Ian Dempsey Reflects on His Role in Live Aid's Historic Coverage

On July 13, 1985, the world witnessed a monumental event, Live Aid, aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Among the many individuals who contributed to this global initiative was Ian Dempsey, a former DJ for 2fm and current breakfast show host on Today FM. Dempsey played a pivotal role in RTÉ's award-winning television coverage of the event, and he recently shared his memories of that iconic day.

In an interview, Dempsey recounted his responsibilities during the event, stating, "Along with my colleagues, I was 'manning’ the phones... Our job was to chat, flirt and secure plenty of cash from a very willing public. What a great day it was." His team, including fellow presenter Barry Lang and Broadcasting Assistant Linda Bent, worked tirelessly to encourage donations while RTÉ simulcast on Radio 2, now known as 2FM.

Dempsey, recalling his shift from midday to 3 PM, expressed his eagerness to catch the performances, saying, "I drove straight home afterwards and went into a darkened room with the television on and watched every microsecond until about 3 AM the next day." His sentiments reflect the fervor and excitement that Live Aid generated, uniting audiences around a common cause.

The day was not without its challenges. Dempsey noted, "To be fair to the Donnybrook end of things, it was plain sailing as far as I could see." He acknowledged the complexities of coordinating broadcasts, particularly with the international feeds and satellite connections. However, he praised the collaborative spirit of the team, asserting, "There was an amazing ‘can do’ attitude with everybody involved, and that usually helps things run both smoothly and brilliantly."

Live Aid’s musical lineup featured iconic performances, notably from U2, Queen, and David Bowie. "I think that pocket of Live Aid in the late afternoon in London... featured separate performances by U2, Queen (21 minutes of excellence - no debate), and David Bowie (well, what did we expect?)," Dempsey reminisced, highlighting the standout moments that resonated with viewers.

Despite some critiques of the American performances, Dempsey found value in every act, stating, "I did enjoy The Thompson Twins with Madonna." He also reflected on the overwhelming response from the Irish public, indicating, "Well, Ireland has a brilliant record at helping others. I knew it would be an impressive total from the response that we got on the phones. It was non-stop!"

The emotional weight of the event left a lasting impression on Dempsey. He stated, "Yes, I think it was something the whole world could come together for... Bob Geldof, a lad from South County Dublin, was putting the fear of God into rock stars, TV viewers, and donors made it all extra emotional."

As Live Aid has become a significant chapter in music and humanitarian history, Dempsey assessed its legacy: "It was a unique event that will never happen again. Everybody was caught on the hop and the outcome was unbelievable." The event not only raised substantial funds but also highlighted the collective strength of humanity in times of crisis, fostering a spirit of global solidarity that continues to resonate today.

In conclusion, Ian Dempsey's reflections on his role in Live Aid illustrate the event's profound impact, both personally and universally. With its legacy firmly entrenched in the annals of history, Live Aid stands as a testament to the power of music and community in addressing humanitarian crises.