On this day in 1985, the first Farm Aid concert was held

The 1985 Live Aid concert, Dylan made a comment during his performance that he would like to see some portion of the money raised go towards the mortgages of American farmers. Though these comments were criticised, they inspired Willer Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to organise the Farm Aid benefit concert.

Held at the Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, the show drew a crowd of approximately 80,000 people. Among the performers were Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, B.B. King, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. The stacked line-up clearly worked as the many attendees raised a significant figure for U.S.  farmers.

The original plan was to raise enough money to help cover some mortgages for farmers and help with their businesses. The organisers believed one show would be enough to raise this money and while they did raise over $9 million for U.S. family farmers, the conclusion was drawn that the issues facing the agricultural industry were more complex than originally thought and it was decided to make Farm Aid an annual event.

The event continues today, and Nelson, Mellencamp and Young still sit on the board of directors.