That electrifying moment on the Live Aid stage in Philadelphia, July 13, 1985, remains etched in music history. As Mick Jagger introduced her simply with, “Alright, where’s Tina?”, Tina Turner bounded onto the stage, joining the Rolling Stones frontman for what would become one of the most talked-about duets of all time. Their performance wasn’t just a musical collaboration; it was a raw display of rock and roll energy, undeniable chemistry, and a touch of unforgettable theatricality that thrilled the vast global audience watching the benefit concert.
The energy was palpable from the start. Jagger, then nearing his 42nd birthday, and Turner, 45 and experiencing a massive career resurgence thanks to her hit album “Private Dancer,” immediately captivated the crowd. They launched into high-octane renditions of “State of Shock” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It).” The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the sheer star power and dynamic interaction between the two legends. Their performance embodied the spirit of Live Aid – powerful, passionate, and utterly unforgettable. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a spectacle.
Unpacking That Infamous Skirt Moment
During their performance of “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the legendary performance reached its peak of spontaneity (or perhaps, planned surprise). Mick Jagger dramatically ripped off his own shirt mid-song. Then, with a flourish that stunned many, he tore away part of Tina Turner’s black leather skirt. The moment was bold, provocative, and perfectly captured the raw, untamed essence they both brought to the stage. It became an instantly iconic visual associated with the Live Aid event.
Tina Turner herself recounted the now-famous moment in her 2018 memoir, “My Love Story.” She shed light on the brief, yet impactful, exchange that preceded it. “Mick and I could never just stand there and sing — that wasn’t us. We had to do something,” Turner wrote. She described Jagger looking her over, noting her tight-fitting black leather outfit.
A Naughty Idea Takes Hold
Turner’s memoir reveals Jagger’s playful, yet decisive, approach. According to her account, he saw the opportunity for a dramatic costume change, not just for himself. “He looked me over,” Turner penned. “I was wearing a tight-fitting black leather top and skirt and I could see a naughty idea forming. ‘Does that skirt come off?’ he asked slyly.” Her immediate reaction was surprise: “‘What?’ was my startled reply.”
Despite her startled response, Jagger’s mind was made up. Turner wrote that he matter-of-factly stated, “‘I’m going to take your skirt off.'” Though she questioned his reasoning (“I asked him why”), she realized further discussion was pointless. “It was too late to talk it through,” she concluded, “Mick had already made his mind up to do it.” This anecdote highlights their comfort level and Jagger’s characteristic showmanship, even at the expense of Turner’s costume!
A Friendship Forged in Rock ‘n’ Roll
The undeniable chemistry between Tina Turner and Mick Jagger on that Live Aid stage wasn’t merely for show; it was built upon decades of shared history and a deep, long-standing friendship. Their connection dated back to the 1960s, when Turner and Ike Turner’s Revue toured with The Rolling Stones. It was during these early years that their bond solidified, influencing each other’s craft.
Turner shared a fascinating anecdote in her memoir about helping Jagger refine his stage presence as a young artist. She recalled Jagger visiting the dressing room she shared with her dancers, expressing admiration for their moves. “Mick showed up at the dressing room I shared with our dancers and said in his unmistakable voice: ‘I like how you girls dance,’” Turner wrote. At the time, she and her dancers felt Jagger looked “a little awkward” with his stage strutting and tambourine.
Teaching the Rocker to Dance
Recognizing an opportunity to help, Tina and her dancers took it upon themselves to teach young Mick Jagger some new steps. They specifically taught him the Pony, a popular dance move at the time. Turner noted that Jagger “caught on fast” but admitted he still found certain steps difficult. Despite her direct involvement in his early dance education, Turner recalled Jagger’s playful denial of her influence later in life.
“Not that he ever gave us credit for his new fancy footwork,” Turner quipped in her book. “To this day, Mick likes to say: ‘My mother taught me how to dance.’ OK fine – but I know better.” This story offers a charming glimpse into their enduring relationship and mutual teasing, demonstrating a bond far deeper than just performing together. Their shared past fueled the authenticity viewers witnessed at Live Aid.
The Magnitude of Live Aid 1985
The Tina Turner and Mick Jagger duet was a highlight within the monumental context of Live Aid. Organized by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the benefit concert aimed to raise awareness and funds for the famine crisis devastating Ethiopia. Staged simultaneously in London (Wembley Stadium) and Philadelphia (Veteran’s Stadium), with other contributing locations, Live Aid was an unprecedented global event.
Live Aid captured the world’s attention like few events before it. An estimated 1.8 billion viewers tuned in across 150 nations, creating a shared cultural moment unlike anything seen in the pre-internet era. The concert successfully raised over $125 million for relief efforts. Against this backdrop of global urgency and musical solidarity, the performance by two absolute titans of rock and roll stood out, embodying the power of music to unite and inspire.
An Enduring Cultural Force
Decades after Live Aid, both Tina Turner and Mick Jagger remain towering figures in popular culture. Jagger, now in his 80s, continues to tour with The Rolling Stones, proving the enduring power of their music and his stage presence. He recently appeared alongside other music icons, demonstrating his continued relevance on the global stage. His energy seems limitless.
Tina Turner’s legacy, too, has remained incredibly strong following her passing in 2023. Her influence spans generations, inspiring countless artists. Most recently, superstar Beyoncé paid homage to Turner, wearing her image on a t-shirt during her “Cowboy Carter” tour, fueling speculation about her next musical direction potentially leaning into rock influences. This gesture underscores Turner’s lasting impact as an artistic force. Their 1985 performance is a powerful reminder of their individual and combined influence.
Why Their Duet Still Resonates
The Tina Turner and Mick Jagger Live Aid performance transcended a typical concert appearance. It was a confluence of raw talent, fearless showmanship, and authentic personal connection. The “skirt moment,” while perhaps controversial to some, perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable, boundary-pushing spirit of early rock and roll that both artists embodied. It was a moment that generated buzz and kept people talking for years.
More than just a physical act, the performance showcased their effortless chemistry and mutual admiration, evident even when Jagger was tearing away Turner’s clothing. Their shared history, from dance lessons in the 60s to dominating stages globally, added layers of authenticity to their dynamic. At a concert dedicated to global unity through music, their duet served as a potent symbol of two iconic forces coming together, captivating billions and contributing to a historic cause. It wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with the skirt during the Tina Turner and Mick Jagger Live Aid performance?
During their performance of “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)” at Live Aid in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985, Mick Jagger spontaneously tore off part of Tina Turner’s black leather skirt. According to Turner’s memoir, “My Love Story,” Jagger asked slyly if the skirt came off just before the moment, indicating a playful, spur-of-the-moment decision on his part to add dramatic flair to the show.
Why was the Tina Turner and Mick Jagger Live Aid performance so famous?
Their duet is famous due to the incredible energy and chemistry between the two legendary performers, the dramatic “skirt moment,” and its setting within the monumental Live Aid benefit concert viewed by 1.8 billion people globally. It showcased two rock icons at the height of their powers joining forces for a historic cause, creating an unforgettable visual and musical spectacle that remains a highlight of the entire event.
What songs did Tina Turner and Mick Jagger perform together at Live Aid 1985?
Tina Turner and Mick Jagger performed two songs together during their set at Live Aid in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985. The songs were “State of Shock,” a track by The Jacksons featuring Jagger, and The Rolling Stones’ classic hit, “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It).” Both performances were high-energy collaborations that demonstrated their dynamic stage presence and strong rapport.
This iconic performance remains a touchstone for understanding the power of rock and roll and the enduring legacies of Tina Turner and Mick Jagger. Their collaboration at Live Aid was more than just music; it was a moment of pure, unadulterated showmanship that perfectly captured the spirit of a historic global event. The chemistry, the spectacle, and the music itself continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying their place as legends.
