From benefit concerts in local venues to global events watched by millions, music has long been used to bring people together around a cause. But what makes these events so effective, and what can their history tell us about fundraising today

A recently published book, Rock for Change, co-edited by Peter Grant, Senior Lecturer at Bayes Centre for Charity Effectiveness, explores the long and varied relationship between music, fundraising and social change. Bringing together a range of contributors, the book examines everything from large-scale events such as the Concert for Bangladesh and Live Aid to smaller punk fundraisers and concerts supporting Indigenous causes in New Zealand.

From philanthropy to popular culture

Alongside Peter’s work in the charity sector and leading the MSc in Philanthropy, Grantmaking and Social Investment, he has a longstanding interest in the arts, music and popular culture, and has often explored how these worlds connect.

The idea for Rock for Change came from Peter’s co-editor, who recognised the connection between Peter’s interests in music and philanthropy and invited him to bring a historical perspective to the project.

That history stretches much further back than the modern benefit concert. The book traces connections between music and fundraising as far back as the Greeks and through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as well as exploring the role of musical fundraising during the First World War.

From the Concert for Bangladesh to FireAid

When writing the book, the topic proved even broader than the editors had imagined. Narrowing it down was a challenge, but the aim was to represent a wide range of both large and small events.

One thing that emerges from the book is how considerably the scale and professionalism of music fundraising events have changed. The 1971 Concert for Bangladesh is widely recognised as a landmark benefit concert, but its organisers were navigating relatively unfamiliar territory. Despite raising significant sums, problems with how the initiative was established meant that releasing the funds proved complicated and lengthy, with George Harrison having to contribute from his own pocket.

Compare that with more recent mega-events, where fundraising, sponsorship and global broadcasting can be integrated into the event from the outset, and the change is significant.

However, one thing remains the same: music continues to be used as a mechanism to bring people together and as a powerful fundraising tool.

The book explores this breadth, from fundraising concerts connected to mining communities in Canada and events in Scotland to punk fundraising. This variety is part of what makes the subject so fascinating and demonstrates that music remains highly relevant as a form of fundraising.

When music becomes a vehicle for change

So, what makes some music-led campaigns more effective than others?

Looking back at political movements provides some clues.

Rock Against Racism had a very specific purpose: challenging the rise of the National Front. Red Wedge, by comparison, sought to mobilise young people through music in support of the Labour Party, but the relationship between the music and its political objective was less direct.

One lesson that emerges is that the clearer the idea and the more specific the goal, the stronger the potential for music to mobilise people around it.

Other events reveal how music can reflect the political and cultural relationships of their time. The Concert for New York City, held shortly after the 9/11 attacks, featured David Bowie, The Who and Paul McCartney in prominent positions, three British acts at an event responding to an American tragedy.

Looking back at that line-up today raises another question: would the same cultural relationship be reflected in the same way now?

A different perspective

Even the most famous benefit concerts can look different when examined more closely.

Live Aid, for example, has inspired sharply contrasting interpretations. Some celebrate its extraordinary ability to mobilise audiences and raise funds, while others have criticised the way Africa and African people were represented, including the lack of African artists on its main stages.

Rather than approaching the event from either position, Rock for Change brings an academic perspective to its successes, limitations and legacy.

Many readers will recognise names such as Live Aid or the Concert for Bangladesh. But alongside these familiar stories are decades of events, performers and causes that may be completely new to them.

The aim of the book is to encourage readers to discover some of these lesser-known events, broaden their musical interests and learn more about the causes behind them.

Because the history of fundraising through music is not simply a history of concerts. It offers an insight into how music can bring people together, draw attention to a cause and inspire action.

Find out more about Rock for Change and read the book.

Learn more about the MSc in Philanthropy, Grantmaking and Social Investment at Bayes Business School.