What is JUST FOR ONE DAY - The Live Aid Musical about?

‘We can be us, just for one day’.

On 13 July 1985, music united the world.

40 years on, discover the story of Live Aid in a whole new way — in London’s West End!

The show’s World Premiere production “blew the roof off the Old Vic” (Baz Bamigboye) in early 2024, where it became the theatre’s fastest-selling musical ever.

This exhilarating night out “rocks in all the right ways”, with hit songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Madonna, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more of the iconic artists who made history at simultaneous charitable concerts in London and Philadelphia.

Live Aid was an unprecedented global music event that brought 1.5 billion people together, and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’. Whether you saw it live, watched it from home or weren’t even born yet, you won’t want to miss this “rip-roaring” (The Telegraph) and “remarkable” (Daily Mail) new musical written by John O’Farrell (Mrs. Doubtfire, Something Rotten!) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things).

Live Aid Facts

Taxi, taxi! It’s been speculated that Bob Geldof had to hitch-hike home after the gig because there were no taxis left.

During The Who’s infamous performance, a red signal light at the stage’s edge signalled to try and end their set. In defiance, Pete Townshend stomped on the light and shattered it, giving the band an additional five minutes of playing time.

The concert lasted globally for an incredible 16 hours!

What program holds the record for the most-watched television special of all time? Live Aid, of course!

Despite having less than a month of preparation time, the stars aligned, and the event was a resounding success.

Queen almost didn’t perform, can you imagine? Freddie Mercury had expressed concern over their appearance being seen as a political statement, but to the reassurance of Bob Geldof, Mercury eventually agreed.

The Live Aid DVD has been certified 10x platinum in America.