The event was called Live Aid, and its mission was to fundraise famine relief for Africa. Artists performing at both stadiums included Queen, Madonna, the Beach Boys, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Queen, Tom Petty, Duran Duran, and more. While the total number of in-person attendees numbered 170,000, Live Aid was broadcast live on  television to over a billion viewers. 

At the time and in the three decades following, Live Aid was a once-in-a-millenium event. Now some are referring to an upcoming global special as “this generation’s Live Aid.” 

One World: Together at Home promises to be a landmark event. Pop artist Lady Gaga curated the special in collaboration with both the Worldwide Health Organization and Global Citizen. 

It is easy to draw comparisons between 1985’s Live Aid and 2020’s One World. For starters, One World will be streamed on television just as its predecessor, though it will also occur on social media platforms such as Twitter, Twitch, and YouTube. Second, Elton John will have performed in both specials after the premiere. Along with Elton John are performers Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Billie Joe Armstrong, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Kacey Musgraves. Third, One World is charity-based as well, aiming to raise funds for coronavirus relief and the support of essential healthcare workers. 

The biggest difference between the two concerts, of course, is that One World: Together at Home will occur completely virtually. If it is pulled off successfully, it will stand as a celebration of the technology we so often take for granted and its ability to connect the people of the world. 

What remains to be seen is whether One World: Together at Home will be a stand-alone event or the advent of a semi-new form of performance and entertainment. 

One World: Together at Home premieres on April 18, 2020. It will be available for live viewing on YouTube, ABC, NBC, and CBS.