The rock star-turned-activist reflects on the 1985 benefit concert and why it could not happen now. The singer and activist Bob Geldof at home in London. The Live Aid shows were seen by about 1.5 billion people in more than 150 countries and would go on to raise more than $140 million.

In July 1985, a vast array of mega-popular artists performed at Live Aid, a pair of massive benefit concerts held in London and Philadelphia and broadcast worldwide. Led Zeppelin reunited for the occasion,