Taking place on Saturday, July 13, 1985, the two-venue benefit concert and music-based fundraising initiative raised funds for the relief of the 1983 to 1985 famine in Ethiopia.
It was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure and raised millions.
With the event marking its 40th birthday, you may be wondering if it is available to watch in full. Here is all to know.
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How to watch the Live Aid 1985 concert in full online
The full Live Aid concert from 1985 is not easy to watch in full, but can be found online.
The Internet Archive website has the full 16-hour broadcast, with the full show also available on DVD.
On YouTube, you can find various clips and full performances too.
The BBC has also released a documentary series on BBC iPlayer marking the 40th anniversary titled Live Aid at 40: When Rock ’n’ Roll Took on the World.
It has behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews include iconic figures such as Bob Geldof, Bono and Sting.
Emma Hindley, BBC Commissioning Editor, said: “The series takes the audience on an irresistible and entertaining ride through the 40 years since the biggest live concert ever was shown on TV.
“Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with an array of stars of rock & pop, Live Aid at 40 revels in the music, unravels the politics and explores the legacy of Live Aid.”
BBC to air extended highlights of Live Aid concert
For the first time since the 1985 concert, the BBC will also air extended highlights from the 16 hours of music.
Live Aid: The Concert will give viewers a chance to relive more than six-and-a-half hours of extended highlights of the London and Philadelphia concerts.
This week marks 40 years since Live Aid, the legendary 1985 concert that brought the world together to fight famine in Ethiopia. Simple Minds played in Philadelphia, introduced by Jack Nicholson, in front of nearly 2 billion TV viewers in over 150 countries.#LiveAid40 pic.twitter.com/bns1QA6WCE
— Simple Minds (@simplemindscom) July 10, 2025
There will also be backstage footage, including interviews with iconic names such as Bono, Brian May, David Bowie, Roger Daltrey, Spandau Ballet and Sting.
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Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV, said: “This summer we’re delighted to be giving viewers a chance to relive one of the biggest concerts in history for the first time on TV since it was originally broadcast on the BBC.
“By providing more than six-and-a-half hours of footage that was captured on the day Live Aid took place, we want viewers to feel transported back to 1985, and to enjoy all those classic songs that we all still know and love to this day, as they were performed on that stage.”
Live Aid: The Concert will be on BBC Two in two parts on Saturday, July 12, with part one from 6pm to 9.15pm and part two following from 9.25pm to 1.05am on Sunday.
