The Extraordinary Journey of Phil Collins at Live Aid
Phil Collins, the legendary drummer and singer, made history during the Live Aid concerts in 1985 by performing on two continents within a single day. This incredible feat was part of a global effort to raise awareness and funds for the Ethiopian famine, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Collins’ performance not only showcased his musical talent but also demonstrated his commitment to a cause greater than himself.
Collins began his day with a set at Wembley Stadium in London, where he performed hits like “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” and “In the Air Tonight.” He also joined forces with Branford Marsalis and Sting, contributing his drumming skills to their performances. However, this was just the beginning of an extraordinary day for the Genesis frontman.
After wrapping up his London performance, Collins boarded a helicopter to Heathrow Airport, then took The Concorde, a supersonic jet, to New York City. From there, he traveled by helicopter to Philadelphia, where he joined Eric Clapton for his set and performed three songs with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones. The Concorde, which could cross the Atlantic in under three and a half hours, played a crucial role in enabling Collins to make this impossible journey.
A Day of Challenges and Triumphs
Despite the logistical challenges, Collins expressed pride in being part of such a monumental event. In an interview after his London performance, he stated that the show had gone well and that he felt honored to be involved. “It’s just too obvious to say it’s for a good cause,” he said, highlighting the importance of the initiative.
However, the second performance in Philadelphia was not without its difficulties. Collins revealed that he had been asked to participate in the show by both Robert Plant and Sting, and a UK promoter suggested using The Concorde to make the trip. But the experience with Led Zeppelin was less smooth than expected. Collins admitted that he hadn’t rehearsed with the band beforehand, and the tension among the members added to the challenges.
“I didn’t rehearse when I got there, but I listened to ‘Stairway To Heaven’ on Concorde,” Collins recalled. He described the performance as messy, partly due to the fact that co-drummer Tony Thompson had rehearsed for a week, while Collins felt like a "spare part." The situation escalated when Jimmy Page criticized Collins' lack of preparation, leading to some friction.
Collins later reflected on the experience in his 2016 autobiography, “Not Dead Yet,” expressing his reluctance to be part of the Led Zeppelin reunion. He wrote that he had not come to play with the band but rather to support a friend. The dynamics between the members created a “toxic, dysfunctional web” that made the experience uncomfortable.
A Surprising Encounter
Amid the challenges, Collins’ journey included a memorable encounter with Cher. During his flight on The Concorde, he met the famous singer, who asked about his plans. Collins explained that he had a live gig in London and Philadelphia, and Cher requested to join the show. Hours later, she performed with a star-studded group of artists, closing out Live Aid with a rendition of “We Are the World.”
The event was a resounding success, raising over $100 million for famine relief. Collins’ transatlantic journey not only highlighted his dedication to the cause but also underscored the power of music to unite people across the globe. His story remains a testament to the impact of Live Aid and the spirit of collaboration that defined the event.