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Book about BandAid
16
items Band Aid, the 1984 charity supergroup and related movements like Live Aid and the global response to famine in Ethiopia
Sections
4
Biographies & Histories Focused on Band Aid
Broader Books Covering Band Aid in Global or Musical Contexts
In-Depth Biographies with Band Aid Coverage
Historical & Critical Studies
Biographies & Histories Focused on Band Aid
Includes backstage insight into Live Aid and Band Aid’s media influence, particularly in Canada.
Is This Live?: Early Years of MuchMusic
A short but informative biography with a focus on Band Aid and Geldof’s humanitarian work.
Bob Geldof: Pop Star Who Raised £70M for Ethiopia
A BBC radio DJ’s memoir that includes his coverage and reflections on Band Aid’s media explosion, offering an insider look at how it was received and how it shaped pop broadcasting
Thank You for the Days: A Boy's Radio Adventures
The co-founder of Band Aid and co-writer of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” gives his side of the story. A must-read for those wanting a balanced view alongside Geldof’s account. Also discusses the technical and musical chaos of recording the song.
Midge Ure: If I Was - Updated Autobiography
Broader Books Covering Band Aid in Global or Musical Contexts
Covers both Band Aid and the transition into the larger Live Aid concerts
Live Aid: World Wide Concert Book
Academic and sociological; includes Band Aid as a case study in cultural activism
Music and Social Movements: Mobilizing Traditions
A cultural study of the 1980s with extended discussion of Band Aid’s influence on celebrity activism, MTV culture, and transatlantic media solidarity.
Pop Goes the Decade: The Eighties
Focuses on the politics of giving in the West. Includes discussions of celebrity-led humanitarian campaigns like Band Aid, and critiques of their symbolic vs. systemic value.
Charity, Philanthropy & Civility in US History
In-Depth Biographies with Band Aid Coverage
Geldof’s autobiography gives a raw, firsthand account of forming Band Aid, organizing Live Aid, and dealing with the political and logistical chaos.
Is That It?
Focuses on U2 but includes deep insight into Bono’s involvement with Band Aid and global activism.
U2: At the End of the World
Explores George Michael’s career, including his key appearance in Band Aid and Live Aid.
George Michael: A Life
Includes behind-the-scenes details about his legendary performance at both Live Aid stages and his view on Band Aid’s impact.
Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography
Historical & Critical Studies
Includes a critical examination of Band Aid and Live Aid as well-meaning but flawed humanitarian responses.
The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Aid Fails
A collection of essays analyzing Western portrayals of Africa, including a strong critique of Band Aid and Live Aid imagery
Africa's Media Image
Offers a more global and decolonial perspective, useful for understanding Band Aid’s cultural power
Images of Africa: Creation, Negotiation & Subversion
Analyzes Band Aid and Live Aid as key turning points in the era of media-driven humanitarianism
Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism