Live Aid to Live8, Showsec’s Role in Two Historic Moments

July 2025 marked the anniversaries of two of the most iconic live music events in history, Live Aid in 1985 and Live8 in 2005. Both concerts captured the world’s attention and became powerful symbols of unity and global action, and Showsec was proud to be involved in both.

On 13 July 1985, Wembley Stadium in London played host to Live Aid, a ground-breaking benefit concert featuring Queen, U2, Elton John, David Bowie, The Who, and many more. With over a billion people watching across 150 countries, the aim was to raise funds and awareness for the famine in Ethiopia. What unfolded became one of the most memorable moments in music history.

While the spotlight was on the stage, Showsec teams were busy behind the scenes, focusing on the safety and movement of the 70,000-plus crowd at Wembley. Our work involved artist security, managing access areas, and helping to keep the event running smoothly throughout the day. It was a significant moment in the development of live event security, and a proud milestone in our history.

On 2nd July 2005, almost exactly twenty years later, the world came together again for Live8. Held in London’s Hyde Park, the event called on world leaders to Make Poverty History. With over 200,000 people in attendance and performances from Paul McCartney, U2, Madonna, Coldplay, and the much-anticipated reunion of Pink Floyd, it was another unforgettable day.

Once again, Showsec played an important role in the delivery of a large-scale live event. Our teams supported crowd management and worked to maintain public safety during a concert that was broadcast around the world. If you take a closer look at the official Live8 poster, you might even spot our now Co-CEO, Simon Battersby, among the faces captured in the crowd, a subtle nod to the people working behind the scenes to make it happen.

Being part of both Live Aid and Live8, two events that shaped public consciousness and highlighted the power of live music, remains one of the most meaningful chapters in Showsec’s story. These were more than just concerts, they were moments that united people around a common cause, and we are proud to have contributed to their success.

As we reflect on these anniversaries, we’re reminded that some of the world’s most iconic events are made possible by the people behind the scenes, working carefully to support the experience for everyone involved. At Showsec, we are proud to continue playing that role at major events across the UK and abroad.