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See Clips, Full Length songs from David Bowie, U2, and Eric Clapton, links after the review!! Links to purchase this DVD set also follow the review.

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~ Congratulations to the winners of Rikks Revues / Rhino Records Live Aid contest! The winners of the Sealed copies of the 4 DVD Box set include James T. of Toronto Ontario, Helen C. of Seattle, and Kevin K. of New Haven CT. The winners also received a snazzy LIVE AID Lapel Pin!  ~ Congratulations ~

Live Aid - 4 DVD set

So, it's almost 20 years since the biggest concert to be televised happened in Philadelphia as well as at Wembley Stadium in England. The Stars of the 70s and 80s pop and rock scene were eager to put on one kick ass concert. And this one was the brain child of one man, and at the time, Bob Geldof of "The Boomtown Rats" was one guy who, with some help, put this whole thing together. The thing was, the artists weren't getting paid, no, Live Aid was a concert that was trying to help the world. Famine relief was the idea. There were millions starving in Africa, and these artists decided to throw a "Woodstock" of their own, and I think it may have even surpassed the Legendary Woodstock. Two continents banded together for one single cause. But first let's remember how this all came to be. Band Aid was a band of the best British Musicians and singers banded together for one song ever. The track "Do They Know It's Christmas" is the song that started the entire project.

Not to be outdone, a band of American singers and musicians got together as well. USA for Africa crossed all musical borders by bringing together such a diverse band of artists. The project brought acts like Tina Turner, Cindy Lauper, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Springsteen, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers and many others. So, they both had number one singles, but put on a show? Have that show performed in BOTH Wembley and Philadelphia. You have got to be kidding me??

Nope, no jokes. What Live Aid did was raise money for the aid in Famine Relief. That's not all the concert did however, it also brought people from all over the world together, and it added a conscience to many others that decided to do their own thing to. Social awareness was in full swing with other benefits..... Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp were staples at the Farm Aid concerts in the US to help the plight of the farmers who were on the brink of losing everything. Let's not forget Comic Relief which raised cash for the homeless, and a scattering of others.

The 80s were definitely a stranger time, I mean the wardrobe alone is something I really never want to wear again. There were more One Hit Wonders in the 80s than any other decade, but what goes on today... Well, the concerts today that join all walks of life together are about the bottom line, yep the Cash and they have forgotten how to help the less fortunate. I am not saying there aren't some concerts that are smaller to raise money for victims of many of life's injustices, but where is the compassion and heart that Live Aid showed us. I mean it was in that time that artists cared and proved it, and now what is there?

Well, now I have my monologue out of the way, let's focus on this spectacular show. The 4 DVD set of Live Aid here has over 10 (Ten) hours of footage, and it even includes the video's for "We Are The World" and "Do They Know It's Christmas". All in all this is a top notch DVD set. I mean where else are you going to get Adam Ant, Ultravox, BB King, The Four Tops, Black Sabbath, Sting, Howard Jones, Bryan Adams, U2, Queen and all the rest of the electrifying acts together in one package. Hey, ya gotta remember that the proceeds of this set goes to help the hungry, and for a 10 plus hour concert the low price is a steal you can't afford to miss the boat on.

 Live Aid was the first of it's kind, and I truly wish there was more charity and gratitude in the world today and we may see more of these. I won't hold my breath on that one however. Live Aid is an 80s Pop Culture phenomenon that simply stands above most concert DVDs around. An amazing line-up, and some great behind the scenes stuff. It was fitting that I sat down to watch this DVD set on New Years Eve, the power of this 4 DVD set of Live Aid will make you watch from beginning to end, so make sure you carve out a block of time that is adequate for the show. 

Final thought..... I have read some other reviews on this set... But, I just can't understand the way they complain because maybe a very few of their fave performances were not added. If you are going to pick apart this magical set, folks this is plain and simply Music History, and you won't even notice the few tracks omitted in this package. Get this one, it's worth your while. This is pop culture with a purpose, and it should be cherished for years to come.

( 5 Stars out of 6 )

Click to see the LARGE Live Aid Poster

Play U2 "Sunday Bloody Sunday" from Live Aid - Windows Media Player Dial Up / High Speed --- Real Player Dial Up / High Speed

Play Eric Clapton "Layla" From Live Aid - Windows Media Dial Up / High Speed --- Real Player Dial Up / High Speed

Play David Bowie "Heroes" From Live Aid - Windows Media - Dial Up / High Speed --- Real Player - Dial Up / High Speed