The Cars - Drive (Live Aid 1985)

Entertainment Media
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Some of you older guppies will remember one of the most emotional songs ever made which became the theme tune to Live Aid. One of the best known groups at the time, ‘The Cars’ wrote an absolutely heartbreaking song which was used to pull at people’s consciences during the Live Aid concert. A film accompanying the song, showing the appalling famine in Ethiopia, will forever remain in peoples" minds; as the lyric “Who’s gonna plug their ears when you scream” was played, it was replaced by a heart-rending scream from a small child. This memorable yet tragic segment was listened to by millions, many of whom were realising for the first time the terrible suffering in that part of Africa. Today Ethiopia is facing another humanitarian disaster, the country is appealing for urgent humanitarian Aid, they have also planned another Live Aid Concert.

The Cars - Drive7230.Cars - Drive

2

Weird. This song came on tv day before yesterday, but i was not aware of the background of it.

Knowing the above, makes it all the more sadder...... Nice choice, DhP.

3

absolutely love this song, but I had no idea about the meaning behind it :bummer:

4

Thanks nadia & 714.

Some more background information..

The Cars were the most successful American New Wave band in the late 70s/early 80s. With their sleek, mechanical pop-rock, the band racked up a string of platinum albums and Top 40 singles.

In 1984 they released a single called ‘Drive’ with a music video. In 1985 it was utilized by the Organisers of Live Aid as its official theme song. The previous video was replaced by one showing scenes from a report by the famous BBC journalist Michael Buerk in which he witnessed the humanitarian disaster that was unfolding in Ethiopia. More Information about Live Aid

5

Thanks for the song and the background information.
First time I heard it :k:

6

Another song for African famine releif, but from the heavier side. On May 20th and 21st, 1985, 40 artists from various hard rock bands got together at A&M Records Studios to record a song called Stars. An idea originally coming from Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell on raising money for the famine relief in Africa and other parts of the world. The idea was put forward to Ronnie James Dio whom after this played a major role in the recording of Stars. By mid 1987, Hear 'n Aid had raised and donated $1.000.000 to this project.

Hear n Aid - Stars
14593.Hear_n_Aid-We_Are_Stars

Blue Oyster Cult, Dio, Dokken, Giuffria, Iron Maiden, Journey, Judas Priest, King Cobra, Motley Crue, Night Ranger, Queensryche, Quiet Riot
Rough Cutt, Spinal Tap, Twisted Sister, Vanilla Fudge, W.A.S.P., Y&T

A collaboration of the following musicians from the aforementioned bands;

TOMMY ALDRIDGE backing vocals
DAVID ALFORD backing vocals
CARMINE APPICE backing vocals
VINNIE APPICE drums, backing vocals
JIMMY BAIN bass, backing vocals
FRANKIE BANALI drums, backing vocals
ERIC BLOOM lead vocals
MICK BROWN backing vocals
VIVIAN CAMPBELL guitar, backing vocals
CARLOS CAVAZO guitar, backing vocals
AMIR DERAKH backing vocals
RONNIE JAMES DIO lead vocals
DON DOKKEN lead vocals
KEVIN DUBROW lead vocals
BRAD GILLIS guitar, backing vocals
CRAIG GOLDIE guitar, backing vocals
CHRIS HAGER backing vocals
ROB HALFORD lead vocals
CHRIS HOLMES backing vocals
BLACKIE LAWLESS backing vocals
GEORGE LYNCH guitar, backing vocals
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN guitar, backing vocals
MICK MARS guitar, backing vocals
DAVE MENIKETTI lead vocals
DAVE MURRAY guitar melody lines, backing vocals
VINCE NEIL backing vocals
TED NUGENT backing vocals
EDDIE OJEDA guitar, backing vocals
JEFF PILSON backing vocals
DONALD "BUCK DHARMA" ROESER guitar, backing vocals
DAVID ST. HUBBINS backing vocals
RUDY SARZO backing vocals
CLAUDE SCHNELL keyboards, backing vocals
NEIL SCHON guitar, backing vocals
PAUL SHORTINO lead vocals
DEREK SMALLS backing vocals
ADRIAN SMITH guitar melody lines, backing vocals
MARK STEIN vocals, backing vocals
GEOFF TATE lead vocals
MATT THORR backing vocals

[thumb=B]hearnaid.JPG[/thumb]

7

Thanks shinoo :slight_smile:

Thanks fret for that Hear N Aid song.

8

Thanks DHP Bhai and fret :-) Its very interesting to learn how different people come together hands in hands when its something for the humanity :-)

I liked The car better somehow..coz the music is soothing and relaxing while the lyrics are sad..which is kinda contradictory. I enjoyed the music..yet i felt sad while i concentrated on the lyrics. What an interesting combination.

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Thanks qrius :-), I think Live Aid was the biggest gathering of pop stars and bands in History, it brought together millions of people across the world, every creed, colour and religion to raise money for Ethiopia. I think you are right about the relaxing but very sad lyrics.. I will insha'Allah try and find the Live Aid video that accampanied the song..

Btw, below is a Poster showing the Pop artists and Bands that played at Live Aid in 1985.

[thumb=B]ukposter01.JPG[/thumb]

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Believe it or not but this is one of my favourite 80s songs. Yet another classic that have always brought tears to my eyes. I always thought it was a love song; had no idea it was about the famine.

On a brighter note, I vividly remember watching Live Aid and staying awake throughout the night watching the American broadcast of it on t.v. in England.

I also remember the song, "Feed The World; Let them know it's Christmas Time....". This was made during the time of Live Aid; united lots of different British artists together to make this song. I love this song too! :)

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MehnazQ, It is also one of my favourite 80's songs.. :-). Ive still got a video recording from 1985 taken from the Live Aid concert and I also stayed up all night watching the US concert.. it really brings back some memories. :-)

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Re: The Cars - Drive (Live Aid 1985)

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Dil he Pakistani: *
Some of you older guppies will remember one of the most emotional songs ever made which became the theme tune to Live Aid. One of the best known groups at the time, 'The Cars' wrote an absolutely heartbreaking song which was used to pull at people's consciences during the Live Aid concert. A film accompanying the song, showing the appalling famine in Ethiopia, will forever remain in peoples" minds; as the lyric "Who's gonna plug their ears when you scream" was played, it was replaced by a heart-rending scream from a small child. This memorable yet tragic segment was listened to by millions, many of whom were realising for the first time the terrible suffering in that part of Africa. Today Ethiopia is facing another humanitarian disaster, the country is appealing for urgent humanitarian Aid, they have also planned another Live Aid Concert.

The Cars - Drive7230.Cars - Drive
[/QUOTE]

thanks for letting us know DHP... it makes it that much more sadder... great song... great choice... :)

13

Aparna_Dogra thanks for your comments. :-)