...not that Mel was in any way impressed

It has gone down as one of the best performances in rock history.

But what’s often forgotten about Queen’s appearance at Live Aid is that it was introduced by comedians Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones, dressed as policemen.

In an article to mark the 40th anniversary of that landmark gig, Jones said that even his own children don’t believe he was there, writing that even after showing them the footage from Wembley Stadium, ‘they were not particularly impressed and thought it was an AI fake’.

He also revealed that his double-act partner did not exactly appreciate the significance of the occasion, writing in The Oldie that Mel ‘turned up a little late and asked me to give him something to say’.

And after their performance, Smith watched for a few minutes before sighing: ‘I’m off.’

Jones tried to persuade him to stay, pointing out it was the greatest concert ever. ‘I had actually skipped my son’s christening to be there,’ he said.

‘Yes, but I’ve got a horse running in Doncaster,’ Smith said – and skedaddled. 

Jones also recalled the supportive words of promoter Harvey Goldsmith as they we about to go on to the stage: ‘Keep it fucking short.’

Published: 26 Jun 2025