N.Z. to screen charity rock

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 1

N.Z. to screen charity rock

The world’s biggest rock music event will be televised live on New Zealand screens in 11 days. Yesterday, Television New Zealand’s- assistant head of programme planning, Mr Sam Fairhall, confirmed that TVNZ would transmit the dual concerts — organised on both sides of the Atlantic to raise millions for African famine victims - live by satellite. Transmission of the concerts, which will feature such greats as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, U2, and Mick Jagger to name a few, is expected to begin at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, and finish at 3 p.m. on July 14. Further details are ex-

pected to be released today.

The concerts have been organised by Band Aid, the British group set up last year to raise funds for the starving in Ethiopia. They are being staged on the same day, July 13, at Wembley Stadium, in London, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.

Seven telecommunications satellites will beam the shows live to an estimated one billion viewers in an estimated 25 countries, including the Soviet Union and China, according to promoters.

“The aim is to have a global juke-box under the banner, Live Aid,” said Band Aid’s organiser, Bob

Geldof, leader of the Boomtown Rats.

Many of the most important people in the music world of the last 20 years have been enlisted and will perform free of charge. The list of entertainers reads like an encyclopaedia of rock since the 19605.

In Philadelphia: Bryan Adams, The Cars, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran, Hall and Oates, Mick Jagger, Wayion Jennings, Billy Joel, Judas Priest, Kris Kristofferson, Huey Lewis, Robert Plant, Power Station, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, The Thompson Twins, Neil Young, and Stevie Wonder. In London: Adam Ant,

Boomtown Rats, David Bowie, Phil Collins, Elvis Costello, Dire Straits, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw, Alison Moyet, The Pretenders, Queen, Slade, Spandau Ballet, Status Quo, Style Council, Sting, U2, Ultravox, Paul Young, Wham!, The Who (specially re-formed for the event), and Paul McCartney. Geldof said he hoped the event would raise at least $2B million for famine victims in Ethiopia and neighbouring drought-stricken nations of eastern Africa. The focus of the funds will be on long-term development.

Band Aid has already

raised nearly $20.12 million for famine relief mainly through sales of its record, “Do Thev Know It’s Christmas?"

As well as charging hefty entrance fees for the live concerts, the organisers aim to raise money from television rights, and via television appeals. Television networks in countries where • the concerts would be shown must guarantee to hold television appeals to elicit contributions.

To emphasise the global nature of the appeal, world leaders will be asked to appear on television on the day of the concerts to give their verbal support