucky we all are. I remember the Feed the world Tshirts. I have just watched the making of live aid on BBC TV tonight and only now at 31 years old do I realise the amount of effort which went into the whole project. I work in Advertising and Direct Mail and at the moment I feel like my career is so insignificant compared to what other people go through every single day. It is utter madness that 20 years on we still have starving people in the world. I feel like I have been totally ignorant this past 20 years. I know exactly what I will be doing on 2nd June and what I will be spending my TIME and money on.

Shirley Nicholas, Camborne, Cornwall.
I recorded most of Live Aid and watched it back several times in the following years. My favourite bit was the Boomtown Rats singing "I Don't Like Mondays" over a tape showing Bob Geldof talking to Margaret Thatcher and the words of the song fitting in with what he was trying to say to her. Unfortunately my recording was on Betamax and when our Betamax machine no longer worked we eventually threw all our tapes away as we thought we could never view them again.

Laura, Preston
It was my 11th birthday, me and my friend Susan opted to watch Live Aid rather than our usual endless bike ride round the block. I particularly remember David Bowie and Mick Jagger doing 'Dancing in the Street' and Bob Geldof swearing - I thought that was pretty good.

John Sellick Lytham St. Annes
I was there at Wembley. It was a gloriously hot day. My main memory was when I finally could hold on no longer and had to go to the loo..... I missed Elton John dueting with Kiki Dee to my all time favourite single - Don't go breaking my heart. I've got Live8 tickets for Hyde Park so I will time my loo break better this time!

What did you think of the London Live 8 event?

Damian Jones from Cardiff
Great concert. Swearing was a bit too much - and it's not that our priorities are wrong, but excessive use of bad language will give the cynics an excuse to criticise the people doing the swearing and to take the focus away from what really matters - the dying people in Africa

Susan, Edinburgh
It was thee best day of my life ever, it's difficult to pick which artist was the best but think Robbie did top it, but then so did Stereophonics, Razorlight, Annie Lennox was amazing, Madonna and U2 of course. It was such an emotional day with all the views, video's etc. and excitement. Still can't believe I was there. Hope the leaders were listening. Off to Murrayfield tonight for the next episode. Woohoo

C.T. Cruse , Dallas Texas
Pink Floyd were unbelievable after not playing for 24 years together and no practice to get up there. It was the best.

Warren from Guildford
Fantastic day! There were many good acts but Pink Floyd were absolutely great. Their songs speak for themselves. Musically on a different level. I almost had tears in my eyes at the end.

Kerry Patterson, Bath
Madonna was just amazing! Who can say she has a 'little' voice now? What a voice, what energy, and waht a show altogether! I also liked Sting. He too has a great voice live. Mariah Carey's voice was actually disappointing, and i kept wondering why she can't sing as well live as she does on record.

Ian, Milton Keynes
Hi, great day - most of the acts were excellent. We thought Keane and Snowpatrol stood out, as did Stereophonics to open the show. Madonna and Scissor Sisters were highlights later on. For "us at the back" the no alcohol policy did dampen enthusiasm a bit - not to mentiont the VERY long changeovers!! We had to leave before the end because the show ran so late. Just one major whinge; how DULL was Joss Stone - no atmosphere and barely audible!

Emma, Bedfordshire
I was there !! Words cannot explain the emotion and atmosphere of the whole occasion. The Robster did not disappoint. Why by Annie Lennox moved me to tears. Amazing how the whole world joined Will Smith on the 3 second finer click. All the words said on Saturday made me realise how lucky we really are. 8 men can change that. Make Poverty History

Rob Smith, London
Velvet Revolver were amazing, its ashame they were the only rock band at live 8 tho!

Craig G, Bradford
Annie Lennox singing "Why" was heartwrenching, you could hear a pin drop, and the emotion that surrounded us in hyde park was amazing. Madonna signing music and not stopping until everybody was clapping and singing was great (until my hands were red raw afterwards)!

Hannah Essex
The most amazing day I have ever been to. Speechless!

Sarah from Birmingham
Absolutely fantastic day, well done Sir Bob you pulled it off brilliantly, lets just hope that G8 listen. Best performace for me has to be Robbie - what a showman.

EMMY, Manchester, Uk
I was lucky enough to get into the Golden circle and it was magical! We had a superb view and all the artists and guests performed well except Mariah Carey who was just so egocentric it was vomitingly unpleasant. Snoop Dog was foul! But the best were U2, Annie Lennox,Madge,Razorlight ect ect. Just a Perfect day

Ross Brown from Dartford
Robbie,Floyd,The Who were excellent.Sir Elton John & Pete Doherty were the pits. Why were a fantastic band like the Killers only given time for one song ? Apart from that a brill day.

Hazel Morrison, Glasgow
was lucky to get a ticket to live8 on Saturday. Thought the day was fanstastic - loved coldplay, madonna , rem and scissor sisters but most moving and memorable session was from Annie Lennox - she was superb

Eric Allen from Cardiff
Mariah Carey was by far the best performer vocally - nobody else came close. She may mime when doing promo shows like top of the pops but she showed that she can still sing better than anyone out there. Hero was superb!

Mark, Birmingham
I thought Madonna was amazing. She livened up the whole thing which was quite slow till she was on stage. Yes, she said the 'f' word but so what? It definitely worked on the crowd and every single person joined clapping and singing!

Dan Green, Birmingham
I am absolutely amazed to see people saying that the day was rubbish, A certain individual saying that she left after two hours that is awful you are a disgrace so so ungrateful. I would have given anything to have been there just to watch on tv was amazing. The music that was played was stunning. To see artists from so many backgrounds just brilliant. My highlight RAZORLIGHT who just made sure that everyone opened there eyes to see the amazing music breaking through.

Robin B form Witney
I agree with those who criticised the swearing. Its a shame people who do criticise get trivialised just for wanting to maintain standards. It doesn't mean they think its more important than the cause. The point of the performance was to educate people so the performers should have been mindful that youngsters would be watching!

Rebecca - Wandsworth, London
We only had tickets to watch on the big screens in Hyde Park but atmosphere was just as powerful. An event worker went to the main arena to watch the Scissor Sisters and said there wasn't nearly as much of a vibe. She could actually hear us cheering over them and couldn't wait to get back! Thanks for pushing for the extra tix Bob et all.

Michelle, London
The most amazing concert on earth! I was there and had the time of my life. Well done Bob you are an amazing man!

Darcey Wynter Chichester
Watching Live 8 was amazing! Robbie Williams stole the show, I love all his songs and I thought Madonna did pretty well considering she can't sing that well, Live 8 was the best I've heard her sing!

Steve Maceham from Bristol
After waiting in the queue for five hours and only moving 500m, we decided to give up and go to the nearest pub and watch it!

Jill - North Shields
Why did Maria Carey have to be a total pain - demanding water and a mike stand. She was the only one that I did not enjoy. Pink Floyd and Robbie were fantastic. Bob Geldof deserves the Noble Peace Award.

James in London
Great concert, but who was that stoned idiot singing "Children of the revolution" with Elton John? That was spectacularly bad.

Gemma, Reading
Velvet Revolver wiped the floor with everyone!

Pete Flowers Hucknall Nottingham
No one seems to mention the over run of the concert times and two thirds of the crowd had left before before the end of the concert. I was one of those who had to leave early which made me miss Pink Floyd, my prime group I wanted to see. This spoilt a good day.

Keith Law Belfast
When are people going to be honest about the fact that Dido just cant sing live. I felt embarassed for her. She clearly wasnt embarassed at all... she went on to Eden to take up space on the stage there too! Jonathan Ross best chioce of presenter. Pete Doherty needs help, not paraded around like a circus freak. Shame on you Elton

John, London
Madonna was fantastic - looks like she's safe as the queen of pop for a while longer, everyone else was cool as well - music really does make the people come together!

Paddy, Donegal
Nothing short of wonderful! The spirt of the day was magnificent and I couldn't fault any of the acts, but The Who, The Floyd and Macca were the best! Go on, Bob!

GRAEME GLASGOW
I watched most of the event on TV with a few beers and it was fantastic! I thought the stand outs performance wise were Stereophonics and The Who although every act produced good performances.It was certainly a day to remember!

Thais Dalloz - Brasil
I only watch Joss Stone's performance and she was just PERFECT! Love that girl so much!

Mark Wheldale, Leicester
U2 and Annie Lennox were excellent but my favorites were UB40 who can still get the crowd singing along after 25 years together.An excellent concert and a great way to get the message across.

Leon from Lowestoft
I went to the concert and thought it was absolutely amazing! I Think Bob Geldof is doing an amazing thing and I dont think anyone can knock him for what he has done! The line up of artists on the day was fantastic! couldn't believe it. The Killers, U2, Keane, Coldplay and REM were fantastic. Great stuff everyone!

C Hawkins, Malvern
Good concert, good performers but shame about the swearing. Just for the record, not one life will be, or ever has been saved by swearing.

Andy Pimlott, Wirral
We saw it all from 100 yards. Best performances were Robbie, Madge, REM, U2. Not a fan normally but Stereophonics livened it up after Dido. Could not believe Mariah Careys attitude - ' can i get a mike stand !!. Otherwise a great day and a piece of history

Patrick from Burton On Trent.
I thought Madonna was AMAZING.The choir were fantastic who sang with her. I know a lot of people are moaning about her swearing but if it got the message across who cares? Brilliant day!!!

Michael from Malta
Show just highlighted the fact that Pink Floyd were and, apparently still are, in a league of their own. What an emotion to see the four embrace at the end of the show.

GB, Poole
Overall, not a patch on Live Aid. McCartney's opening was nothing special, when U2 were on their own, fantastic. Annie Lennox, incredible! Madonna was disappointing, Mariah outsang her by a mile. Travis, Keane, Coldplay all good, as were REM, but what with that make up? Could have been so much better.

Mark Waddington from Bolton
What an amazing spectacle, I really felt as though I was watching history unfold before me! Madonna was the definite highlight, so much energy and stage presence. To the naysayers who are complaining about the swearing I really think you should have been watching something else, perhaps the Tennis. Snoop Dogg and Madonna are renowned for swearing live on TV - if you can't handle it, change the channel!

Jenny Barnett Linconshire
I really think that Maddonna and Robbie Williams were Brillant and They made the crowd join in by singing and clapping.

Sarah, Greenwich, London
I was at Hyde Park and it was an utter priviledge. Everyone was amazing and the crowd around me were superb at the front and we could hear all of you at the back too - you were excellent! Sir Bob truly got his message across. Those of you complaining about the swearing need a little perspective. If only the VIP area hadn't been so big those of us that had queued for hours could've got a little closer...

Steve Love, Chester
Good day but overall not as good as the original.It needed a stadium to create the intimate atmosphere - the sound tended to vanish into space.It only really got going with the Stereophonics. Pink Floyd were awesome. They were as good as Queen were 20 years ago. Shows real, long lasting talent - none of your excruciating Docherty or whoever he is. What an embarrassment.Robbie was good - almost as good as Freddie. Well done to all. Lets hope it does what it said on the tin.

Sebastien from London
Just one word. "Brilliant". I loved it...

Barbi, Staffordshire
I thought Madonna was by far the best act in the whole day! The way she related to the African girl was inspiring, and her encouragement of the audience was also great! I couldn't stop dancing!

steve leeds
Pink Floyd was just amazing But the most emotional moment for me was when sir bob introduced the young lady that had been through the misery and pain of the events 20 years ago. That just knocked me for six with tears, a grown man booing his eyes out. And what a beautiful young lady she was too it just shows it does work aid…

Steve Anckaert from Stoke
Am I the only one that thinks Pete Doherty's performance was absolutly rubbish? Elton carried him through they're performance. Fair play to him, the guy was and can still be a rock and roll icon, but yesterday's performance was abysmal. He was swaying and spitting down the mic and you could hardly hear him. Do youself a favour Pete, turn back to the guy we used to know and love!

Lianne de Mello from Harrow
I was there, five rows from the front of the peasants section (i.e. not the Golden Circle), and it was absolutely amazing. The sense of unity and a common cause was fantastic, as was the music. Words fail to describe how utterly fantastic everyone was (bar Mariah Carey's egoistic antics), and it's hard to keep profanities out, in describing how much of a once-in-a-lifetime experience it was. Absolutely worth sore feet and aching legs, after standing almost solidly for about 16 hours!!!

Mandy Hunt, London
I think over and above the greatest concert the world has ever seen (I have found it too hard to pick one favourite - everyone was brilliant!!)it is the ingeneous strategy that Sir Bob has taken to get the worlds attention. He has created a movement that has enabled the public to get behind it without reaching into our wallets, just for our mobiles and computers to sign the biggest petition the world has ever seen. Trying to fix a problem much closer the source by targeting trade and aid policies will take time, but I think Bob's got is spot on. So what's most important now (other than getting G8 leaders to discuss in thier summit this week) is to ensure we keep up the pressure for years to come. Oh... and I will be buying the CD, DVD and the TShirt.

Elliott Spencer, Rugeley Staffs
I believe the Hyde Park concert was great, especially U2, Macca, Madonna, Coldplay, Robbie, Annie Lennox and REM. But I believe some bands made bad song selections such as Stereophonics who stated off great and Scissors Sisters who like Adam Ant (Live Aid 1985) tried to play there new song. It would have been better if either Green Day or Brian Wilson were there to lift the crowd, because at times it seemed a little flat. I also feel that although Velvet Revolver had great stage presence, I feel that they should have played in Philly. P.S Great to see Pink Floyd coming back and sounding fantastic

Neil from Hartlepool
Having begun the day quite cynical i was definitely swept up by the atmosphere and poigniant messages later in the day but feel that it did lack the feeling of Live Aid. I'm not much of a fan of his music but Snoop Dogg actually gave the crowd the adrenaline kick it had sorely lacked throughout the majority of the day (i understand the gripes about the profanity, but come on, there's worse in this day and age....although Madonna's outburst seemed a little 'desperate to shock'). Maybe it was the distance from the stage but it seemed like the crowd only woke up through the 'rockier' sets (Stereophonics, although once again not a fan, were very good during a quiet afternoon). But one real gripe..... the timing of the coverage was shocking! Jonathon Ross was brilliant to hold it together. A pointless Fearne Cotton interview of Razorlight during R.E.M's 'Man on the Moon'?!......

Lee Hildebrandt, Stratford Upon Avon
Mariah Carey was absolutely AMAZING as always! She certainly knows how to belt out a tune!! She'll always come up top in my eyes!! She is the number one singer of all time as far as I'm concerned! As for Madonna....Shame on her for the swearing, she must have been to wrapped up in her own little world to realise that there were actually children watching both their in person, and on the TV!!

calvin, london
i thought mariah carey was disgustingly arrogant with the whole water bearer and stuff. and whats with promoting her single 'we belong together' when all participants were expressedly told not to sing their current singles? maybe it's to do with the fact that it's released 4th july. she was totally making use of the media event and africa to promote herself.

Helen, Cambridge, UK
Wanting so much to be a part of Live 8 and all that it stands my husband and I queued with the best of them for an hour or so and when we eventually got in we were about two thirds of the way back. We couldn't see the stage or performers (even as specks in the distance to give the whole event some reality) and the big screens were completely out of sync with sound and video by a good second or two and it completely spoilt it. There was absolutely no atmosphere and no-one seemed to be enjoying it. The only applause that could be heard was from those around you. It was accutely disappointing for something that was meant to mean so much. Maybe with concerts of that nature people expect the big screens to have their video and audio out of sync but to me it made it not possible to enjoy. We left after two hours and spent ages wading our way out of London but got home in time to watch the last four hours on the TV which made up for the disappointing day out. Thanks Bob Geldof for being so determined to change the world. Thanks for having the guts to ignore the cynicism and plough on with your cause. We love you.

John, Kent
It was brilliant and to all the people complaining about the swearing maybe if you complained about the millions of people dieing because of poverty something would have been done sooner. A few swear words don't sound that important when children are dieing over stuff we could easily stop, get your prioties right!!!

Mel, Walsall
Am I the only person who thinks that Paul McCartney's performance was totally over-rated as usual and that Bono was the guy who carried him and made the opening sound so good, yet he got to do the what for me was a dis-appointing final set after so many fantastic ones??? The crowd showed who the rael stars were U2, ColdPlay, Madonna and Robbie but it's always the has been's who top the bill???

f.welker,cambs.
Surpassed my expectations. Few of the younger bands, who I'd never heard of, I enjoyed. But the standouts for me were Annie Lennox, as always so brilliant, and, surprisingly for me, Madonna,superb. All we needed at the end was Bob Dylan singing Chimes of Freedom!

Sarah, newcastle upon-tyne
Robbie Williams was amazing to watch and with the introduction of one of the greatest footballers alive it just made the night even more amazing to see but everyone was amazing to see realy (so many celebraties to see, i hope make poverty history works because it is so important for all of them people everywhere around the world that have nothing)!!!

Jeff Nutbeem, West Sussex
Great day, shame about one or two egos. Full marks to Jo Whiley for bringing Madonna down a peg in her interview. After clearing up that the great lady didn't really know very much about Africa or its problems and that the likes of Bob Geldof certainly did not have her telephone number, the coup de grace came at the end when it was revealed that Madonna would not let her children come to the event. Presumably she didn't allow them to watch her on tv either, having prior knowledge that she was intending to use foul language on stage at the top of her voice. Pity millions of other families - who were perhaps trying to share a once in a lifetime experience with their children - didn't have any choice but to listen.

Kearan, Central London
I was there! I have to say some of the best performances were from Annie Lennox and Dido. They both poured so much emotion into their songs, that I don't think comes across well on TV. Maybe, you just had to be there to witness the majestical beauty of Annie Lennox's almost acoustic performance of 'Why', played to the video of people with AIDS. She played it so awesomely 'silently', if you get what I mean. Robbie Williams was at his arrogant best, you could see his ego exploding out of his eyes; maybe he wanted to prove Liam and Noel wrong. What a great place in popular music us Brits have, stretching from the Beatles to Razorlight. Snoop Dogg was great, he got everyone shouting his name and jumping about. It was good to hear Ms Dynamite talk about 'our' responsiblity, and acceptance of guilt for the third-world's developmental problems. When Scissor Sister's played and then sun finally came out and melted into the horizon, fantastic. Macca playing Beatles songs at the end was just what we wanted, in fact it made you wish that he had opened the show with Ringo on drums, and that they went through the Beatles back catalogue for the next 10 hours.

Scott Rogers from Pontypridd
Truly amazing concert but I don't think it beat 1985 Live Aid. I was a bit disappointed with the start of the concert I think U2 should have opened it with 'Elevation'. For me, the concert kicked off when the Stereophonics played. Madonna and Robbie certainly did it for me. But where was the bigger acts such as the 'Red Hot Chilli Peppers'?

Brian - London
Concert was great....but BBCs coverage was terrible! Did anyone there even know what it was about? Whenever any point was being made you turned away and went to Jonathan Ross or someone else interviewing people. Except for the one time when Geldof showed the video and you couldn't avoid it. It was treated just like a pure entertainment concert and not what it was

Richard Price, High Wycombe
Wow. I have just got home from Hyde Park, and I'm still flying. What a gig!! I was lucky enough to be at Live Aid 20 years ago, and one of the fortunate to get a ticket to today's concert. Highlets have to be the start with Macca, Robbie (even though I'm not really a fan) and the re-formation of Pink Floyd. Dave Gilmour is the best guitarist evr!!! I don't care how much both concerts have cost me, if it means one life is saved then it's been worth it. I am now definitely off to Edinburgh.

MJ, Oxford
Coldplay are nice guys, but Chris Martin's extreme stage fright and tongue-tied interviews, not to mention his constant offkey singing, just don't cut it. It amazes me that people can't see past Coldplay to recognise Travis. They're so unassuming and far more talented, eloquently and humorously talking about the problem!

Matthew Forrest, Storsteinnes, Norway.
To all the sad little people moaning about the swearing, they are just words. People are dying all over the world because of our stupidity and all you are arsed about are some swear words! The concert was amazing; The Who, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Snoop, Madge ....all amazing. Forget your prudish nature and just get marching!

Monica from London
Why have we seen so little of Africa - no African music, no guests, so little of the Eden project was shown on BBC! Too white-the whole thing!!! Stop this attitude that only white artists can pull crouds-our pop charts show us different-just Bob thinks otherwise. The bands who performed on live8 will have huge increases in CD sales but no African or black artists in London, they were not invited! Is that what is called "Fair Trade". And Jonathan Ross isn't suited to serious presentation. He is quite xenophobic (truly condescending remarks about the other live8 countries), snobbish, uninformed about music and politics, and too opinionated to bring respect or decency to such an event. A bad choice and truly missed opportunity!

JANE BENTLEY LIVERPOOL
2day was brilliant, gr8, emotional, & FANTASTIC!!!!! every act was so brill. i watched bbc coverage from 1pm & bbc 1 radio also & they were out of this world 4 coverage!!! i luved every minute of live 8 even though i was at hoome ENJOYIN it, i still felt i was there with the crowd!! every1 on the radio tv & behind the scences were brill & so proffesional!!! get u live fededs up as gud as eer BBC!!!!

Joyce and Ron Haverhill
We think Robbie Williams stole the show, it was very boring till then. Freddie Mercury died and left his shoes to Robbie. Pink Floyd were as if they never went away, come back soon. We are old rockers, 57 and 59, enjoyed the day so much, yours Queen fans.

JANE LIVERPOOL
i have watched live 8 all day on the bbc since the start but had radio 1 on on my radio i my ear at the same time!!! the whole event has been eventful, emotional, brillant & a 1 off!!! luvd every1 who has preformed but paul mac, u2, coldplay, madonna & robbie were the best!!! chris scott & all the radio 1 team, includin the backroom staff have dun the best job EVER 2day!!!! jane in liverpool x.x.x

Ian Ridley, Leicester
Watching on BBC1/2/3. Why is the crowd so dead at the front? Today's papers sugest it is a corporate area. And what *is* Bill Gates doing there? He has doubtful record when it comes to free trade. Finally why is the Bill so heavily biased towards pre-90s artists? Don't get me wrong - I signed my name to the Live8 campaign but some elements of it are grating, particularly the lifeless front of stage area on the TV.

Ashley ,Wales
Wonderful,(even though some people think it's directly raising funds for Africa);but how can we talk of free trade and a fairer world when there's a great big green barrier at the event itself between the public and, presumably, the corporate sponsors:(Oh sorry, Madonna just called this the "The Golden Circle". It must be alright then.

Anthony - Dagenham
There is a truth about Live Aid 1985 that is rarely spoken. As an event, it was possibly the defining moment of the 80s. As a concert, it was bloody awful. 2o years ago I watched the whole event unfold as 12 solid hours of car crash TV. Though genuinely moved by the message to "Feed the World" I was distinctly under whelmed by the music. Horrendous technical problems, too many no talent acts and the outrageous hijacking of the moment by, so called, "STARS" grabbing the chance for one almighty ego trip. This time it's different. This time everyone involved seems to have realized that, although the music will always be secondary to the message, it towers over their pathetic need to have the attention of the planet focused on their best side. This time performers and performances have been consistently excellent and will live long in the memory for having been so. Hopefully the power of the message will live just as long. Make poverty history.

Amy Mitchell Leeds!!
I'm lovin U2 and wow Dido's ace!!I love it Sir Bob Geldof has done it again!!What an ace man!I can't wait to see the children and Adults Africa smiling!!!!!great show so far!!!!!

Matt B, London, UK
Enjoying most of the show. U2 and Macca were great. Coldplay, Keane were also fantastic. However the evening was upset by Snoop Dogg dropping so much profanity into the show. His example was followed by Razorlight and Madonna. Not the best example to set for the younger generation. Now kids will think that they can go around talking like these 'artists' in the street, in school and at home. Anywhere else on Tb it would have been beeped out or put out later.

Tony - Kent
Snoop Doggy Dog - Foul mouthed and not necessary. Followed up by another foul mouthed American - Madonna! I was in the process of explaining to my family of how great Live Aid was twenty years ago.

Aimee Norman from scarborough
Madonna was exellent! been watchin all day, fantastic event and for a grate cause. G8 should give every1 in africa a chance to survive!!!!

Tracey, Sheffield
I have turned Live 8 off on my tv due to the large amount of swearing from the performers at a time when children are watching the TV. I would have liked my 7 year old to see a piece of history in the making, however I do not want her to think that swearing is the way to ending poverty - thanks Madonna!!!!

Elizabeth McFarlane from Surrey
Absolutely brilliant concert apart from the swearing from Snoop Dog and Razorlight. Can someone please remind the artists before they come on stage that there are children in the audience and watching TV, plus a lot of adults don't like listening to the F word either! Thank you

Sue Rowbotham from Wolverhampton
What a fantastic event, I love it all the bands are just brilliant. I can't think of a better way to bring people together than through great music. Let's get this Africa thing sorted out, we have to keep this going until we help these people. Bob we love you.

Jane McStay from Glasgow
Elton John rocked, R.E.M were amazing! Adored the song from Greenday, huge fan, love them to death. And the opening, gee, U2 and Paul McCartney together at once, it's like the best. The entire event has been amazing so far, looking forward to see the rest.

andrew mcsorley glasgow
In a continent riven by violence and brutality. Where boy soldiers are schooled in aggression slaughter, where tribal rivalry fuelled by western arms results in genocide why have Snoopy Doggy Dog and his 'crew' masquerding on stage at this crucial event wearing guns for jewellery around their necks. What is this message all about?

Carmela Migliano from London
Keane and Coldplay were wicked! I cant wait for Joss Stones performance. Well done 2 Bob Geldof and Bono (U2) for organizing this fantastic event to make poverty history!

Margaret Neilly Bangor N Ireland
I have never enjoyed ironing so much as I did this afternoon in front of the tv....U2 HAS to have been the most powerful, with Annie Lennox close behind - a big thank you to Sir Bob for making it all happen!

Nicky from Amsterdam
Great that everyone is working together, making a powerful statement. If this doesn't work, what on earth will? Macca was brilliant as always and Keane showed that they are a great live band once again! Looking forward to Pink Floyd later on!

Hannah Derbyshire
Am I the only one who thinks the real crowd are miles away from the stage? Performances are only electrifying if the audience are responding and the alot of the people in the gold area just don't seem to be enjoying themselves. I'd love to see more of the real crowd!

VAL NORTON, colchester, England
Annie Lennox, REM, and now UB40 what can i say keep the oldies on and the concert rocks more

David Griffiths, Liverpool
Annie Lennox was amazing and gave a brilliant interview afterwards raising many important points. A brilliant day.

Ann and Natasha, Surrey
Annie Lennox, the ultimate hero, sings like an angel. She is what music is all about! Nobody gets the G8 message across like she does. What an amazing day!

Georgina Bowness from Essex
We are watching Live 8 at home with out new baby girl she is 2 months old today, fantastic concert Annie Lennox is brill, cant wait to see Robbie.

Karen nottingham
Annie Lennox.............absolutly amazing I was weeping the moment i heard her voice the music the lyrics, the images.........totally inspiring

Linda - Birmingham West Midlands
Bob Geldof is a wonderful human being - thanks to him lives have been saved because of the first live aid - and lives will be saved from live 8 - i really belive the leaders can not ignore what we are all saying - the concert so far is as brilliant as the 1st - good luck

Kayleigh 15 Worcestershire
What a Wonderful performance from everyone! You can feel the atmosphere just watching at home...the magic of so many people, joining together and standing up for what they believe in well done everyone lets hope it works xxxx

Olivia Young from Tonbridge
Travis were Brilliant

Philip Brennan, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan
Paul McCartney & U2 - brilliant!REM - just superb ... but why did the BBC decide to cut to a pointless interview with Razorlight during the beautiful "Man On The Moon"? How stupid! Anyway, can't wait for The Who & Macca again!

Tracy, Scott and Tyler Willson, Ralston, Alberta,
Listening via BFBS, sounds absolutely awesome so far, keep it coming. The message is being heard around the world, hope that 8 influencial people are listening and make this cause a thing of the past. Well done Sir Bob and everyone involved.

Jess Dare, Worthing
Gave my tickets to my mate for 30th birthday rather than selling them on ebay! Watching coverage on tv moving me to tears. Is absolutely amazing. Bet its fantastic atmosphere.

R Jack, London
What a waste of a fantastic opportunity to organise a top quality bill to perform REAL live music. The line up so far - with the exception of some moments by U2 and Colplay - has been extremely poor. How DARE Travis mock the Bee Gees?

Louise Campbell from N. Ireland!!
Hey, Ms. Dynamite is so right, what she said really touched me. The music is great!- it's for such a good cause!! :)

Chris Williams from Liverpool
i think it a mazeing consert and i want to be there. It is fantastic concert and one of the best i have seen in my life and i am jelouse of the people there. I think the bands and the people there are a mazing for to end poverity and i think it is great

Seamus Blakeway, Mersyeside!
I loved U2, Coldplay, REM and Keane. The music is top class and i'll be highly surprised if this concert doesnt have an effect on the G8 leaders! What a fantastic experience, something to remeber and tell the grandchildren when im old!

Jennifer Pierce, Morgantown, West Virgina
I am listening to Radio One from West Virginia University on the internet...fantastic!! Everyone sounds brilliant! Great coverage. Thanks for all the wonderful people who came together for this cause.

Carl, Kent
Everyone has been brilliant so far with the exception of Ms Dinamite. Man shes bad!!!

Steph, Leicestershire
I saw Live Aid 20 years ago and this is definately as good or not even better. If this makes people aware of whats going on then it certainly has my backing!

Robert Allcoat from Lloret de Mar in Spain
I think that its got to be the best line up of solo artists and bands ever, it just makes you want to turn up full volume. Especially enjoyed U2, Dido, REM and i'm looking forward towards Annie Lennox and Pink Floyd, and hope that this helps eradicate poverty in Africa through the G8 summit. Best concert ever!

Andy Tolley, Leigh, Greater Manchester
I'm not one for ever expressing my feelings to this degree. But, today I'm sat with my Dad watching history. In twenty years time, I'll remember this and hopefully we'll talk about the fantasic things that have happened because of this weekend....... Bob...... you the man !

kyron goode, east london!
keane are playing at the moment and THEY RULE, its great that such a good thing is going on, bob geldoff is a great man, and most the people who are on today are, kind of wierd calling bill gates a world leader though, i hate bill gates, the little britain bit cracked me up, so did ricky gervaise. this is a GREAT show, ROCK ON!

Amy Age11 Southend - on - Sea
I think it is really cool that so many people gather together to raise such a huge amount of money. I've just started watching and so far it has been great!! P.S Why has REM got a blue stripe across his face??!!

debbie st, leger, redruth cornwall
absolutely fantastic, G8 summit listen to the people we can not all be wrong. i can not believe it. i hope i can get hold of the dvd's from all the concerts world wide and do my bit and hope that the money truely will go to those on the ground that need it.

Brigitte Gent Maidenhead
How can I define a moment of History when I am still living it. It is so emotional and BIG. i am very proud to be here in UK watching it. It is good to know that even if you don't believe in God it is possible to believe in Human Being with people like Sir Bob Geldof.Many, many thanks for the fantastic feelings and the tears of joy and hope.

John Hemingway from London
Absolutely fantastic performance by REM, ruined by whoever made the decision to cut to a pointless interview with Razorlight at the beginning of their final number.

Alan Hawker Barry Wales
Great concert so far. Macca and U2 on the same stage!! Pink Floyd later, cannot wait!

Donna, Port Talbot
Stereophonics rocked! Rishard Ashcroft was amazing and U2 brilliant. Looking forward to the rest of the line up especially Madonna, Robbie and Scissor Sisters. Hope the G8 are taking note!

Sharon K. Williams, Lexington, Kentucky USA
Hi -- thanks for covering Live8 from London! I've been listening on the Net since 9:00 am our time this morning. Couldn't have heard it without you! Hoping and praying this makes a difference in the minds of our G8 leaders - and the rest of us, too!

Nessie Jamaal, Luton, UK
this is just wonderful and amazing music to raise awareness for a good cause. Coldplay was fantastic. I do hope that the music remains in our hearts for a long time so that we can continue remembering and doing something to end poverty.

Ruth Arloff, Stevenage, Herts.
I'm waiting to see my favoraite artists - those so far aren't much of my 'cup of tea', but I've actually enjoyed U2! Bono's speech was very moving. I can't wait to see Stevie Wonder at Philidelphia - it will be awesome if he's joined onstage by Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Jay Z etc, etc. It's bound to be moving whatever he does. Whatever your taste in music, the artists have chosen their song well - Enjoy everybody!

Tracey from Tenerife
Absolutely brilliant will really make people aware. Should happen more often. Hopefully this will be an end of world poverty.

B Gibbons liverpool
u2 and stereophonics fantastic what was that dope doing with elton john.Cant wait for pink flloyd.

Kevin - Watford
U2 were just awsome! They have set a standard that most other bands are going to find hard to follow !

Vicki Sterry Ross-On-Wye
Dido was "BRILLIANT", Really bought home the reason for live 8, very emotional. Loving it guys. looking forward to the next 5 hrs. -x-

Cynthia Smart Lymington
The opening performance Sargent Pepper brilliant!Bopping in the living room. I am also listening and watching performance at the Eden Project via internet.

Martin Loughlin from Derry
Status Quo should have been there..Chris Martin singing Rocking All Over the World as a chorus.What a joke!U2 were brillant great stuff.

catherine mearns, glasgow
what an opening!!!!! bono sings from the heart,u2 were just awesome.elton brill!!! i also enjoyed dido she sounded so nervous to begin with but soon warmed up, stereophonics on, better go...............

Tracy , Rugby
U2 are just awesome, how can anyone not be moved by their passion? Many people criticise Bono, but the man is a genius both musically and politically - congratulations to him, the rest of the band and of course to Sir Bob!

Beverley Thomas Dagenham, Essex
What a great line-up so far! Haven't moved from sofa all day, don't intend to either! Thought Dido & Youssou'n Dour were fab, but can't wait for Robbie!!

Gustavo (Gus) Meneghini
Well, I´m thousands miles away from there, down here in Brazil, but I can feel very strong how the excitement, emotion and this feeling that something very cool and very, very important is happening today around the world with Live 8. A big hug to all the Radio 1 crew, great job, guys. Keep enjoying it!

Stephanie, Silsden West Yorkshire
So far it is absolutely fantastic!!!!

Safija K. R. ibnt Geoffrey from Gloucester
Absolutely fantastic so far. Everyone has been brilliant, Elton John, Dido and Paul McCartney have been my favourite performers so far

Sheree London
I am so moved and emotional, thank you to sir Bob for the idea and inspiration, for U2 and sir Paul for a moving opening and coldplay for thier heart in fact everyone Dido and Yousef excellent. Pray that this makes a difference to Africa and our selfish world where we all forget about what we can get and what we can give and do to make poverty history, it has changed me.....

Jen Pattison in Gateshead.
This event is mega! The music is fantastic! Let all the earth unite and help each other from now on!

colleen pearson Plymouth Devon
Hi just thought i'd say what a fab show, I was at the live aid concert 20 yrs ago and hoped i'd be in hyde park today, But still having a a good time and hope this ends poverty for good. Have a good show folks

Lynn Mace Maidenhead ,Berkshire.
Hi, what a poignant way to arouse the feelings of the public. I hope it convinces the world governments and leaders to rethink their strategies in helping these poor children.If each performer and crowd member in Hyde Park could stop for one moment and imagine half of the crowd being children and dying from stavation, then maybe the message will be all the more powerful.

Christine Peacock from Somerset
Elton John was fantastic! I was bopping in my kitchen, while my 8 year old daughter and her friend looked at me like I was bonkers! Wonderful stuff Elton.

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The Live 8 Event

HAVE YOUR SAY: Live Aid Memories

What are your memories of Live Aid?

See also:

Your Live Aid memories

What did you think of the London Live 8 event?

The Live 8 Event

More Live 8 websites

Why Live 8?

Africa Lives on the BBC

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