40 years on: Unsung hero from Wednesbury remembered for Live Aid concert
Forty years ago, an iconic event took place that united some of the biggest names in music on one stage, captivating an audience of approximately two billion viewers worldwide. Live Aid, held on 13 July 1985, showcased legendary acts such as Queen, Madonna, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Tina Turner, and U2, all coming together to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. While figures like Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, and Harvey Goldsmith are often celebrated for their roles in putting the show together, there is one unsung hero who remains in the shadows – Maurice Jones, a rock promoter based in the West Midlands.
Born in Wednesbury and residing in Walsall, Maurice Jones was a key figure in the organization of Live Aid, despite not receiving the recognition he deserved. His daughter, Nicola, revealed that her father’s involvement extended to various aspects of the event, such as coordinating the venue, backstage catering, and booking the bands. Describing him as a modest individual who preferred to work behind the scenes, Nicola reflected on her father’s reluctance to seek the spotlight despite his pivotal role in the concert.
Accompanying her father to Wembley at the age of 15, Nicola recalled the awe-inspiring experience of sitting in the royal box, surrounded by music icons like David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Adam Ant. The electrifying atmosphere both among the spectators and behind the scenes left a lasting impression on her, particularly during Freddie Mercury’s iconic performance with Queen, which illuminated the magnitude of the band’s influence in her eyes.
Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Nicola highlighted Maurice Jones’s involvement in not only Live Aid but also the creation of the Monsters of Rock festival, which eventually evolved into the renowned Download Festival. Proud of her father’s contributions to these monumental events, Nicola expressed a desire for his memory to be preserved and acknowledged, underscoring his valuable role in the music industry’s history.
As the years pass, the importance of Maurice Jones’s role in Live Aid becomes increasingly evident, shedding light on the individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success. While his name may not always feature prominently in discussions about the historic concert, Nicola Jones’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of her father’s impactful contributions to one of the most monumental events in music history. Maurice’s legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew and worked with him, ensuring that his pivotal role in events like Live Aid is cherished and commemorated for years to come.