In celebration of the iconic global concert, a new docuseries, “Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World,” is now available for viewing online. This series delves deeply into the historic 1985 event that brought together top musicians to combat the Ethiopia famine. As we mark its 40th anniversary, here’s how you can watch this gripping series online and revisit one of the most significant moments in music history.
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On July 13, 1985, a group of global superstars teamed up to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia by performing at Live Aid, a benefit concert that spanned from London to Philadelphia. For the 40th anniversary of the concert, CNN is airing a new original series entitled Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World, taking viewers behind the scenes of one of the largest global music events in history, and diving into its far-reaching impact.
At a Glance: How to Watch Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World
- Stream: DIRECTV
- TV Channel: CNN
- New Episode Dates: Sunday, July 20, Sunday, July 27, and Sunday, August 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The four-part docuseries, co-produced with the BBC, tells the tale of how a smaller fundraising effort grew into a global campaign, elevating Bob Geldof from a fading rock star to an acclaimed activist. The series explores how his efforts inspired figures like Bono, whose advocacy played a key role in launching PEPFAR, a U.S. initiative credited with saving over 26 million lives.
Featuring interviews with iconic figures such as Bob Geldof, Bono, Sting, Patti LaBelle, Phil Collins, and Lionel Richie, along with global leaders including George W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, President Obasanjo, and Tony Blair, the series showcases rare archival footage and backstage interviews with Paula Yates, Boy George, Status Quo, and George Michael.
If you’re eager to watch Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World, which premiered on July 20, here’s how to catch the remaining episodes of this captivating CNN docuseries with a free trial of DIRECTV.
How to Watch Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World Online
The new episode of Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World premieres on CNN on Sunday, July 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Two additional episodes will follow at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, July 27 and Sunday, August 3. If you don’t have cable, a TV streaming service like DIRECTV is recommended.
DIRECTV allows access to major networks, local channels, and regional networks via home WiFi, eliminating the need for a satellite dish or cable box. Instead, it offers a Gemini Air device, a dedicated streaming gadget powered by Google, that consolidates services and apps. Users can test the service with a five-day free trial before subscribing, allowing them to watch Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World for free online. The free trial lets you watch live TV from your computer, tablet, phone, or smart TV unit.
How to Stream Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World With DIRECTV
The four-part docuseries will be broadcast on CNN, available on DIRECTV with their ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER packages. Here’s a breakdown of these packages:
ENTERTAINMENT
The ENTERTAINMENT package is DIRECTV’s base offering, including national and local channels like CNN, Fox, FS1, TBS, ESPN, and ABC. It costs $79.99/month for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($89.99/month for 24 months with a $10/month Gemini lease fee), including unlimited Cloud DVR recording.
CHOICE
CHOICE is popular among entertainment and sports fans. It includes all ENTERTAINMENT channels plus specialty sports channels like MLB Network, ACC Network, and more. The package is $79.99/month for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($107.98/month for 24 months with required Regional Sports Fee and $10/month Gemini lease fee), featuring unlimited Cloud DVR recording.
ULTIMATE
The ULTIMATE package encompasses everything in CHOICE, plus additional sports and movie channels like CBS Sports Network and STARZ Encore. It’s priced at $104.99/month for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($132.98/month for 24 months with additional fees) with unlimited Cloud DVR recording.
PREMIER
The PREMIER package includes everything in ULTIMATE along with premium networks like Max and SHOWTIME. It’s available for $144.99/month for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($172.98/month with required fees), and includes unlimited Cloud DVR recording.
Watch the trailer for Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On the World below:
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