Live Aid Runaways: Rock and Roll Dreams, Queen, Led Zeppelin & the Story Behind Live Aid 1985

What would you risk to witness the biggest concert in rock history? In Live Aid Runaways, author Shane Robitaille takes readers back to July 13, 1985, when Queen, Led Zeppelin, U2, David Bowie, Tom Petty, and dozens of other legendary artists came together for a historic global concert. His novel follows Nick and Stacy, two teenagers determined to reach Philadelphia's JFK Stadium, where their adventure becomes a journey filled with unexpected encounters, rock and roll dreams, and life-changing experiences. Along the way, they discover that the magic of music isn't always found on the biggest stages.
In this episode of Booked On Rock, Shane Robitaille joins me to discuss the real-life inspiration behind Live Aid Runaways, the unforgettable performances that shaped his imagination, and the challenges of bringing the summer of 1985 to life. We explore the novel's connections to Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, The Hooters, and other iconic artists, along with Shane's research into Live Aid's history and his conversations with people who helped make the concert happen. Discover how one extraordinary day inspired a story about friendship, family, chasing dreams, and the enduring power of rock and roll. Watch the full video interview or listen to the audio episode below:
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