July 13 will mark the 20th anniversary of Live Aid at JFK Stadium. Three South Philly residents who were there reminisce about the event that raised millions for African famine relief.
"Watching the crowd and the things people were doing - dancing, singing or talking -it was just real nice," said Turner.
Although they worked the concert, Inverso and Turner said they were pleased to be a part of the most-watched event in television history.
"[Live Aid organizers] were trying to do something for people - raise money for famine relief - that was the good part about it. The bad part was it was a long day," Inverso said.
"I knew that it was history-making," said Turner. "Wow, to be a part of that! I wish I wasn't working so I could have taken pictures. I still have good memories of it though."
Panichelli, too, was pleased to be a part of music and local history.
"It was good being part of the event by virtue of it being in South Philadelphia - a good community sense because it was happening in your own backyard. You were part of a major musical event that was being broadcast all over the world," he said.
The three do not plan to attend Saturday's Live 8 extravaganza on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Panichelli thinks Live Aid is a tough act to follow, any way you look at it. Plus, the Live 8 roster lacks "star power" in his seasoned rock-fan opinion. More big-name performers should have been lined up for Philly, he said.
Performers scheduled for the Live 8 Philadelphia show as of press time include: Alicia Keys; Black Eyed Peas; Bon Jovi; Dave Matthews Band; Def Leppard; Destiny's Child; Jay-Z; Josh Groban; Kaiser Chiefs; Keith Urban; Linkin Park; Maroon 5; P. Diddy; Rob Thomas; Sarah McLachlan; Toby Keith; and Stevie Wonder. Presenters include: Will Smith; Salma Hayek; Natalie Portman; Chris Tucker; Jennifer Connolly; Jimmy Smits; and Kami.
Turner said while she hopes the crowd remains peaceful like they did for Live Aid, times have changed and "everybody is so hot tempered today," which could incite trouble in an expected audience of more than one million.
Panichelli thinks any crowd that size is "daunting" and unless people are close to the stage, they can forget about being able to see because the event will be spread out over eight to 10 blocks.
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