* His popularity in 1985: While Ferry had a successful career, he wasn't at the peak of his popularity in 1985. Live Aid organizers likely focused on inviting artists with the biggest global appeal at the time.
* Musical Style: Live Aid was heavily focused on rock and pop music, while Ferry's music leans more towards sophisticated pop, soul, and jazz. His style might not have been a good fit for the overall tone of the event.
* Concert Length: Live Aid was an extremely long event, and organizers likely had to make difficult choices about who to include. With so many big names vying for spots, Ferry might have been left off the list.
It's important to note that there's no official statement from Ferry or Live Aid organizers explicitly explaining his absence. These are just some possible reasons based on the context of the event.