Popular music has a long historical connection with politics, however achieving genuine political change is questionable, many would argue that Popular music simply contains political expression to portray the specific political message of the moment, others would argue it should '...exercise power over its listeners to shape and influence, (their) thoughts and actions" (John street in Frith. Straw and Street)
In July 1985 Live Aid raised £50 million and over 1 billion watched it was more successful than anyone had every anticipated however was harshly criticised for being "tasteless, self serving for those involved, symptomatic of existing geopolitical relations and politically inappropriate." Those who criticised were perhaps those who feared its success and the genuine effects of the music. Ultimately Live Aid did what it intended (which is more than can be said for general Politics) which was to raise money and awareness, it may not have been a 'symbolic force' that creates visions and a change but it served its purpose.
A strong position, fairly well defended.
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