Crazy to imagine, but there was once a time when Madonna could be accurately described as a buzzy pop newcomer “on everyone’s lips for the last six months.”
That was 30 years ago today (not much has changed in the buzz department) when Bette Midler delivered a slyly hilarious introduction for Madonna at Live Aid‘s charity concert in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985.
At the charity event for Ethiopian famine, Madonna delivered one of the most exuberant live performances of her entire career. Check it out below. Despite the 95-degree Philly summer heat, her “Holiday” shines with effortless energy — and seriously, those dance moves are the epitome of ’80s cool.
Prior to the three-song performance — “Holiday,” “Into the Groove” and “Love Makes the World Go Round” — Bette Midler introduced the then-rising superstar to the global audience.
“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,” Midler told the audience with a wink. “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.”
For historical context, latter comment is in reference to Madonna’s pre-fame nude photos that Playboy and Penthouse ran with just weeks earlier. For her part, Madonna nodded to that by commenting, “I ain’t taking off shit today,” at the show.
Enjoy this slice of heavenly nostalgia above.
