Live Aid: When Rock 'n' Roll Took on the World
The CNN Original Series "Live Aid: When Rock n' Roll Took on the World" dives into the behind-the-scenes story of the iconic 1985 concert, featuring legends such as Bob Geldof, Bono and Sting. It explores the event's legacy of reshaping global charity efforts and political action and how one Christmas pop song sparked a movement that has directly (or indirectly) raised tens of billions of dollars for Africa. Bob Geldof, initially alone, then with Bono, challenged, embarrassed and embraced the world's most powerful people, all in an attempt to address the unjust relationship between Africa and the West. Live Aid: When Rock n' Roll Took on the World is a tale of unimaginable tragedy, mad ambition, political machinations and amazing music.
- 2025-2025
- 1 season
- CNN+
- Documentary, Music
The CNN Original Series "Live Aid: When Rock n' Roll Took on the World" dives into the behind-the-scenes story of the iconic 1985 concert, featuring legends such as Bob Geldof, Bono and Sting. It explores the event's legacy of reshaping global charity efforts and political action and how one Christmas pop song sparked a movement that has directly (or indirectly) raised tens of billions of dollars for Africa. Bob Geldof, initially alone, then with Bono, challenged, embarrassed and embraced the world's most powerful people, all in an attempt to address the unjust relationship between Africa and the West. Live Aid: When Rock n' Roll Took on the World is a tale of unimaginable tragedy, mad ambition, political machinations and amazing music.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2025
Episode 1
A Band Aid
Sun, Jul 13, 2025
After seeing a BBC report on Ethiopia's "biblical famine," rock star Bob Geldof brings together a group of fellow popstars to record a song that ignites a global movement and raises millions for relief efforts.
Episode 2
The Global Jukebox
Sun, Jul 20, 2025
With sales from the 1984 Band Aid Christmas single dwindling, Bob Geldof decides in the new year that there needs to be a new fundraising push, leading him to organize two huge concerts in Britain and the United States.
Episode 3
The Greatest Show On Earth
Sun, Jul 27, 2025
The second half of Live Aid in the United States brings in millions, thrusting Bob Geldof into Africa's politics as he navigates fundraising, controversy and celebrity.
Episode 4
Live 8 - 2005
Sun, Aug 3, 2025
Bob Geldof and Bono join forces to stage Live 8, a global concert aimed at pressuring the world's richest leaders to tackle the root causes of poverty in Africa.