Remembering When a Band Replaced Its Lead Singer Weeks Before Appearing at Live Aid in 1985
The Power Station’s lead singer, Robert Palmer, left the group just weeks before its scheduled Live Aid performance in July 1985, leaving the band to find a replacement quickly. Michael Des Barres, a singer and actor who had previously opened for Duran Duran, won the audition and stepped in, helping the band deliver a successful set.
The group performed two songs, with “Get It On (Bang A Gong)” as the highlight, as Des Barres worked the crowd with energetic showmanship. He later recorded only one soundtrack song with the band; disputes between John and Andy Taylor curtailed its future, though Power Station eventually reunited with Palmer for another album.
- Robert Palmer left Power Station weeks before Live Aid.
- Michael Des Barres stepped in for the 1985 performance.
- The band played a two-song set, led by “Get It On”.
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Live Aid was a major charity concert held in July 1985 to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. It took place at Wembley Stadium in London and at a stadium in Philadelphia, with performances broadcast around the world.
The Power Station was a rock group formed by Duran Duran guitarist John Taylor, drummer Tony Thompson and singer Robert Palmer, with Andy Taylor later joining on guitar. Palmer’s departure left the group needing a singer for its Live Aid appearance, and Michael Des Barres, an experienced singer and actor, was chosen to take his place.
The band’s performance brought together established musicians and a last-minute replacement in front of a huge audience. Its later history was affected by disagreements between the Taylor brothers, while Palmer eventually rejoined the group for another album.