The Irish Government’s proposal for Live Aid-styled gigs to celebrate the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has been approved by the EU. The plan is to have a series of concerts across multiple European cities simultaneously once the pandemic is officially over.
Catherine Martin, Ireland’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, proposed the idea during a recent EU meeting between arts ministers from across the continent. The Irish Mirror reported that Catherine Martin received a “warm reception” from her counterparts. They all agreed with her proposal to organise these massive celebrations.
Today my Department is highlighting the breadth of music, arts, exercise and culture activities available for us online while we stay at home. These include:
live performances @hotpress
podcasts @Centenaries
exhibitions @NMIreland…+ lots more #KeepWell https://t.co/81Jeic5WKp
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) January 15, 2021
While it isn’t clear just yet when these gigs could take place but it is thought that they might be able to take place in the summer months in outdoor venues given the pandemic doesn’t get worse. These Live Aid-style concerts might reportedly raise money for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not known whether the UK would be involved in the event, given their recent departure from the EU.
The original Live Aid gigs were held in July 1985 in London and Philadelphia to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia and across Africa. The event was organised by Dublin born artist, Bob Geldof and featured iconic performances from Elton John, Queen, Madonna and U2, to name a few. You can relive the sensational performance from Queen down below.
