40 Years Later: CNN Documentary Series Presents Behind-The-Scenes Story Of Iconic ‘Live Aid’ Concert
Watch the exclusive premiere of the trailer for Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World, a new CNN series, which starts on Sunday, July 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
By Scott Bernstein Jun 26, 2025 • 8:59 am PDT
Photo by Mirrorpix via Getty Images courtesy of CNN
On July 13, 1985, global superstars joined forces to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia by performing at Live Aid, a benefit concert featuring 16 hours of music from London and Philadelphia. Marking the 40th anniversary of the concert, a new CNN Original Series entitled Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World takes viewers behind the scenes of the landmark event and offers a deep dive into its roots and far-reaching impact.
Organized by Bob Geldof, Live Aid hosted performances from Queen, The Who, Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Paul McCartney and many other music icons. The event left an indelible mark on the collective memory of billions.
The first installment of Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World premieres on CNN on Sunday, July 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Three additional episodes follow at 9 p.m. ET/ PT on Sunday, July 20; Sunday, July 27 and Sunday, August 3.
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Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World traces how a holiday pop single ignited a worldwide movement that ultimately raised tens of billions of dollars for Africa. From Band Aid to “We Are the World,” from Live Aid to Live 8 two decades later, the series examines a legacy that continues to resonate.
What started as a modest fundraising effort evolved into a global campaign that reached the highest levels of power, from Downing Street to the White House, transforming Bob Geldof from a fading rock star into a globally recognized activist. His efforts helped inspire others, including Bono, whose advocacy played a key role in launching PEPFAR, one of the most significant U.S. foreign aid initiatives in history, credited with saving over 26 million lives.
The series features extensive interviews with legends including Bob Geldof, Bono, Sting, Patti Labelle and Phil Collins as well as global leaders such as George W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, President Obasanjo and Tony Blair. Additionally, Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World is loaded with rare archival footage from backstage and of the iconic performances.
Watch the trailer for Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World below:
