Farrokh Bomi Bulsara
Twenty-seven years…
November 23, 1991 the statement below was issued:
“Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue.” (1)
November 24, 1991, a mere 24 hours later, Publicist, Roxy Meades , announced to the world, “Freddie Mercury died peacefully at his home. His death was the result of bronchial-pneumonia, brought on by Aids.” (2)
Bohemian Rhapsody has dominated the box office since it’s release November 2. It has accumulated a domestic total as of November 23, $143,379,253 (Estimated)(3) I give no spoilers, however, most can guess what will take place during the two-hour 14 minute block buster. If you do not know the story of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon of Queen, now is the time to invest in a movie ticket and a concert, so to speak. If you were lucky enough to have witnessed Live Aid via TV broadcast in July 1985, it will be like stepping into Wembley for a front row view!
One person I had the opportunity to meet just over a year ago, was definitely one of the lucky ones. Photographer David Plastik was one who witnessed Live Aid at Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1985. Plastik began his photography career in July 1980. While in school, he set to work things out his own way. 1981 to 1984 he visited Europe every June, where he photographed many different festivals, concerts and events. When Live Aid was announced, he decided to change plans and work his trip around the July date for 1985. Plastik had made friends over the years and enjoyed the accommodations and camaraderie for the shows and had began his plans for that one July day.
While working for an International photo agency, they gladly supplied him with large lens and equipment needed for an event and size such as Live Aid. July 13 arrived and Plastik was off to Wembley Stadium for a day of music like none other before, or like none other after. Being billed as the “global jukebox”, 72,000 people filled the London England stadium while another 100,000 crammed into John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for and over 1.9 billion tuned in via televised broadcast across 150 nations. Over 70 acts performed between Wembley and JFK Stadium with pop up performances from Japan, Germany and Australia which made it the broadcast of the biggest benefit concert in history, organized by Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure (Ultravox) to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. The amazing 16 hour event, of which Plastik stated he was there for over 18 hours for coverage, raised triple the £10m expected. As the London event closed at Wembley Stadium, Britain had contributed £1,100,000 to the global total of £30m!
Plastik said times had definitely changed since 1985. He walked into the event with a book-bag full of equipment and no photo pass. Just a man, a ticket and cameras planted for the day near the sound board to capture some of the most memorable moments of a life changing event. Re-visit Live Aid moments through the eyes of the camera at vintagemusicimages.com where all photos can also be purchased, not just for your viewing pleasure! Connect with Vintage Music Images on Facebook or Instagram at davidplastik22 . Vintage Music Images shares an unbelieveable gallery of photos not only of Live Aid, but a plethora of musicians, actors, actresses and celebrities.
Rest In Peace Freddie
***Interesting Live Aid Facts***
Live Aid Time Line Around The World
Continuum 