
There is a defining moment in the BBC TV coverage of Live Aid on 13 July, 1985, when the whole humanitarian purpose of the global star-studded benefit concert is brought into stark and harrowing perspective.
At just before 8pm, straight after David Bowie and his hastily-assembled backing band wind up a rousing performance of Heroes, Bowie returns to the microphone to make an announcement. “Lest we forget why we’re here,” he begins, “I’d like to introduce a video made by CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation] Television. The subject speaks for itself. Please send your money in.”