The 1987 Prince’s Trust Rock Gala at Wembley Arena was more than just a concert—it was a cultural moment that united rock royalty for a cause. Organized under the charitable arm founded by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in 1976 using his Royal Navy severance pay of £7,400, the Trust aimed to uplift disadvantaged youth across the UK. The gala, part of a series of high-profile fundraising events, brought together an extraordinary roster of talent: Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Ben E. King, and many more. Their collective star power transformed the evening into a philanthropic powerhouse.

Beyond the spotlight, some of the most unforgettable moments happened off-stage. One particularly touching scene involved George Harrison and his son Dhani, captured in rare backstage photographs. The quiet bond between father and son provided a poignant contrast to the onstage bravado. Another behind-the-scenes story comes from a Canadian contest winner who attended the event and ended up on a bus to the after-party with Denise Donlon, the future head of MuchMusic and CBC Radio. His recollections shed light on the uniquely casual yet electric atmosphere of the event’s off-stage happenings.

In one video clip that has resurfaced over the years, you can spot Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, and Dave Edmunds casually chatting backstage—an organic blend of talent and camaraderie among musical legends. These glimpses behind the curtain remind us that while the audience was dazzled by the performances, what happened away from the limelight was equally magical. Though the specific fundraising total for the 1987 concert remains elusive, sources confirm that the event was a massive success both financially and artistically, propelling the mission of the Prince’s Trust forward.