Live Aid is considered iconic for several reasons, and its significance extends beyond the world of music. Here are key factors that contributed to the iconic status of Live Aid:

1. Global Reach: Live Aid was one of the first truly global charity events. The concert was broadcasted to a massive audience of over 1.9 billion people across 150 countries, making it one of the most-watched television events in history. This global reach allowed it to raise awareness on an unprecedented scale.
2. Humanitarian Purpose: The primary goal of Live Aid was to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The event brought attention to a humanitarian crisis and demonstrated the power of music to mobilize people for a greater cause. The funds raised—over £125 million—contributed significantly to addressing the famine’s immediate effects.
3. Star-Studded Lineup: Live Aid assembled an extraordinary lineup of some of the biggest and most influential artists of the time. Performers like Queen, U2, David Bowie, and others delivered memorable and often iconic performances, contributing to the overall impact of the event.
4. Queen’s Performance: Queen’s performance at Wembley Stadium is often highlighted as one of the standout moments of Live Aid. Their set, particularly the interaction between Freddie Mercury and the audience during “Radio Ga Ga,” is considered one of the greatest live performances in rock history.
5. Phil Collins’ Transatlantic Journey: Phil Collins’ unique feat of performing at both Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium on the same day, using a Concorde jet for the transatlantic journey, added a dramatic and memorable element to the event.
6. Media Coverage and Technology: Live Aid took place at a time when satellite technology allowed for simultaneous broadcasting across continents. The use of advanced technology for a charitable cause was a groundbreaking aspect of the event.
7. Inspiration for Future Benefit Concerts: Live Aid set a precedent for large-scale benefit concerts. The success of Live Aid inspired subsequent events, such as Live 8 in 2005, organized by Bob Geldof and The Global Poverty Project.
8. Legacy and Cultural Impact: Live Aid left a lasting impact on popular culture, symbolizing the ability of the music industry to contribute positively to global issues. The legacy of Live Aid continues to influence the way musicians engage in philanthropy and use their platform to address social and humanitarian concerns.

In summary, the combination of its global reach, humanitarian purpose, exceptional lineup, memorable performances, and the use of technology made Live Aid a groundbreaking and iconic event that transcended the boundaries of the music industry.

The most notable artists and bands that performed at Live Aid:

Wembley Stadium, London:

1. Queen
2. U2
3. David Bowie
4. The Who
5. Elton John
6. Freddie Mercury and Brian May (of Queen) with guests
7. Paul McCartney
8. George Michael (of Wham!)
9. Dire Straits
10. Madonna
11. Led Zeppelin (with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums)
12. Sting and Phil Collins
13. Eric Clapton
14. Bryan Adams
15. The Boomtown Rats
16. Ultravox
17. Simple Minds
18. Elvis Costello
19. The Style Council
20. Sade

JFK Stadium, Philadelphia:

1. The Beach Boys
2. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3. The Four Tops
4. Billy Joel
5. Black Sabbath
6. Run-DMC
7. Rick Springfield
8. REO Speedwagon
9. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
10. Judas Priest
11. Bryan Adams (performed in both London and Philadelphia)
12. Phil Collins (performed in both London and Philadelphia)
13. Led Zeppelin (with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums, performed in both London and Philadelphia)