Who was the first band to play at Live Aid?

Answered by James Kissner

The first band to play at Live Aid was Status Quo. As an expert, I can provide you with a detailed account of their performance and their significance at the event.

The opening act of Live Aid was the Coldstream Guards band, who played the “Royal Salute”, a brief version of the national anthem “God Save the Queen”. This patriotic and ceremonial start set the tone for the historic day of music and philanthropy.

Following the Coldstream Guards, it was Status Quo who took the stage as the first official band to perform at Live Aid. They kicked off their set with their iconic hit “Rockin’ All Over the World”, a song that instantly got the crowd energized and engaged. The band’s high-energy performance and catchy rock sound set the tone for the rest of the day.

Status Quo continued their set with another fan favorite, “Caroline”. This song, known for its driving beat and memorable guitar riffs, further showcased the band’s ability to captivate the audience and get them moving. The crowd was singing along and dancing, creating an electric atmosphere.

One of the standout moments of Status Quo’s performance was their performance of “Don’t Waste My Time”. This song, with its infectious rhythm and powerful vocals, resonated with the audience and further solidified the band’s reputation as one of the leading rock acts of the time. The crowd was fully engaged, and the energy in the stadium was palpable.

Status Quo’s performance at Live Aid was significant for several reasons. Firstly, as the first band to take the stage, they set the bar high and established the energetic and captivating atmosphere that would continue throughout the day. Their catchy rock sound and charismatic stage presence were a perfect fit for the massive crowd gathered at Wembley Stadium.

Additionally, Status Quo’s inclusion in the lineup represented the diversity of artists that participated in Live Aid. While some may consider them a more mainstream rock act, their performance resonated with fans and showcased the power of live music to unite and inspire.

Status Quo was the first band to play at Live Aid, opening the event with their energetic and crowd-pleasing set. Their performance set the tone for the rest of the day and showcased the power of live music to bring people together for a common cause.