These iconic records came out in 1995
A new all-star version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' by Band Aid 40 was released in November 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of the original 1984 release. This latest version of the hunger anthem has been criticized in some quarters, as have previous versions. Forty years ago, musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure brought together some of the greatest music acts of the era to perform on a charity single to raise money for the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. The following year, they organized the hugely successful Live Aid music concerts.
In the period since, however, the song has been taken to task by some singers and social commentators for what they perceive as its patronizing lyrics, believing they represent a "white savior" narrative. Others dismiss these comments as coming from "woke" people and "do-gooders," and are quick to point out that, since its inception, the Band Aid Trust has received a total income of £146 million (nearly US$185 million) and provided funds for long-term development projects and emergency aid in several African countries. So, how much of this criticism is warranted, and who are the musicians that played a part in the charity's success?
Click through the following gallery and learn more about the Band Aid and Live Aid story.
Ten years later, in November 2024, Band Aid 40 was released. This latest version of the song includes the use of Sheeran's voice from when he sang on Band Aid 30 in 2014. But the organizers did not ask permission to reuse his vocals. Sheeran subsequently released a statement on Instagram saying that had he been asked, he would have respectfully declined the use of his vocals, explaining that his understanding of the narrative associated with the song had changed.
Ghanaian-English singer, songwriter and rapper Fuse ODG turned down the offer of participating in the 2014 version of the song, criticizing foreign aid in Africa.
Responding to Sheeran's objections, Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley, who sang on the original 1984 single, told BBC Radio 2: "I think they [critics like Sheeran] should shut up, to be honest."
Live Aid 1985 promoter Harvey Goldsmith also defended the project, dismissing what he called "woke" critics of Band Aid. He pointed out that £2.7 million (US$3.4 million) had been distributed to Africa in the last seven months of 2024. The whole point of Live Aid, he added, was to push governments to put Africa on the agenda.
In October 1984, BBC television news journalist Michael Buerk reported from a remote part of Ethiopia on what he described as a "biblical famine."
The news item was transmitted by 425 television stations worldwide and became one of the most famous TV reports of the late 20th century.
Watching the news that day was Irish singer-songwriter Bob Geldof. Scottish musician Midge Ure also saw it. As a result of Michael Buerk's broadcast, that famine report eventually became the focus of a new style of celebrity fundraising.
In the wake of the huge success of both charity singles, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure established the Band Aid Trust and announced the most ambitious venture in the history of popular music.
On Saturday, July 13, 1985, two massive rock concerts took place simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic, at Wembley Stadium in London and at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.
At the conclusion of the Wembley performances, the artists gathered on stage for a rousing chorus of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'
In London, Queen's 21-minute performance was voted the greatest live performance in the history of rock in a 2005 industry poll.
Other well-received performances on the day included those by U2 and David Bowie. In fact, Rolling Stone described David Bowie's performance as "arguably Bowie's last triumph of the 1980s."
And the Wembley stage also saw former Beatle Paul McCartney sitting at the piano singing 'Let It Be.'
Elton John's set list included a performance of 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' with George Michael, to rapturous applause.
In the United States, meanwhile, stars like Madonna took to the stage at the John F. Kennedy Stadium for the American leg of Live Aid.
A highlight was Tina Turner and Mick Jagger's duet of the Rolling Stones' number 'It's Only Rock 'n' Roll.'
Two other members of the Stones, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, joined Bob Dylan on stage to perform 'Blowin' in the Wind.'
The curtain came down in Philadelphia with a collective rendition of USA for Africa's 'We Are the World.' Both concerts raised an estimated £150 million (US$190 million) for famine relief. Some commentators were critical of the events, noting that not one African performer appeared on the Live Aid bill. Many years later, in a 2024 interview with the UK's Times newspaper, Bob Geldof angrily rejected the charge that organizing the concerts meant that he was a white savior.
The following month, some of the most famous singers and musicians of the day, people like Sting, George Michael, and U2's Bono, gathered in London to record 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' as Band Aid. The song was written to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia.
Soon after Band Aid released 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' in December 1984, the supergroup USA for Africa recorded 'We Are the World.' Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, it was also released to generate funds for the catastrophe unfolding in Ethiopia.
In July 2005 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid, Geldof put together a string of benefit concerts that took place in the G8 states and in South Africa. Included in the all-star lineup at Hyde Park in London were Pink Floyd, reunited with former front man Roger Waters for the first time in over 24 years.
In the United States, rapper Kanye West performed a three-song set with a 25-piece string orchestra at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But once again, the concert organizers were taken to task for the overall lack of racially diverse performers, though the Hyde Park gig did feature rapper Snoop Dog, Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour, and Mariah Carey and the African Children's Choir.
Band Aid 20 was the 2004 incarnation of the charity supergroup Band Aid, this time assembled to benefit Sudan's troubled Darfur region. Among those lending their vocal talents were Coldplay's Chris Martin, Robbie Williams, Dizzee Rascal, and Sugababes (pictured).
In 1989, Band Aid II rerecorded and rereleased a new version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' featuring a lineup that included Bros, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Cliff Richard, and Chris Rea.
Band Aid 20 held on to the top spot in the UK charts—clinching the all-important Christmas number one.
By 2009, the Band Aid Trust was generating an income of about £2 million (over US$2.5 million) a year, which was being spent in Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, Somalia, and Nigeria.
In 2014, Ed Sheeran contributed to a version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' as part of the 30th anniversary of the original Band Aid charity song. He's pictured here with Bob Geldof arriving to record the Band Aid 30 single on November 15, 2014, in London. Geldof organized the charity supergroup Band Aid and the 1985 Live Aid concert, and cowrote the song with Midge Ure.
Sheeran then went to endorse a statement by Fuse ODG, who accused Band Aid of causing harm by "perpetuating damaging stereotypes" of Africa and "destroying its dignity, pride and identity."
While supporters have highlighted the millions raised for good causes over the past 40 years and the positive response from funding recipients, detractors continue to criticize what they feel is the hunger anthem's patronizing lyrics.
But Band Aid's latest single, an "ultimate mix" version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' blending previous recordings released in 1984, 2004, and 2014, has reignited a debate around the song's portrayal of Africa and the role of UK charities supporting beneficiaries there.
Band Aid critics also point to how the campaign today contrasts with the international development sector's focus on shifting power to local communities and moving away from "white savior" narratives.
Sources: (London Evening Standard) (The Guardian) (The Telegraph) (BBC) (The Independent) (Civil Society Media)
See also: The worst famines in history
How does Band Aid feed the world?
Band Aid Trust criticized 40 years after Live Aid
MUSIC Charity
A new all-star version of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' by Band Aid 40 was released in November 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of the original 1984 release. This latest version of the hunger anthem has been criticized in some quarters, as have previous versions. Forty years ago, musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure brought together some of the greatest music acts of the era to perform on a charity single to raise money for the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. The following year, they organized the hugely successful Live Aid music concerts.
In the period since, however, the song has been taken to task by some singers and social commentators for what they perceive as its patronizing lyrics, believing they represent a "white savior" narrative. Others dismiss these comments as coming from "woke" people and "do-gooders," and are quick to point out that, since its inception, the Band Aid Trust has received a total income of £146 million (nearly US$185 million) and provided funds for long-term development projects and emergency aid in several African countries. So, how much of this criticism is warranted, and who are the musicians that played a part in the charity's success?
Click through the following gallery and learn more about the Band Aid and Live Aid story.