REO Speedwagon’s frontman Kevin Cronin recently shared his Live Aid performance experience on Facebook.
“It’s a long story, and I tell it all in my upcoming memoir, but in a nutshell, Live Aid was overwhelming,” Cronin said in his response to a fan. “I feel honored to have been a part of the biggest concert event in a generation.”
“I was so nervous that I knocked my guitar out of tune on ‘Can’t Fight’ and played the piano intro to ‘Roll with the Changes’ in the wrong octave,” he continued. “But hey, at least there were only two billion people watching!”
“The power of music is amazing, and so much good can be done when artists and fans combine their energy for a worthy cause,” Cronin concluded.
These candid revelations offer insight into one of music history’s most monumental events. Even seasoned performers felt the pressure of the occasion.
The historic charity concert took place on July 13, 1985, at Philadelphia’s John F. Kennedy Stadium. Historical records show the event drew 100,000 attendees.
The concert’s impact reached far beyond the venue itself. Live Aid archives document the event as one of history’s largest satellite link-ups. It reached approximately 40% of the world’s population. The concert raised an impressive £150 million for Ethiopian famine relief.
Music historians note that REO Speedwagon performed their hits ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and ‘Roll with the Changes.’ The band’s set featured special guest appearances. Members of the Beach Boys, the band members’ families, and Paul Shaffer provided backing vocals.
The performance marked a pivotal moment for REO Speedwagon. It coincided with their successful ‘Rockin’ the Paradise Tour’ of 1985. This appearance further solidified their place in rock history.
