Live Aid founders reunite as Just For One Day Musical marks 40th anniversary at Shaftesbury Theatre

Forty years after the world stood still for Live Aid, its legacy roars back to life with Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, opening 15 May at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre. Today, the production launched in spectacular style with a special event at Wembley Stadium, the very site of the legendary 1985 concert.

Live Aid co-creators Sir Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, Harvey Goldsmith and John Kennedy came together once again, joined by DJ Jo Whiley, to announce the 40th anniversary celebration: a special gala performance on 13 July, exactly four decades since music changed the world. The event will be followed by an exclusive afterparty at Koko, Camden, featuring surprise performances. A limited number of premium tickets, including afterparty access and a donation to the Band Aid Charitable Trust, are now available.

Watch the intro and performance below:


Also announced is the release of the Original Cast Album on 11 July. Produced by Matthew Brind and Jon Bath, with engineering by Grammy nominee Jeremy Murphy, the album brings iconic anthems from Queen, U2, Elton John, Madonna and more into a modern theatrical setting—with some new lyrics penned by Geldof himself.

Following its record-breaking world premiere at The Old Vic in January 2024 and a North American run in Toronto, Just For One Day now arrives in the West End. With a book by John O’Farrell (Mrs. Doubtfire, Something Rotten!) and direction by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet), this electrifying musical blends backstage drama with the power of rock to spotlight a moment when music truly mattered.

The show stars Craige Els as Bob Geldof alongside an ensemble of West End talent. Ten percent of all ticket sales go directly to the Band Aid Charitable Trust, with over £600,000 already raised to date.

Whether you remember Live Aid or are discovering it for the first time, Just For One Day is a moving, high-energy tribute to the music and the message that united the world.

Visit theliveaidmusical.com for tickets and information.

Watch Bob Geldof speaking at Wembley Stadium below: