Gig Review: Live Aid 1985

As we all know, Live Aid was one of the most honorable concerts of the 1980's, and indeed, the 20th Century. Obviously Queen stole the show with a striking performance of all the crowd's favourite tracks, and Freddie's prancing around the stage made a lot of ladies squeal with delight and passion. U2 was exceptionally awesome, and David Bowie did a damn good job of presenting everything. People don't seem to realise that most bands around at the time made Live Aid what it was, and it's quite sad when you come to think of it. I was watching the concert with my dad a bit ago after getting it on DVD, and he said "You do know Spandau Ballet performed there, don't you?". I sat down and watched it. I didn't expect it to be quite so awesome!

I loved their choice of songs tailored for their time slot, at present, their performance of Only When You Leave at this venue, is one of the best live versions of the song I've heard so far. I'll give the band their due, it's a sweltering hot day in July, no one was gonna dress up formally to perform a couple of songs for a worldwide audience, but Spandau Ballet was prepared to make this effort and still wow the crowd. Breaking the sweat, slapping the bass, fingers cracking on the tenor sax, it was all gold and music to my ears.

I've always wondered why they didn't do Gold to top it all off. True is a lovely song in all of it's respects, but once you've listened to it a few times it does, to be honest, become a little bittersweet. I know this much though, and it is TRUE, I loved watching the performance. So much so, I watched it over and over again for about an hour before I could describe what the weather was like, what the band was wearing, and what make of instruments they were playing.  A truly great effort. Well done guys. Just for this, 4/5.

Flea