Ireland votes Queen best band at Live Aid as Radio Nova celebrates 40th anniversary of famous music event

For the first time ever, a new survey by Radio Nova, has revealed what the people of Ireland were doing 40 years ago when Live Aid, the legendary 1985 concert, brought the world together.

A survey by the music station found that while an overwhelming 67% of respondents were at home watching with family, 9% were tuned in from a bar and 84% watched it on a colour TV.

Queen was the clear standout performance of the day, with 52% voting Freddie Mercury’s set as their favourite at Live Aid, followed by U2 and David Bowie.

From jaw-dropping moments to emotional highs, 23% admitted they cried, while a third said they were deeply moved.

One in five cited Phil Collins’ transatlantic performance as the moment that floored them.

What struck most respondents looking back? “The scale of it – all pulled off without emails or mobiles” and “the power of music.”

But when asked if such a global event could work today, almost half (49%) said yes — music still brings people together.

Live Aid was a cultural and political phenomenon.

The devastating images of famine in Ethiopia, broadcast the previous year, moved Irish musician Bob Geldof and Midge Ure of Ultravox to act.

First, they brought the world together with the charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas?, and then they dreamt even bigger – organising Live Aid, a transatlantic concert that would unite the globe through music and raise millions to fight hunger.

It became one of the most ambitious and iconic broadcasts in history.

Radio Nova’s IMRO award-winning DJ of the Year and Host of Friday Night 80’s Dee Woods said: “It’s rare that a single day in music can leave such an emotional and lasting mark – but Live Aid did that and more.

“The stories that poured in from our listeners have been moving, hilarious, and inspiring. We can’t wait to bring those memories back to life and celebrate the music, the madness and the magic of an incredible day.”

5 Listener Memories from the Radio Nova survey that stood out

“We had a power cut! Ended up running to my brother’s house down the road to watch Queen.”

“My cousin demanded silence when Queen came on. Forty years later, I play in a Queen tribute band — and Live Aid was the turning point. That day changed my life.”

“My brother was painting the chimney and I was shouting up the chimney to let him know what was on.”

“We hired a VHS machine for £5 to record Bowie – it arrived 15 minutes before and the scramble to set it up was IMMENSE!”

“My dad opened a bottle of non-alcoholic cider over our chippers dinner to celebrate – the plastic cork shot up, shattered the glass light shade and landed in the good trifle.

“Mam threw it all out and the kids cried. Dad nearly cried too!”

Tune in all day on the 40th Anniversary of LiveAid this Sunday, July 13, to hear memories from celebrities and listeners and the most seriously addictive music on Radio Nova.