Live Aid – one of the most famous benefit concerts of all time – is back… but not quite as fans know it.
The event, originally held on July 13, 1985 in both Philadelphia and Wembley Stadium, was adapted into a stage musical at the Old Vic in London.
The musical, titled “Just For One Day,” relives the day when greats such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and others gathered on stage, to raise funds and raise awareness of Ethiopia's famine crisis.
Taking its name from a line in David Bowie's song “Heroes,” the production's plot combines a behind-the-scenes look at how Band Aid and Live Aid came together with a love story inspired by real events.
Last night Bob Geldof, 72, who organized the original event with fellow musician Midge Ure, was among a number of celebrities at the press night for the new musical. He was accompanied by his daughter Pixie on the launch-studded outing.
Live Aid, originally held in both Philadelphia and Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1985, was adapted into a stage musical at the Old Vic in London (pictured).
Last night Bob Geldof, 72, who organized the original event with fellow musician Midge Ure, was among a number of celebrities at the press night for the new musical. He was joined by his daughter Pixie (pictured side by side) on the launch-studded outing
After the first reviews appeared, television critics announced their verdicts. The Guardian's Arifa Akbar said the “production also represents the height of the white savior complex”.
Elsewhere, City AM's Adam Bloodworth said the musical felt “tone-deaf”, adding: “In another world, Just For One Day would properly ask where white aid has gone wrong over the last forty years.”
Here FEMAIL takes a look at the TV critics' opinions on the musical…
The show features music from Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders and more
The musical, titled Just For One Day (pictured), relives the day as the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more perform The stage came together to raise funds and awareness about the famine in Ethiopia
Claire Sweeney radiated elegance in a shimmering ensemble for the Just For One Day press night
Arlene Phillips, 80, cut a relaxed figure in a gray suit and black turtleneck as she arrived at the theater (pictured left). Pictured right: Darcey Bussell looked stylish in red pants and a black coat, teamed with a multi-colored scarf
Carrie Hope Fletcher (pictured left) and Tom Fletcher attend the press evening performance at the Old Vic Theatre
Lenny Henry and his partner Lisa Makin looked every bit a happy couple as they attended the press night
THE GUARD
An unimpressed Arifa Akbar of The Guardian said the musical had “soaring voices” but “pancake-flat characters” and suggested that viewers might as well tune in to “the compilation tape Now That's What I Call Music 1985 – or Heart FM on.” Full speed” could listen to. .
The reviewer claimed the “production also embodies the height of the white savior complex.”
“For its critics, the day sealed a patronizing image of Africa as a continent desperate for and dependent on Western aid,” Arifa said. “There is some discussion about it, mainly through helper Amara (Abiona Omonua), but it’s an undigested nod.”
THE INDEPENDENT
“This Live Aid musical is Bob Geldof's tribute to… himself,” claimed the Independent's Alice Saville.
The reviewer said: “The Old Vic's musical about Bob's generation-defining Wembley concert for Ethiopia makes powerful use of hits like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' – but in the end it's just a massive celebration of the swearing Irish star's legacy.”
CITY AM
City AM's Adam Bloodworth said that despite the entertaining music, “you just can't stop going back to the idea that staging a celebratory show about an outdated movement seems completely tone-deaf given the current social climate.”
In a scathing review, he added: “In another world, Just For One Day would properly ask where white aid has gone wrong over the last forty years.”
“But here's another musical that pushes white savior stereotypes to the forefront.” Worst of all, you get the impression that all those people who stand up and clap at the end are going to go home without being bothered “To be aware of the plight of impoverished nations around the world.”
THE FINANCIAL TIMES
The Financial Times' Sarah Hemming praised the production's “energy” but said the speech was “often clunky”.
“The script is often complicated and contains a lot of explanations. Points are made that were supposed to emerge from the story,” she explained.
“Meanwhile, both individuals and themes have little time to acquire depth or subtlety.”
THE TELEGRAPH
The Telegraph's chief theater critic Dominic Cavendish insisted even the harshest cynic would admire the musical production.
He added: “One can complain about the moments of blunt portrayal or the sketchiness of the characters, particularly the selection of unsung working people and concertgoers.”
“But like the day itself, cynicism turns to admiration. Whether you've been there, on site or on the sofa, the first time or not, be prepared for a smile on your lips, a tear in your eye and the continued urge to do good.