On July 13, 1985, Tina Turner and Mick Jagger delivered a rousing performance at the Live Aid concert in Philadelphia, captivating an audience of millions. This historic event, aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, showcased the duo’s undeniable chemistry and stage presence, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
Turner, then 45, was riding high on the success of her acclaimed album “Private Dancer,” while Jagger, just days shy of his 42nd birthday, commanded the stage with his signature flair. Together, they performed “State of Shock” and the lively “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It),” during which Jagger’s impromptu antics included stripping off his shirt and playfully tearing off Turner’s skirt.
In her 2018 memoir, “My Love Story,” Turner recounted this daring moment, writing, “Mick and I could never just stand there and sing — that wasn’t us. We had to do something.” She described how Jagger, with a mischievous grin, asked if her skirt could come off, leading to a spontaneous and electric exchange that exemplified their long-standing friendship and mutual respect.
The pair’s camaraderie dates back to their early careers in the 1960s, with Turner reflecting on how she and her dancers once taught Jagger some dance moves. “Mick showed up at the dressing room I shared with our dancers and said in his unmistakable voice: ‘I like how you girls dance,’” she recalled. Their playful teasing and encouragement forged a lasting bond that would shine through in their performances.
In a poignant tribute following her passing in 2023, Jagger honored Turner’s remarkable talent, stating, “She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny, and generous.” For Turner, her affection for Jagger and the Rolling Stones remained unwavering. Just before her death, she told The Guardian, “I always had a crush on Mick Jagger. I loved when we toured with the Rolling Stones.”
Live Aid was a monumental event, organized by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to address the famine crisis in Ethiopia. The concert spanned multiple locations, attracted an estimated 1.8 billion viewers, and raised over $125 million for humanitarian efforts. Turner and Jagger’s performance remains one of the highlights, reminding audiences of a time when music unified people for a common cause.
Today, Jagger continues to be a cultural icon, touring with the Rolling Stones and participating in significant events, such as a state banquet at Windsor Castle in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron. Turner’s legacy also endures, notably with Beyoncé recently paying homage to her influence. Speculation surrounds Beyoncé’s upcoming “Act III” album, rumored to have a rock theme, especially after she wore a t-shirt featuring Turner’s image during her Cowboy Carter Tour.
As Turner and Jagger concluded their Live Aid performance, they strutted off the stage in opposite directions, leaving the audience in awe. “Thank you, Tina,” Jagger said into his microphone, a final tribute to the unforgettable moment they created together. Their duet at Live Aid not only electrified the crowd in 1985 but continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike, underscoring the enduring power of rock and roll.
