Bootleg Betty
On July 13, Bette Midler Introduced Madonna At Live AID
By Mister D
July 15, 2025
On July 13, 1985, at the Live Aid charity concert held at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Bette Midler introduced Madonna with a memorable and playful introduction that captured the moment’s cultural context. Midler, known for her wit and theatrical flair, took the stage and said, “I want you to know I have no idea why I was asked to introduce this next act — because you all know, I am the soul of good taste and decorum. However, we are thrilled to be able to introduce to you today a woman whose name has been on everyone’s lips for the last six months. A woman who pulled herself up by her bra straps and has been known to let them down occasionally.”
This introduction was a cheeky nod to Madonna’s rising fame and the recent controversy surrounding nude photos of her published in Playboy and Penthouse just weeks prior. Madonna, then a 26-year-old pop newcomer, responded to the buzz and the 95-degree heat by declaring to the global audience of 1.9 billion viewers, “I ain’t taking off shit today!” This quip was a direct reference to the photo scandal, showcasing her defiance and charisma.
Madonna’s performance followed, featuring a vibrant three-song set: “Holiday,” “Into the Groove,” and “Love Makes the World Go Round,” joined by Nile Rodgers for the latter. She later teamed up with Rodgers, Steve Stevens, and the Thompson Twins for a cover of The Beatles’ “Revolution.” Her energetic performance, marked by iconic ’80s dance moves, was a standout moment, cementing her status as a rising star at the historic event.
Midler’s introduction, paired with Madonna’s bold response and dynamic set, became one of the iconic moments of Live Aid, a concert organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief, which drew massive crowds and a global TV audience.
