A question about Live-Aid Bad

[roy]

I always thought that Bono ended up dancing with the girl because the others he wanted couldn't be extracted from the crowd. But... if you look at the footage they are clearly out of the crowd but Bono ignores them. What's that about?

Not the most important post ever I admit, but I'm interested if anyone else noticed this.

 

[DevilsShoes]

Well the whole things very chaotic anyway, but I'm pretty certain Bono always had that particular girl in mind, she's the one thats clearly getting crushed and looks very uncomfortable. But if you watch the full performance when Bono finally gets back on stage the two girls waiting for him and they all share a short embrace, so Bono didn't really ignore them and they still got their moment.
Hope this helps.

 

[roy]

Yep I noticed that. Just thought it was strange that he actively sought them out only to then ignore them, initially anyway.

 

[catlhere]

From what I got when I watched it is that he was pointing to a specific blonde girl I think, but when they took her out and started walking her to the side of the stage, he thought they were just escorting her out, and he got frustrated and went on to the next girl he could point at.

I think he didn't realize they were gonna bring the blonde on stage a different way and figured she was just being taken away by the security.

I dunno.

 

[phillyfan26]

I always thought that Bono ended up dancing with the girl because the others he wanted couldn't be extracted from the crowd. But... if you look at the footage they are clearly out of the crowd but Bono ignores them. What's that about?

Not the most important post ever I admit, but I'm interested if anyone else noticed this.

My take: He didn't realize where security was taking them when they went the other direction. You can see him follow the girls with his head, and then turn back as they go away. Then, he realizes that he can only do it himself, so jumps over.

 

[DevilsShoes]

Like Bono has said he was high as a kite during the performance, just totally lost in the song, so who knows what he was thinking, I think I remember him saying once that he'd forgotten it was Live Aid and he thought they were just playing a U2 gig. I'm just impressed that he finally managed to finish the song, let alone pulling anyone out the crowd and dancing with them

 

[roy]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

 

[rihannsu]

Actually what happened was that he had pointed to one of the girls but as they were pulled out he saw that other girl was being crushed. When he looks to the side he was trying to get the security guards attention to point out that she needed help but he couldn't get any of them to understand so he jumped down so that he could get some help for her. I ran across an interview with her somewhere and she said that she was being crushed and could barely breath and she couldn't get the attention of the guards because they were pulling the other girls out but Bono made eye contact with her and she could tell he recognized that she was in distress. She just kind of locked on to him trying to stay focused. Once he got her out he held on to her until she had her breath back and was a bit steadier. What I like is that she never tried to use that moment for self promotion. The reporter who tracked her down really had to dig to find her. That was such a pivotal moment in the show that she could have really cashed in with the talk show rounds and such but she never did.

Dana

 

[The Sad Punk]

There was an interview with one of those girls in the 100th issue of Q (November 94?), I think. There isn't anything especially interesting, other than that both girls felt completely abandonned on stage and were quite disappointed. Then, at the end Bono came up to them, kissed them on the cheeks and said 'you made it' - which both girls found incredibly obnoxious.

 

[Peterrrrr]

That performence is is the best one on the whole Live Aid
Wasnt it Freddie Mercury upset and went rude and asked Bono, who was the best on the show?

 

[mysterious_jen]

Actually what happened was that he had pointed to one of the girls but as they were pulled out he saw that other girl was being crushed. When he looks to the side he was trying to get the security guards attention to point out that she needed help but he couldn't get any of them to understand so he jumped down so that he could get some help for her. I ran across an interview with her somewhere and she said that she was being crushed and could barely breath and she couldn't get the attention of the guards because they were pulling the other girls out but Bono made eye contact with her and she could tell he recognized that she was in distress. She just kind of locked on to him trying to stay focused. Once he got her out he held on to her until she had her breath back and was a bit steadier. What I like is that she never tried to use that moment for self promotion. The reporter who tracked her down really had to dig to find her. That was such a pivotal moment in the show that she could have really cashed in with the talk show rounds and such but she never did.



Dana

dana this is the story i know behind it too.


still one of the greatest moments in that or any u2 show since.

 

[cobl04]

Anywhere apart from YouTube and short of buying the DVD I can obtain the footage?

 

[mysterious_jen]

if i was nice i could do a little something for you but i guess you want a download link. tried u2start?

 

[cobl04]

yeah got it but im after the video actually

guess youtube

whats the nice thing you could have done if i may ask

 

[mysterious_jen]

could have "made a back up of it " and sent it to you for safe keeping ...
pm me if you wants .

 

[Butterscotch]

I had always thought he chose her. I had no idea what was going on, thanks for the story.

 

[Jeannieco]

Here is the tape on youtube if you guys wanna see it again!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sHnXOSxka1Q

 

[prideofzootv]

That performence is is the best one on the whole Live Aid
Wasnt it Freddie Mercury upset and went rude and asked Bono, who was the best on the show?

nah you got that wrong mate, cos Freddie/ queen went on after U2, U2 had stole the show, until Queen came on, listen to this little story i read somewhere, possible Q again...

"Just as Bob geldof U2 had stole the show with the rendition of Sunday Bloody sunday and Bad, Bob stormed upto the box where he could talk to the world, as he walked across to the open box, Queen had been on stage for around 5 minutes, playing the opening of Bohemian Rhapsody which moulded into Radio Ga Ga, Bob stood frozen from the scene. The scene that froze him was the sight of a packed Wembley stadium clapping their hands in unison to the final chorus of Radio Ga Ga, Bob was convinced now that Live aid belonged to Queen"

 

[prideofzootv]

and here is the show stealing performance by Queen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKQZpjEu3O4

 

[Peterrrrr]

nah you got that wrong mate, cos Freddie/ queen went on after U2, U2 had stole the show, until Queen came on, listen to this little story i read somewhere, possible Q again...

"Just as Bob geldof U2 had stole the show with the rendition of Sunday Bloody sunday and Bad, Bob stormed upto the box where he could talk to the world, as he walked across to the open box, Queen had been on stage for around 5 minutes, playing the opening of Bohemian Rhapsody which moulded into Radio Ga Ga, Bob stood frozen from the scene. The scene that froze him was the sight of a packed Wembley stadium clapping their hands in unison to the final chorus of Radio Ga Ga, Bob was convinced now that Live aid belonged to Queen"

Im pretty sure about the thing I wrote about, I have read about it on serval sites.

I don't think there where any special with Queens performence(I like Queen). They have done much more better performences.

But the energy Bono had on Live Aid, he pushed his voice a lot(wich was amazing, because they had just finished a longs rough tour), he got the whole crowd's attention. The thing was that U2 where exploding on this show, that was U2's day, there where a lot of U2 flags in the crowd. We knew all what happening after Live Aid, that performence made their reputation as a live band bigger. They contnuie with the COH tour and completley stole those shows.

 

[xaviMF22]

nah you got that wrong mate, cos Freddie/ queen went on after U2, U2 had stole the show, until Queen came on, listen to this little story i read somewhere, possible Q again...

"Just as Bob geldof U2 had stole the show with the rendition of Sunday Bloody sunday and Bad, Bob stormed upto the box where he could talk to the world, as he walked across to the open box, Queen had been on stage for around 5 minutes, playing the opening of Bohemian Rhapsody which moulded into Radio Ga Ga, Bob stood frozen from the scene. The scene that froze him was the sight of a packed Wembley stadium clapping their hands in unison to the final chorus of Radio Ga Ga, Bob was convinced now that Live aid belonged to Queen"

Queen owned that show

 

[Celticfc]

IMO this was a u2 show.
The whole day the crowd waved u2 flags and sang 40 during the breaks between bands.

 

[prideofzootv]

yeh ok i agree U2 had their best moment at that show but it was officialy voted queens show and queens set was voted best rock moment in history, again official.

in order it would go

1-Queen (show stealers)
2-U2 (show stolen!)

 

[Peterrrrr]

yeh ok i agree U2 had their best moment at that show but it was officialy voted queens show and queens set was voted best rock moment in history, again official.

in order it would go

1-Queen (show stealers)
2-U2 (show stolen!)

That wasnt U2's best moment, but one of their best. But I still don't get it what was so good about Queen's performence!?

And well the votes after the show isnt fare, in 1985 there where a lot more Queen fans then U2 fans, U2 where still unknown for some people. And when peolpe recognize songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Gaga , We Will Rock You... and then hear the songs SBS and Bad wich they don't recognize. Wich group does Quuenfans/people vote for? And Bad even isnt a hit song, it hasnt any standards that pop aong should have. You where newcomers to many at that show, and they stole the show,a newcomer. And I'm not alone thinking that they stole it.

 

[Blue Room]

I think its sort of ridiculous to look back and try to determine who had a bigger day Queen or U2. We know they both did and thats all that matters. I think U2's performance would have been even better if they were able to cap it off with Pride as originally planned. I think Pride would have fit the theme of the day very well. I remember watching it live and I said to myself "they didnt play Pride??". Obviously I didnt know at the time they intended to but ran out of time.

Queen (one of the biggest bands at the time), played 3 songs.
U2 (Popular, but still more of a cult following) played 2 songs.

U2 was right there with Queen for performance of the day with the voting even way back then. Think of some of the major artists that were also on that stage and on the stage in Philly that day. Bowie, Paul, Mick, etc.. and U2 was right up there at the top ahead of them. I think that is pretty impressive really. It was a sign of big things to come obviously.

 

[Peterrrrr]

I think its sort of ridiculous to look back and try to determine who had a bigger day Queen or U2. We know they both did and thats all that matters. I think U2's performance would have been even better if they were able to cap it off with Pride as originally planned. I think Pride would have fit the theme of the day very well. I remember watching it live and I said to myself "they didnt play Pride??". Obviously I didnt know at the time they intended to but ran out of time.

Queen (one of the biggest bands at the time), played 3 songs.
U2 (Popular, but still more of a cult following) played 2 songs.

U2 was right there with Queen for performance of the day with the voting even way back then. Think of some of the major artists that were also on that stage and on the stage in Philly that day. Bowie, Paul, Mick, etc.. and U2 was right up there at the top ahead of them. I think that is pretty impressive really. It was a sign of big things to come obviously.

I think it was a brave choice by U2 to play Bad and Sbs, none of them is pop hit songs, they took a chance. and as newcomer to make that brave decision instead of like Queen play safe pop/rock anthems. U2 could have choose to play Pride,Nyd or IWF. That are also one thing that made the performences even more better then Queen's.

And I still don't understand what I was tah was so good about Queen's performence.

 

[DevilsShoes]

I think what people seem to remember from Live Aid was Freddies incredible stage presence and how much charisma he had, he held that audience in the palm of his hand. At the time Queen were sort of out of favour and were considered past their prime, and I think Live Aid reminded people of how great they, and Freddie in particular, were. So I think people remember that rather than the songs they performed, although We Are The Champions is a great sing along anthem. Mercury probably was one of the greatest frontmen ever.

But yeah I think it was brave of U2 to play Bad because I think they were going to perform NYD instead because it had been quite a big hit, if they had I don't think they would have been catapulted into the megastar bracket. Something about that song connected and obviously inspired Bono to break down the barrier between band and audience and dance with that girl. Its still such a great moment, so heroic and moving, it showed how instinctive Bono is as a performer and I'm glad he didnt try to repeat it at Live8, those kind of moments can't be recaptured and Live Aid was special.

 

[Peterrrrr]

I think what people seem to remember from Live Aid was Freddies incredible stage presence and how much charisma he had, he held that audience in the palm of his hand. At the time Queen were sort of out of favour and were considered past their prime, and I think Live Aid reminded people of how great they, and Freddie in particular, were. So I think people remember that rather than the songs they performed, although We Are The Champions is a great sing along anthem. Mercury probably was one of the greatest frontmen ever.

But yeah I think it was brave of U2 to play Bad because I think they were going to perform NYD instead because it had been quite a big hit, if they had I don't think they would have been catapulted into the megastar bracket. Something about that song connected and obviously inspired Bono to break down the barrier between band and audience and dance with that girl. Its still such a great moment, so heroic and moving, it showed how instinctive Bono is as a performer and I'm glad he didnt try to repeat it at Live8, those kind of moments can't be recaptured and Live Aid was special.

Freddie was a realy good showman, one of the greatest. But the way Bono held the the crowd was amazing. Also he gave his all, listen how he pushes his voice on SBS for an example. He wasnt as his best that time because they had just finished a long tour, and after that you need to rest not push it. But Bono did it, he gave his all, but I don't think Freddie gave his all, there are alot of Queen performences that are better then the Live Aid.

 

[Blue Room]

I think it was a brave choice by U2 to play Bad and Sbs, none of them is pop hit songs, they took a chance. and as newcomer to make that brave decision instead of like Queen play safe pop/rock anthems. U2 could have choose to play Pride,Nyd or IWF. That are also one thing that made the performences even more better then Queen's.

And I still don't understand what I was tah was so good about Queen's performence.

I agree playing Bad was a brave choice. SBS not so much. MTV played SBS from Red Rocks all the time back then, I mean all the time! It was fairly well known by anyone that watched MTV then. Considering Live Aid was on MTV, makes it sort of a logical choice really.

U2 were going to play Pride. The setlist was Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bad, Pride. They ran out of time because Bad went to long with Bono jumping into the pit. So not playing Pride wasnt some brave choice, they were going to do it.

 

[prideofzootv]

few pointers on Queens set: -

Bo Rhap intro
Radio Ga Ga (hit song from their latest tour which they just finished)
Hammer To Fall (another hit song from their latest tour)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (loud feedback when originally performed during alot of the song)
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions

2 songs from "the works" album which was released in 1984, played on the works tour 84/85. tour finished in Africa in 85. Queen were on the blacklist, due to shrugging off doing a concert for benefit in Africa to do a 6 night show in a fancy hotel.

Queen came on in live aid to show that they do care and that they should not be blacklisted. however, to this day, they are still on the blacklist of africa.

Also Freddie was in mega hyper mode that day from excitement, he handled many stars that day, he twirls with a camera man during hammer to fall, he runs all over the stage with his guitar during crazy little thing, and they were one of the only bands to wear casual cheap jeans and shirts while nearly everyone else wore expensive deisgner wear.