London's West End is buzzing with the release of the first single from the "Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical (Original Cast Recording)": a radical reimagining of an Elton John classic. The musical, currently playing to packed houses at the Shaftesbury Theatre, vividly chronicles the music community's extraordinary response to the 1985 Ethiopian famine, continuing to raise significant funds for the Band Aid Trust.
While the show and its accompanying album feature iconic tracks from legends like Queen, Madonna, U2, and Bob Dylan, it's the inventive treatment of an Elton John hit that takes centre stage. This particular song underscores a pivotal moment in the musical: Bob Geldof's intense confrontation with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as he fought tirelessly for tax-free donations.
Bob Geldof commented on the scene's dynamic, stating, "There was an argument between Margaret Thatcher and myself and it’s central to the show so the scene needed a real dynamism. I thought it should be Gilbert and Sullivan meets Hamilton." He praised Julie Atherton's "spectacular" portrayal of Thatcher, highlighting the scene as a "moment of real politics" that culminates in a "big showstopper and the dance off."
The "Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical (Original Cast Recording)" is now available for pre-order, promising a fully realized rock record. It features a stellar tracklist of 80s anthems from artists including David Bowie, Ultravox, The Police, The Who, Phil Collins, and The Boomtown Rats. Announced at Wembley Stadium by Geldof, Midge Ure, Harvey Goldsmith, and John Kennedy, the album is a heartfelt tribute to an era defined by bold music and an unwavering belief in its power to ignite change. Produced by Olivier-nominated Matthew Brind and Jon Bath, and engineered by Grammy-nominated Jeremy Murphy, the album aims for a modern, expansive sound while honoring the originals' energy.
Producer Jamie Wilson emphasized the musical's core mission: "From the outset, our aim with Just For One Day was to capture the spirit of unity and the transformative power of music that defined Live Aid. The cast album is a testament to that vision."
On July 13th, 2025, "Just For One Day" will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a special performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre, followed by an exclusive after-party at Koko, Camden, featuring surprise guest performances. A generous 10% of all ticket sales for the musical directly benefit the Band Aid Charitable Trust, with the show having already raised over £750,000 for their vital work.
