BBC Breakfast host makes Live Aid plea after 'spine-tingling' update

BBC Breakfast's Rachel Burden made an on-air appeal, asking viewers to get in touch following a nostalgic Live Aid clip from the iconic event over four decades ago.

The "spine-tingling" footage featured a montage of the historic day on July 13, 1985, at Wembley Stadium, where fans who managed to secure a ticket to Bob Geldof's philanthropic concert would have shelled out £25 each, with £20 going to charity.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the star-studded lineup that included Bob Geldof, Status Quo, Bono, Tony Hadley, and other '80s icons sharing the stage for the first time, BBC spoke with individuals who witnessed the spectacle in person.

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Introducing the special segment, Rachel remarked: "Now I wonder if you remember what happened on this day in 1985 when the world's biggest stars came together for what would become one of the biggest gigs in pop music history Live Aid."

She continued, outlining the purpose of the monumental concert: "The aim of the transatlantic event was to raise funds for those affected by the Ethiopian famine that claimed the lives of more than a million people. 40 years later, our reporter Piers Hob Cable has been hearing from some of those people involved," reports the Express.

Attendees reminisced, with one calling it "the best day of my life" and another recounting the event as "it was spine-tingling" from beginning to end.

Sue Goddard was overwhelmed by the experience, saying: "It was absolutely incredible and I have to say I had shivers up my spine. It was incredible."

Tony Hadley shared a similarly thrilling memory, describing a "spine-tingling moment" as he watched Status Quo open before him with their anthem Rocking All Over The World, thinking: "Wow this is really happening."

Elaine Hills recounted an unforgettable and life-changing incident when Bono leapt into the audience and chose her from the sea of fans to accompany him on stage. Seizing the moment, Elaine didn't hesitate to take the opportunity, despite the significant risk of being caught by her mum, whom she had assured she wouldn't attend the concert.

Eventually, word reached Elaine's mother that not only had she been at the concert, but she had also joined U2's frontman Bono on stage, which initially did not sit well with her.

Nonetheless, Elaine shared that her mum came around in the end and they were able to share a smile about it.

Elaine reflected: "She told me she was proud of me". After hearing these personal accounts of the iconic concert, BBC Breakfast returned to the studio where host Rachel was eager to hear more stories from those who were there.

Back in the studio, Rachel expressed her excitement: "Wow, and you can watch the three part documentary Live Aid at 40 When Rock 'n' Roll Took on the World."

The presenter also recommended: "It's brilliant actually, I've seen the first part, it's on iPlayer right now. There's also a Radio 2 special called Live Aid the Fans Story which is available on BBC Sounds."

In a heartfelt appeal to the audience, she added: "And we'd love to hear from you, your memories of that day."

As contact details appeared on screen for viewers to respond, Rachel went on: "Maybe you were there? Do you remember watching it at home?"

She encouraged viewers: "Do get in touch in all the usual ways on screen right now, we'd love to hear from you."

BBC Breakfast continues to be a staple morning show, broadcasting daily on BBC1 from 6am.