The Teddy Bear Incident - Live Aid

One of my enduring memories of a day spent in a hot Wembley Stadium in 1985 is that of the teddy bear incident - I'm not sure EXACTLY when it took place, but it was around about the time of Madonna/Beach Boys in Philidelphia, in the late afternoon. While the world's attention was fixed half a world away, someone took it upon themselves to launch a teddy bear (or other cuddly toy - I was in the stands, so it wasn't a detailed picture) into the air amongst their little group - this was somewhere behind the TDK tent on the pitch.

This lobbage proceeded within the private circle for several minutes before it was enthusiastically over-thrown and made its way towards the back of the stadium WHEREUPON it disappeared for a few seconds before reappearing, at high velocity, journeying further away from the original source. I seem to remember this happily occurring for 5 mins with every 'flight' accompanied by a roar from the crowd, or at least those of us who had noticed this happening!

When it came to rest in an unknown location and failed to fly any further, we all reached for (disposable) items of our own and proceeded to lob them, vigourously, in the direction of the pitch - this playful airbourne barrage coincided with the big screen flippage from Philly to Wembley where you can definitely see (I've checked the video and DVD footage) the air filled with plastic bottles, silver wine box interiors, small children and soiled underwear!

Does anyone else recall this diversion and add further detail to it?

Tony...

...guess no-one remembers mate.

:-)

Paul Waring | 31 January 2008 - 8:21pm

Hmmm...was it all a dream?

Thanks for the sympathy post, Paul!

Have you seen that particular bit on the DVD yourself? I'm sure it's before U2...in fact, I'll search for it now - hang on a bit...

tonyboydell | 31 January 2008 - 8:45pm