July 13, 1985 went down in history as the day music changed the world.
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Some of the world’s biggest musical acts – including Queen, David Bowie, Bob Geldof, U2, Madonna, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and many more – assembled for Live Aid, a fundraiser for the Ethiopian famine.
A re-creation of this epic concert will appear at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Friday, July 7.
Live Aid ‘85: The Tribute is touring regional venues to raise funds for Foodbank NSW and its associated services (including The Food War Inc in Cessnock).
The show debuted at Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford in July 2016 and raised $2000 for Coast Shelter.
On the back of that success, creators Jonny Gardiner and Dave Patten decided to take the show on the road to help people in need along the way.
“We truly respect Bob Geldof’s remarkable humanitarian achievements with the original concert and thought we could give something back to local Australian communities through this musical tribute,” Gardiner said.
“There are people in need everywhere, in all walks of life.”
Gardiner and Patten had previously performed in shows playing the parts of Bono, David Bowie, Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury.
They have enlisted acclaimed tribute artists including Stu Greenwood as Mick Jagger, Claire Cassidy as Tina Turner and Shannon Brown as Elton John for the production.
“Many people remember the original concert well and were heavily influenced by the artists that performed in it, just like we were,” Patten said.
“It was a true labour of love creating a show that would do justice to the legends who performed on that day in 1985.”
Live Aid ‘85 – The Tribute will donate $5 from every ticket sold to Foodbank NSW (Australia’s largest food relief organisation).
In the Hunter region, Foodbank supports The Food War Inc – a non-for-profit organisation that offers low-cost groceries for people on any type of concession card, which has stores in Cessnock, Beresfield, Raymond Terrace and Hamilton.
“Food War Inc is doing great work in the Hunter community, we’re helping them raise awareness and raise some extra funds with a donation from every ticket, so everyone shares in the joy of giving,” Patten said.
Live Aid ‘85: The Tribute will appear at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Friday, July 7. Tickets are available at the box office and online at cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au.
The cast includes:
- Jonny Gardiner as Freddie Mercury and Jimmy Page
- Dave Patten as Bono, David Bowie and Robert Plant
- Stuart Green as Mick Jagger, Bob Geldof and Brian May
- Shannon Brown as Elton John and Paul McCartney
- Claire Cassidy as Madonna and Tina Turner
- Peter Gray on bass and synth
- Kayne Butler on drums and percussion
- Rick James on piano and keys
- Stephan Schafer on saxophone