Inside The Wembley Stadium Launch For 'Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical'

by Daz Gale

On July 13th 1985, history was made when the legendary Live Aid concert took place at Wembley Stadium.

On May 1st 2025, nearly 40 years later, 'Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical' followed in the footsteps of the giants who walked before them to perform excerpts from the upcoming production.

Here's a look into what was a very special morning.

Having premiered at the Old Vic in 2024 where I gave the show five stars in my original review, 'Just For One Day' followed the original Live Aid concert to a second continent, having recently completed a run in Canada. It is now gearing up for its West End debut, opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre on May 15th with a huge gala night planned for July 13th, exactly 40 years to the day of the original concert.

Going to launches for upcoming shows is always one of the most exciting part of running this website, getting a sneak peek at the shows before they've even hit the stage. It's fair to say not all launches are created equally and to hire out Wembley Stadium for one is unlike anything I've ever seen before or will likely see again.

It was the perfect venue though, rich in history and the reason this musical exists. Hearing performances of these timeless classics within the same walls they were performed by their original artists (some of whom are now sadly no longer with us) 40 years ago added an extra sense of emotion to the event.

Hosted by Jo Whiley, the event kicked off with a performance of the song that gives the show it's title, David Bowie's classic 'Heroes'

After dialogue between the actors playing Bob Geldof and Harvey Goldsmith, the real pair invaded the stage for a short but funny skit

More performances followed with a touching 'Drive' showcasing the narrative structure this musical has gone for and its ability to tug at the heartstrings followed by Bob Geldof's own signature number 'I Don't Like Monday's'

The cast performances ended with a rousing take on 'My Generation'.

Midge Ure took to the stage for a short speech before figures were reeled off about the impact on Live Aid both then and now. The musical has already raised over £600,000 for the charity with that expected to hit a million this year.

As impressive as it was be to be sat in a suite at Wembley Stadium watching these performances, the real magic was yet to happen. We were escorted outside for a Q&A with Bob Geldof, director Luke Sheppard and cast members Craige Els and Kelly Agbowu.

Quite an astonishing sight and one full of poignancy. Here is that Q&A in full, with Bob Geldof at his unfiltered best - be warned, there are a fair few F-words in here, but would you expect anything less?

'Just For One Day' was a show I already loved from its first outing, but judging from everything I saw and heard today, it seems like it is going to be even bigger and better this time around. You'll have to wait until July to see what I think about this production of the show, but a day as special as today will stay with me as long as I live.

Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical opens at Shaftesbury Theatre on 15th May. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/musical/just-for-one-day-tickets