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View Full Version : Run DMC at Live Aid


Bernard Goetz
07-13-2015, 07:45 AM
https://youtu.be/sHZfewPCziU
I was just watching Run DMC's Live Aid performance (30 years ago today!) and after spotting Rick Rubin offstage left, it hit me I don't know any of the story leading up to them being the only hip hop act invited to perform that day.
There's a balding white guy two people over from Rick who seems to know the words to King of Rock. Who is he? How big was the Def Jam posse that day? And, obviously unlikely, but - were the Beasties there? Unfortunately there's little to no info out there on the web. I would eat up an oral history of this, from the first call to Def Jam (or Profile?) from the Live Aid people, to how they felt the crowd received them (tough to tell just how much of the audience is into it in the video, but I'm assuming a huge percentage of them were like Where the fuck is Tom Petty?), to their reaction to being cut from the TV broadcast that day, who they met that day/night, impact on sales, whatever. Considering this is still a full year before Walk This Way, their appearance fascinates me.

tt5brevisited
07-13-2015, 09:42 AM
There's a balding white guy two people over from Rick who seems to know the words to King of Rock. Who is he?

Bill Adler?

http://www.thecouchsessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DEF-JAM-14.jpg

Bernard Goetz
07-13-2015, 12:24 PM
I thought maybe you're right, but now I'm like Oh shit was I looking at Russell Simmons?
https://youtu.be/sHZfewPCziU?t=4m35s

Sir SkratchaLot
07-13-2015, 12:41 PM
I thought maybe you're right, but now I'm like Oh shit was I looking at Russell Simmons?
https://youtu.be/sHZfewPCziU?t=4m35s

That's Russ to the right of Rick.

Bernard Goetz
07-13-2015, 12:54 PM
Yeah, I think that's who I called a balding white guy this morning. Sorry Rush.

Micodin
07-13-2015, 01:28 PM
http://www.thecouchsessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DEF-JAM-14.jpg

Rush Rush rocking that homemade Beasties hat by Cey Adams. :)

I gots a one off hat by Cey as well. I should wear it more.

Sir SkratchaLot
07-13-2015, 07:38 PM
Yeah, I think that's who I called a balding white guy this morning. Sorry Rush.

He's been called much worse.

tt5brevisited
07-14-2015, 02:30 PM
I thought maybe you're right, but now I'm like Oh shit was I looking at Russell Simmons?
https://youtu.be/sHZfewPCziU?t=4m35s

Ok, early on in the video (right side of stage)? Looks like Russel Simmons yes.
I was talking about the white guy with the beard later on in the video (left side of stage) He seems to know the words as well.... EDIT: just boppin' his head.

tt5brevisited
07-14-2015, 02:31 PM
Rush Rush rocking that homemade Beasties hat by Cey Adams. :)

I gots a one off hat by Cey as well. I should wear it more.

Yes you should!