The Secret Policeman's Other Ball was the fourth of the benefit shows staged by the British Section of Amnesty International to raise funds for its research and campaign work in the human rights field.
Not all artists appeared at all performances: Phil Collins, for example, could not commit to all four and was present at the last two shows only.
[1] The show was directed by Monty Python alumnus John Cleese and produced by Martin Lewis and Peter Walker (Amnesty's fundraising officer).
[4] The show was very influential in galvanizing rock musicians to become involved in the human rights issue and in other political and social causes in subsequent decades.
Musicians who performed at the show who subsequently became activists in various fields include Sting, Bob Geldof, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Donovan and Midge Ure.