Brazilian rock shaped generations and was responsible for producing some of the country’s greatest artists. Since the 1960s, when names like Os Mutantes, Rita Lee, Raul Seixas and Erasmo Carlos emerged, the rhythm has grown and carved out a special place on the populace’s record shelf.
World Rock Day, celebrated on July 13, serves to honor the music genre. Contrary to what the title suggests, this is not an international date. The reasons for the choice are not Brazilian bands, but a wish from the British Phil Collins.
On July 13, 1985, Live Aid took place a charity event held simultaneously in London (England) and Philadelphia (USA). Alongside Collins, the festival’s star lineup included Elton John, Queen, Madonna, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Duran Duran, U2, The Who, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Eric Clapton.
2 of 2 Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, performing Live Aid Photo: Reproduction / YouTube Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, performing Live Aid Photo: Reproduction / YouTube
The author of “In the Air Tonight” was also the only artist to perform on Live Aid’s two main stages on the same day. After his concert in the English capital, he traveled to the USA in the Concorde supersonic aircraft. Proceeds from the event, which was televised on BBC, went to help fight hunger in Ethiopia.
On stage, the legendary drummer and singer of the band Genesis would have suggested that this date would become a milestone in rock celebrations. The speech did not seem to have attracted much attention at the time, and in the 1990s only two radio stations in São Paulo responded to the musician’s request, 89 FM and 97 FM.
The idea conveyed in the broadcasters’ campaigns was well received by the public and World Rock Day finally established itself in Brazil.
How is it in the rest of the world?
There is no international date for Rock’n’Roll. Some countries use their own references to celebrate the rhythm. In the United States, for example, there are celebrations on July 9th in honor of the television show American Bandstand, hosted by Dick Clark a big name in promoting rock artists.
Check out some of the highlights from Live Aid 1985 below.
Queen ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
U2 “Bad”
Phil Collins “In The Air Tonight”
David Bowie “Heroes”
Sting and Phil Collins “Every Breath You Take”