The high-voltage anthem that opened one of music’s most iconic events is back—with a fresh, theatrical twist. Rockin’ All Over The World, Status Quo’s legendary opener from the 1985 Live Aid concert, has been released as the latest single from Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical (Original Cast Recording).
Performed by West End favourite Olly Dobson, this raucous rock ‘n’ roll classic captures the unrelenting spirit of that unforgettable day at Wembley Stadium. With over 1.5 billion viewers watching globally, Status Quo's original performance became an instant symbol of music’s power to unite. Nearly 40 years on, the musical’s version pays tribute with an electrifying arrangement, a nod to royal guests Charles and Diana, and a whole lot of heart.
Francis Rossi, who played Live Aid’s very first chords, reflected: “Nobody wanted to go on first, so we did it and were planning to go home by lunchtime! But the energy was something else—we knew it was historic.”
Album producer Jon Bath described the track as “unashamed rock and roll,” emphasising its role as the ultimate curtain-raiser. “The notion of Charles and Diana singing a verse was a fun stroke by writer John O’Farrell and musical arranger Matt Brind. It truly channels the original’s joyful chaos.”
The full Just For One Day cast album drops 11 July, packed with classics from Queen, David Bowie, U2, Madonna, The Who and more. Produced by Olivier nominee Matthew Brind and Jon Bath, and engineered by Grammy-nominated Jeremy Murphy, the album blends modern polish with the raw power of the original tracks.
The musical continues its run at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, with a special gala on 13 July marking Live Aid’s 40th anniversary. Ten percent of all ticket sales support the Band Aid Charitable Trust, with over £800,000 already raised.
Available on all major platforms and in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, Rockin’ All Over The World is a fitting tribute to the day music aimed to change the world—again.
