Today, in anticipation of the iconic Live Aid concert's 40th anniversary this Sunday, the Official Charts Company presented a special honorary award to Bob Geldof for "Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical (Original Cast Recording)." The album, released today, July 11th, features a remarkable collection of pop and rock's greatest hits, including 8 UK Number 1 singles and 8 Number 2s, performed by the musical's cast.
This prestigious award celebrates the enduring impact of the Live Aid artists whose songs are featured in the production. The album showcases tracks from legendary acts such as The Boomtown Rats, David Bowie, Elton John, Madonna, Queen, Simple Minds, Status Quo, The Beatles, The Police, The Who, Ultravox, and Wham!, among others.
Bob Geldof, whose Boomtown Rats' hit "I Don't Like Mondays" is featured, accepted the award, reflecting on the power of the music: "These are some of the greatest songs in the rock canon... Hearing them revitalised and afresh of course they are being honoured once again. The great tunes never stop being sung." Live Aid co-organiser Midge Ure also praised the album's superb adaptations of classic tracks, noting how the show "tells the Live Aid story but it is also just a thrilling night out with amazing music."
Produced by Matthew Brind and Jon Bath, and engineered by Jeremy Murphy, the cast recording offers a modern, expansive sound while maintaining the original energy. This album serves as a love letter to the '80s, celebrating music's power to inspire change.
Crucially, 10% of all ticket sales for "Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical" go directly to the Band Aid Charitable Trust, continuing the vital work started in response to the Ethiopian famine. To date, the musical has raised over £850,000.
The musical continues its celebrated run at London's Shaftesbury Theatre and will mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a special gala performance and afterparty at KOKO, Camden, on July 13th.
