Jim Kerr, the iconic lead singer of Simple Minds, has shared a remarkable tale involving his late father, Jimmy Kerr, and legendary musician Bob Dylan. As Live Aid’s dual concerts in London and Philadelphia unfolded in July 1985, the story adds an unexpected layer to one of the most memorable events in music history.
A Night to Remember in Philadelphia
Live Aid 1985 was a momentous occasion that united music legends to fight famine in Ethiopia. While most stories focus on the groundbreaking performances, Jim Kerr’s account offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of camaraderie—and chaos. The Simple Minds were among the dozens of renowned acts performing, sharing the Philadelphia stage with names like Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and, of course, Bob Dylan.
Kerr, now 65, recounted how his father, Jimmy, found himself in an unlikely situation the night before Dylan’s performance. “I had so many commitments the day before Live Aid, so I brought my dad along,” Kerr said. “He was a character—friendly, engaging, and someone people just gravitated toward.”
Little did Kerr know, his father would soon become an impromptu caretaker for one of the most legendary musicians of all time.
From Babysitter to Rock-and-Roll Rescuer
Jimmy Kerr’s night began innocently enough when Kirsty MacColl, a close family friend, took him under her wing. MacColl, who wasn’t performing at Live Aid but was in Philadelphia to support her then-husband Steve Lillywhite (a producer for Mick Jagger and Keith Richards), had bonded with Jimmy during her visits to the Kerr household.
“When Kirsty saw my dad, she immediately said, ‘Jimmy, come with me,’” Kerr shared. “I thought, ‘Great, Kirsty can keep him company while I handle my work.’” What followed was anything but ordinary.
As Jim attended to pre-concert preparations, his father disappeared. With no mobile phones to check in, Kerr spent hours wondering where Jimmy had gone. “Eventually, he showed up in the lobby looking exhausted,” Kerr said. “When I asked where he’d been, he casually replied, ‘Aw, that Bob Dylan, what a state he’s in. I had to help get him to bed.’”
An Unlikely Nightcap with Rock Royalty
Jimmy’s tale unraveled further as he described the scene in a private suite with MacColl, Lillywhite, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood. According to Jimmy, Dylan had overindulged, prompting concern from the group.
“They said Dylan had drunk too much and was struggling,” Kerr recalled with a laugh. “My dad and Kirsty had to help him to his room to ensure he could get some rest before the big day.”
It’s a story that underscores the unpredictable nature of rock-and-roll, where even legends like Dylan occasionally need a helping hand. However, it also highlights Jimmy Kerr’s warm, down-to-earth personality, which endeared him to those he met—even global icons.
The Day of the Show: A Mixed Performance
When Dylan and Richards took the stage at JFK Stadium the next day, the effects of the previous evening were evident. “They could barely stand up,” Kerr remarked. “It wasn’t their finest performance.”
Despite their lackluster set, the day was a monumental success. Broadcast to an audience of 1.9 billion people worldwide, Live Aid raised over $125 million for famine relief and solidified its place in history.
For Kerr, the experience of performing for an 89,000-strong crowd at JFK Stadium and being part of such an impactful event was unforgettable. Yet, the most unique memory remains his father’s unexpected involvement in the backstage drama.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 40 Years of Live Aid and Beyond
As the 40th anniversary of Live Aid approaches in 2025, Jim Kerr and Simple Minds continue to captivate audiences. The band, best known for their chart-topping hit Don’t You (Forget About Me), is gearing up for a major concert at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park on June 27 next year.
The show, their biggest headliner since 1991, promises a mix of timeless hits and a full performance of their 1985 album Once Upon a Time. With special guests like Future Islands, KT Tunstall, and Hamish Hawk, the night is poised to be another milestone in Simple Minds’ illustrious career.
A Tale That Lives On
Jimmy Kerr’s story adds a touch of humor and humanity to the larger-than-life aura of Live Aid. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of historic events, personal connections and light-hearted moments shine through. For Jim Kerr, the memory of his father’s night with Dylan is as iconic as the music that defined that unforgettable day.
