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Live Aid becomes the biggest global benefit concert, drawing Geldof into charity politics in Africa as he navigates fundraising, controversy and celebrity.

The success of the single and Geldof's subsequent trip to Africa sparks the largest global fundraising concert, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, broadcast to more than 80 per cent of the world’s TV sets.

With millions of pounds raised, Geldof now faces the challenge of deciding how to allocate the funds. Treated as a global celebrity, he embarks on a trip across sub-Saharan Africa, engaging with governments and aid agencies. In Ethiopia, he finds himself at the heart of a controversy over the Marxist government’s resettlement policy and how aid is being used.

Featuring archival footage from both concerts, including ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, ABC, and MTV coverage, with performances by U2, Madonna, Phil Collins and Patti LaBelle, as well as interviews with well-known figures, including Sting, Bono, Nile Rodgers, Mike Mitchell and Birhan Woldu, the starving Ethiopian girl whose image was immortalised by David Bowie during the concert.

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59 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Jamal Osman
Producer Olivia Bernhardt Brogan
Director Thomas Pollard
Series Producer Angus Macqueen
Editor Toby Marter
Executive Producer Tanya Shaw
Executive Producer Norma Percy
Production Company Zinc Television London

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