Live Aid at 40 – Premieres at Sheffield DocFest 2025
Editors Matt Ashton and Paul Bernays worked on this series of films, taking us behind the scenes of the iconic concert. Packed with rare footage, backstage moments and unforgettable performances.
On 23 October 1984, BBC News broadcast Michael Buerk’s report on the famine in Ethiopia, shocking British audiences. Among them was Bob Geldof, who, moved by the devastation, teamed up with Ultravox’s Midge Ure to act. Their response led to the 1984 Christmas single Do They Know It’s Christmas? and, six months later, to Live Aid.
Live Aid at 40 is a three-part film that charts these remarkable events. Part one premieres at Sheffield DocFest on Sunday 22 June, focusing on the broadcast that sparked a global response.
In July, BBC Two and Radio 2 will mark Live Aid’s 40th anniversary with the full series — a behind-the-scenes look at the 1985 concert that redefined charity for a generation. Co-produced by the BBC and CNN Originals, and produced by Brook Lapping (a Zinc Media label) with Ronachan Films, the series comprises 3×60’ for BBC Two/iPlayer and 4×44’ for CNN.
Blending the stories of UK and US musicians with the politics that shaped their mission, the series features exclusive interviews with Bob Geldof, Bono, Sting and Midge Ure. It explores how music united billions to fight famine and inspired global leaders like George Bush and Tony Blair to address the deeper causes of poverty.
Editor Matt Ashton edited Ep 1 for BBC and CNN Originals, he touched on what this project mean to him…
“Editing a documentary about such a hugely significant event as Live Aid was always going to be a compelling experience. From the strong characters involved (and their strong opinions), to the sheer quantity of amazing 16mm archive material, really made this project a documentary editor’s dream.
Being in my early teens at the time also meant it had a significant influence on my own appreciation of music, and it was a pleasure to be able to tell this updated story, and potentially introduce these characters and artists to a brand new audience.”
Editor Paul Bernays reversioned ep 4 for CNN Originals.
As the story moves to 2005’s Live8 concerts, we featured an interview with Birhan – the young girl near death in the original famine reports that inspired Bob Geldof. The footage of Madonna welcoming this now extraordinary young woman on stage for Like A Prayer brings a tear to the eye on every viewing. It’s symbolic of the power of Live Aid’s 40 year story from charity to justice which we were privileged to help document.
Live Aid at 40 – When Rock’N’Roll Took on the World, premiering at Sheffield DocFest;
1:30pm Sunday 22nd June at The Crucible Theatre, followed by a conversation with series producer Angus Macqueen
