Bob Geldof supports Live Aid musical, despite discomfort seeing himself played on stage

Bob Geldof has given his approval to a new musical based on the 1985 Live Aid concert, which is set to be staged at the Old Vic theatre in London early next year. Although, he warned, “it better not be shit”.

Called ‘Just For One Day’, the show has been developed with the permission of the Band Aid Charitable Trust, which will receive 10% of ticket sale monies. Written by John O’Farrell, the story traces how the Band Aid single and subsequent Live Aid concert came together, coupled with a love story inspired by real events.

Speaking on stage at the Old Vic as the show was announced, Geldof stressed that it will not feature actors portraying the performers involved in the concert, despite their music being used.

"This isn't a tribute thing”, he said, according to the BBC. “I wouldn't have anything to do with that. So, there isn't a person dressed up as Freddie wearing a crap moustache. The songs drive the drama along. The story is based on actual testimony from the day. It's real people telling their story throughout this. So it's complex theatre”.

There may not be a ropey Freddie Mercury on stage, but Geldof himself will be represented, played by actor Craige Els.

Geldof said that he’d agreed to let the show go ahead after being “blown away” by early workshops. However, he added, he found it difficult seeing himself played by Els.

"Let me be completely blunt, it's bad enough being Bob Geldof”, he said. “It's slightly worse seeing someone else pretending to be you. The one upside for me is that he's got an amazing voice, stage Bob, so that people will think I actually sing as good as that”.

And the script for the musical also gets “the language right”, Geldof noted, referencing his famous demand live on BBC One during the event for the public to “give us your fucking money”.

‘Just For One Day’ is set to run from 26 Jan to 30 Mar next year, featuring the music of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney and more from the original concert. Tickets will go on general sale on 6 Oct.