Band Aid Combines Recordings to Celebrate 40th Anniversary
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the iconic charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid is getting an “ultimate mix,” combining vocals from all four versions of the song released in 1984, 1989, 2004, and 2014. This special mix aims to honor the original song’s legacy by blending voices from various eras, showcasing the evolution of the song over the years.
The reimagined track is set to debut later in November and will also feature in a compilation album created to commemorate the milestone, drawing on the powerful voices and diverse styles that have shaped each version.
The “ultimate mix” features contributions from legendary artists like George Michael, Sinead O’Connor, Harry Styles, and Ed Sheeran, among others. These prominent voices, recorded over decades, highlight the intergenerational appeal of Band Aid’s mission.
Producer Trevor Horn has meticulously curated the track by layering vocals from past recordings, merging contributions from stars across multiple generations. This approach pays homage to the song’s rich history while adding a fresh resonance for a modern audience.
This release brings together not only celebrated vocalists but also prominent musicians. A band of instrumentalists, including Sir Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, and Thom Yorke, will support the vocal performances.
This unique blend of artists underscores the song’s standing as a powerful cultural and humanitarian anthem, featuring some of the most recognizable figures in music. The single’s musical richness is amplified by these musicians, who have added their signature styles to create a cohesive, dynamic sound.
As part of the 40th-anniversary tribute, a new video by Oliver Murray will accompany the release. The video will feature archival footage, including a memorable introduction by David Bowie and Michael Buerk’s harrowing BBC news report on the 1984 famine in Ethiopia.
This visual component connects viewers to the original mission of the song, which was released by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to support famine relief in Ethiopia. The single went on to sell over two million copies and sparked a legacy of music-driven humanitarianism.
The influence of Band Aid extends beyond just the 1984 single; subsequent recordings of the song have also had significant impacts. The initial version inspired Live Aid, a historic 1985 concert, and Live 8, held in 2005, where artists gathered to raise additional funds for humanitarian causes.
Over the past four decades, it’s estimated that Band Aid has raised over £140 million through concerts, re-releases, and charitable efforts. This legacy of giving back is preserved in this ultimate mix, keeping the spirit of charity alive for future generations.
Despite its success, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” has faced criticism in recent years. Some listeners argued that the lyrics seemed outdated or patronizing, leading artists like Adele to opt for private donations over participation.
The new release, however, avoids potential controversies by reuniting existing recordings rather than creating new ones. This decision respects the song’s legacy and the evolving public sentiments, maintaining its role as a charitable anthem while addressing past concerns.
The Band Aid 40th anniversary celebration will also feature two BBC documentaries airing on BBC Four and Radio 2. These documentaries are set to explore the making and cultural significance of Band Aid, examining how a single song grew into a global charitable initiative.
By combining audio, video, and broadcast tributes, the anniversary celebration highlights the lasting impact of Band Aid and its dedication to humanitarian causes across four decades.
