Monday February 3rd, 2025
Had the opportunity to attend the opening/media day for the jukebox musical Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical (Mirvish) https://www.mirvish.com/shows/just-for-one-day at Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria St). A little background, this is the story of the 1985 mega global two venue (Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia) music event watched by 1.5 billion people to help raise money and awareness for Ethiopian famine. Feature artist on the line up included Bob Geldof, David Bowie, George Michael, Sting, Andrew Ridgeley, Howard Jones, Elton John, Roger Daltrey, Midge Ure, Paul Weller, Freddie Mercury, Rick Parfitt, Adam Ant and Bono. It was the next step after the success of the 1984 charity single ” Do They Know It’s Christmas” https://tinyurl.com/mwdzuzva performed by several artists of that time including Boomtown Rats, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Wham!, Duran Duran and Bananarama. It was the brainchild of Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure . Geldof became compelled to help after learning about the horrors of the Ethiopian famine. This is the story about how this amazing moment in music history all came together, the good, difficulties and the triumphs. I’m going to be a little bias because i was one of the lucky ones who was in his early 20’s when all of this took place. I have the vinyl version of Do They Know It’s Christmas, watched Live Aid when it was broadcast on Much Music and have the Live Aid DVD. So watching this 2 and a half hour stage show(with intermission) is like reminiscing a time I enjoyed very much in my life, music, fashion and people. I loved Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical Mirvish) from the music, the performers(amazing vocals) and especially the story because there was a lot I learned about behind the scenes I had no idea about. And of course having Sir Bob Geldof in the audience just made it so much better. If I had one complaint it was I wish the fashion reflected the 80’s instead of what I saw on stage. Other that that, it was great from beginning to end. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical Mirvish) is an 80’s celebration of life! I give it 4 stars out of 5. Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical (Mirvish) runs now thru to March 15, 2025.
(JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical | Official Trailer https://tinyurl.com/52xdfs6v )
(1 July 1985 BBC2 – Live Aid trailer https://tinyurl.com/pazj2xbb )