Since the 1980s, Adams has participated in concerts and other activities to help raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. His first high-profile charity appearance came in 1985 when he opened the US transmission of Live Aid from Philadelphia. In June of the next year, Adams participated in the two-week Amnesty International "A Conspiracy of Hope" tour alongside Sting, U2 and Peter Gabriel. In 1986, Adams performed at The Prince's Trust All-Star Rock Concert in Wembley Arena to celebrate first 10 years of the Trust and again in June 1987 at the 5th Annual Prince's Trust Rock Gala along with Elton John, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and others. The following year on 11 June 1988, Adams performed at the Nelson Mandela birthday party concert at Wembley Stadium. In June 1988, East Berlin experienced a lavish rock'n'roll festival called "Peace Concert": Adams and Joe Cocker played in Weißensee in front of a crowd of over 85,000 people. Only a week later, David Bowie played music in front of the Reichstag building, in front of 60,000 fans. While Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson were in front of the Bundestag, with 40,000 people to attend the concert, Bruce Springsteen performed in front of a crowd of over 160,000 people.