LOS ANGELES (Warner Strategic Marketing) - Warner Strategic Marketing (WSM) and Rhino Home Video recently released the platinum-selling DVD box set of the original 1985 concert that changed the world: Live Aid.
The company announced today that on the 20th anniversary of that concert and immediately following the forthcoming Bob Geldof Live 8 shows, WSM will release a special highlights edition single-disc DVD, "Live Aid - 20 Years Ago Today." The disc will feature top performances from artists such as U2, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Queen,
David Bowie, The Pretenders, The Who, Elton John, Santana, Madonna, Tom Petty, Sting,
Bob Dylan and many more.
The "Live Aid" Boxed Set
WSM released last fall the "Live Aid" boxed set with over 10 hours of performances on a 4-disc DVD set for a suggested retail price of $39.99. Special features for the set include behind-the-scenes footage, as well as the documentary "Food, Trucks & Rock 'n' Roll," covering Band Aid, USA For Africa ("We Are The World"), and Live Aid.
Live Aid
Live Aid was masterminded by Sir Bob Geldof and realized through a 16-hour music marathon held on July 13, 1985. The rock spectacular began in London where 72,000 people packed in to Wembley Stadium to see the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Sting, while thousands more piled in at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium for the conclusion of what is hailed as "rock 'n' roll's finest hour." In addition, Live Aid was broadcast around the world to an audience of 1.5 billion, and ultimately raised over $140 million for the African famine relief. Beyond the direct aid rendered, the concert changed the world's perception of Africa and raised global awareness of hunger issues.
Cited as the second most memorable event in two generations, and as the single greatest moment in the 50-year history of rock 'n' roll, beating not only the launch of MTV and Elvis' first record, but also the seminal festival of the '60s, Woodstock, Live Aid changed the global political agenda forever.
Even today, after almost 20 years, the line up of stars put together by Bob Geldof in a matter of months remains both remarkable and unsurpassed. It is a who's who of contemporary music; united in their unequivocal support for Live Aid to prevent mass death for starving people.
"Twenty years ago they not only played 'real good for free,' they took an issue that was nowhere on the agenda of the political world and placed it at the very top," stated Geldof of the participation of some of the greatest artists in the world. "They also kept, directly or indirectly, millions of people alive and in so doing they reminded 1.5 billion people that individuals are not powerless in the face of monstrous human tragedy. By buying the 'Live Aid' DVD that continues far off into some distant but hopefully better future for all those people in whose name those great artists played."
The Band Aid Trust continues to operate in famine-affected countries in Africa, and proceeds from DVD sales will go to that persistent effort.
About Warner Strategic Marketing
Based in Burbank, California, Warner Music Group's Warner Strategic Marketing division serves as the central catalog development, licensing, soundtrack, and television marketing area for the corporation. Consisting of Rhino Entertainment, Warner Music Group Soundtracks, WSM Home Video, Warner Special Products, and WMG's Television Marketing department, WSM develops, markets, and promotes both audio and video products from the vast WMG catalog. The division is also responsible for licensing WMG's music for film, television, and video game uses, and for creating custom premium products. Additionally, WSM develops soundtrack opportunities for release by WMG labels.
"LIVE AID - 20 Years Ago Today"
DVD Price: $9.99 U.S.
Street Date: July 12, 2005
Pre-Order Date: June 14, 2005
Total Running Time: 50 minutes
DVD Catalog Number: 970451-2
U.S. Rating: NR
Canadian Rating: NR
"LIVE AID": BOXED SET
DVD Price: $39.99 U.S.
Street Date: November 16, 2004
Pre-Order Date: October 26, 2004
Total Running Time: 600 minutes
DVD Catalog Number: R2 970383
U.S. Rating: NR
Canadian Rating: NR
