Why David Crosby Had A Problem With Judas Priest Back In Live Aid
via Los Angeles Times / YouTube
Live Aid, held on July 13, 1985, was one of the most iconic concerts in music history. With simultaneous performances in London and Philadelphia, the event gathered legends from across genres to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Artists like Queen, Madonna, Bob Dylan, and Paul McCartney drew massive global attention.
While pop and classic rock dominated the stage, hard rock and heavy metal had a smaller, but notable presence. The Philadelphia lineup included reunions from giants like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, and also featured an energetic performance by Judas Priest. Though not everyone’s taste, their inclusion reflected the event’s broader musical reach.
Despite the unity-focused mission of Live Aid, tensions simmered backstage. One surprising voice of discontent came from folk-rock legend David Crosby, who took issue with the presence of heavy metal acts at such a high-profile charity event—specifically, Judas Priest.
David Crosby’s Backstage Outburst
According to journalist Mick Wall, who covered the event for Classic Rock, David Crosby was far from pleased. Backstage at the Philadelphia show, Crosby was visibly agitated—not just because of his recent legal issues, but because of the lineup order. He was furious that Crosby, Stills & Nash’s first performance in a decade was followed by a heavy metal band.
Wall recalls Crosby “thundering around” backstage, upset over having to share a stage with what he called “heavy metal garbage.” His primary target was Judas Priest, whose high-energy metal sound clashed dramatically with CSN’s folk-rock style. For Crosby, the pairing felt like a mismatch and an insult to the legacy of his band.
It’s likely that Crosby’s frustrations were amplified by his personal struggles at the time. Having just been sentenced to nine months in jail for drug and weapon charges, he was dealing with emotional and legal turmoil. Still, his harsh words stood out during an event meant to promote unity and collective goodwill through music.
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Rob Halford’s More Positive Take
In contrast to Crosby’s angry outburst, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford saw Live Aid as an unforgettable milestone. Reflecting on the event, Halford described it as a powerful example of music’s ability to bring people together, regardless of genre. For him, it was an honor to be part of something with such a noble cause.
Halford fondly remembered watching other major acts during the day. Among his personal highlights were performances by Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin’s Plant and Page, and a dynamic set from Tina Turner and Mick Jagger. Rather than seeing the lineup diversity as a problem, he celebrated it.
Despite the criticism from figures like Crosby, Halford took pride in Judas Priest’s participation. He believed the band’s presence showed that heavy metal had a place in global causes and mass cultural moments. In his eyes, Live Aid wasn’t just about raising money—it was about showing what the world of music could do when united.
