Fan review

For years I’ve watched the 1985 Live Aid benefit concert on repeat.

Each time, I lose myself in the music, the crowds and staggering logistics of the multi-venue global event that brought together the music industry like never before.

I mean seriously – Phil Collins flying Concorde across the Atlantic to perform sets on two different continents within hours of each other? It was phenomenal. And the intensity and emotion of the fans was intoxicating.

I always dreamed of being a part of something like that. To share the energy and power of live, where fans are unified around a single cause to make a positive difference.

Earlier this year, that dream came true …

FIRE FIGHT AUSTRALIA gave 75,000 fans in ANZ Stadium Sydney (and millions more watching at home) the chance to rally around our rural and regional communities who were suffering Australia’s worst bushfire season in living memory. It was a chance for everyone show their support, acknowledge the victims, their families and the volunteers, and be a part of something very special.

It’s a rare thing to see so many artists come together on this scale. To step back from their schedules and give their time and talent to perform for charity, for community.

But for nine-and-a-half-hours they took to the stage. Back-to-back, aligned with their message and passion to raise money, and spirits.

FIRE FIGHT AUSTRALIA showcased local favourites including 5SOS, Daryl Braithwaite, Amy Shark and Hilltop Hoods who shared the stage with international legends like Alice Cooper, k.d. lang and Queen + Adam Lambert.

It was performance after performance of their best work. Fan favourites, their hits. There was no lull, you didn’t know when to escape to go to the toilet or get drinks.

And it was brought to a close by John Farnham, who along with Queen guitarist Brian May, Olivia Newton-John and Indigenous artist Mitch Tambo, belting out an incredible version of the classic You’re the Voice to close the concert.

But the highlight? Undoubtedly for me, it was Queen + Adam Lambert.

They’ve still got it. They had been there before with Live Aid and they even reprised their show-stealing set from that day in 1985. So much had changed since, but so much had stayed the same. The music was as powerful as ever.

The anticipation was deafening before their set. A Mexican wave went around the stadium as fans struck up their own version of We Will Rock You that echoed throughout the stands.

And then, mid-set, he was back. Freddy Mercury projected on the screen performing at the 1985 Live Aid concert.

“Ayyyy ohhh …”, the fans responded. Unified across the generations.

He could still tantalise the audience with his voice, his passion and charisma.

One word. Goosebumps.

The set that followed was incredible. The brilliant Adam Lambert, the band’s long-time frontman, put in a stunning and flawless performance that would have made Freddie himself proud.

The bush fires were tragic, and we are still dealing with the aftermath. But out of the ashes came an event that touched, moved and inspired a nation, and raised $10 million to help fellow Australians on the long road to recovery.

A concert for the ages.

Relive Queen + Adam Lambert’s Fire Fight Australia Live Aid 1985 Full Performance