The Big News Of 1985
In 1985, the world witnessed a series of significant events that left a lasting impact on culture and society. One of the most notable moments was the Live Aid concert, a monumental benefit event organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. This concert brought together some of the biggest names in music, including Queen, U2, and David Bowie, performing simultaneously in London and Philadelphia. The event not only raised over $125 million but also highlighted the power of music as a unifying force for social change. Meanwhile, the film industry was shaken by the revelation of Rock Hudson's battle with AIDS, which brought the disease into the public eye and sparked conversations about health, stigma, and the LGBTQ+ community.
In the realm of technology, 1985 marked a pivotal moment with the launch of Microsoft Windows, a graphical operating system that would revolutionize personal computing. This innovative software provided users with a more intuitive interface, moving away from the command-line systems that had dominated the market. As Windows gained popularity, it laid the groundwork for the future of computing, making technology more accessible to the average person.
Headlines
TWA flight 847 hijacked
14th June 1985
TWA Flight 847 was a scheduled transcontinental flight that became infamous due to a hijacking incident in June 1985. The flight, which was en route from Athens to Rome, was taken over by a group of armed individuals shortly after takeoff. Over the course of the ordeal, the hijackers held the passengers and crew hostage for several days, demanding the release of prisoners held in Israel. The situation escalated dramatically, with the plane being diverted to multiple locations, including Beirut, where the hostages faced intense psychological and physical stress. The event captured global attention, leading to a complex negotiation process involving various governments and agencies. Ultimately, the crisis ended with the safe release of most hostages, but not without leaving a lasting impact on aviation security and international relations.
Live Aid
13th July 1985
Live Aid, held in 1985, was a monumental benefit concert that aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Organized by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the event took place on July 13 and featured an impressive lineup of some of the biggest names in music, including Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Elton John. The concerts were simultaneously held at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, drawing an audience of over 70,000 in person and millions more watching on television across the globe. The performances were not only a showcase of musical talent but also a powerful call to action, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Africa. The event successfully raised more than $125 million, demonstrating the incredible impact that music can have in uniting people for a common cause and inspiring global awareness about poverty and hunger. Live Aid remains a landmark moment in music history, illustrating how artists can leverage their influence to effect real change in the world....
- U2
- David Bowie
- Elton John
- Paul McCartney
- The Who
- Led Zeppelin
- Bob Dylan
- Duran Duran
- Billy Joel
- Status Quo
- Simple Minds
- Spandau Ballet
- The Pretenders
- Dire Straits
- INXS
- Tears for Fears
- The Power Station
- Ultravox
- Sade