SADE – Why Can’t We Live Together | Live Aid (1985)

Sade performing ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ at Live Aid in front of 72,000 people in Wembley Stadium, London on the 13th July, 1985. The event was organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. Broadcast across the world via one of the largest satellite link-ups of all time, the concerts were seen by around 40% of the global population.

Helen Folasade Adu CBE (Yoruba: Fọláṣadé Adú; born 16 January 1959), known professionally as Sade Adu or simply Sade, is a Nigerian-born British singer, known as the lead singer of her eponymous band. One of the most successful British female artists in history, she is often recognised as an influence on contemporary music. Her success in the music industry was recognised with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2002, and she was made Commander in the 2017 Birthday Honours.

Tell me why, tell me why, tell me why Mmm, why can’t we live together? Tell me why, tell me why Mmm, why can’t we live together?

Everybody wants to live together Why can’t we be together?

No more war, no more war, no more war Mmm, just a little peace No more war, no more war All we want is some peace in this world

Everybody wants to live together Why can’t we be together?

No matter, no matter what color Mmm, you are still my brother I said, “No matter, no matter what color Mmm, you are still my brother”

Everybody wants to live together Why can’t we be together?

Everybody wants to live Everybody’s got to be together Everybody wants to live Everybody’s going to be together

Everybody’s got to be together Everybody wants to be together

I said, “No matter, no matter what color Mmm, you’re still my brother” I said, “No matter, no matter what color You’re still my brother”

Everybody wants to live together Why can’t we be together? Gotta live together Together

“‘Why Can’t We Live Together” is taken from Sade’s album Diamond Life (1984).

Sade Adu (Vocals) Stuart Matthewman (Guitar, Saxophone, Vocals) Paul Spencer Denman (Bass Guitar) Andrew Hale (Keyboards, Vocals) Gordon Hunte (Guitar) Dave Early (Drums) Martin Ditcham (Percussion) Gordon Matthewman (Trumpet) Jake Jacas (Trombone, Vocals)