Live Aid Against All Odds (2005)

Live Aid Against All Odds Poster

Documentary which traces the story of Live Aid from its humble beginnings, a pop tune cobbled together in the back seat of a taxi, to the eve of the biggest televised event ever. Artists from the time tell the story of the day that music rocked the world. Organiser Bob Geldof recalls how after 12 weeks of manic preparation, the big day finally arrived.

Summary
"Live Aid Against All Odds" is a 2005 documentary that takes a dive into the background, organization, execution, and impact of among the biggest advantage shows in history - The Live Help. The film consists of footage from the extraordinary performances, interviews, and a look into the personalities that made it all occur.

The Need for Live Aid
The movie traces the origins of Live Aid to the news reports of a scarcity that struck Ethiopia in 1984 which stirred singer and activist Bob Geldof to action. Utilizing his popularity and influence in the music market, he together with Midge Ure formed a supergroup nicknamed 'Band Aid' to raise funds through a charity single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" In spite of its success, the seriousness of the crisis prompted Geldof to organize an occasion on a much bigger scale.

The Planning Phase
The planning, as shown in the movie, seemed to be an insurmountable job owing to the scale at which it was to be conducted and the manifold challenges it faced. The distinct vision of carrying out the show concurrently in the UK and the United States was filled with technical and logistical difficulties. Attaining a line-up that consisted of the greatest musical acts across two continents and encouraging entities to host, fund and broadcast the event, was conveyed as a daunting process. Geldof's enthusiasm, decision and ruthless persuasion played an essential function in getting rid of these difficulties.

The Day of the Concert
The film depicted the day of Live Aid, 13th July 1985, with video from both the iconic Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Regardless of initial missteps, the shows went on with no major glitches, thanks to precise preparation. The movies showcased world-renowned artists like Queen, U2, Madonna, Phil Collins, and David Bowie, among others, bringing the crowd to life with electrifying efficiencies.

The Impact
"Live Aid Against All Odds" highlighted the worldwide effect made by the occasion. It brought the predicament of Ethiopia to billions of people worldwide, raising over $128 million in starvation relief for Africa. More notably, it also affected mindsets towards foreign help, making it an issue at the leading edge of global awareness.

The Legacy
The movie ends by underlining the legacy of Live Aid. Beyond the instant impact, it motivated music-led charitable ventures such as Farm Aid and Live 8, another event organized by Geldof twenty years later on. Geldof's knighthood is acknowledged as a testament to his vigorous efforts.

Conclusion
"Live Aid Against All Odds" provides a retrospective examination of one of the most prominent performances in history. While sensitively depicting the humanitarian spirit of the event, it also showcases the power of music and unity towards enacting worldwide change, leaving the audience with the long lasting impression of an extraordinary day where the world stood still, unified versus all odds in the face of a humanitarian crisis.

Top Cast

  • Bob Geldof (small)
    Bob Geldof
    Self
  • Midge Ure (small)
    Midge Ure
    Self
  • Lionel Richie (small)
    Lionel Richie
    Self
  • Harvey Goldsmith
    Self
  • Billy Connolly (small)
    Billy Connolly
    Self
  • Elton John (small)
    Elton John
    Self
  • Janice Long (small)
    Janice Long
    Self
  • Bono (small)
    Bono
    Self
  • Roger Taylor (small)
    Roger Taylor
    Self
  • Brian May (small)
    Brian May
    Self
  • David Bowie (small)
    David Bowie
    Self