Band Aid's Christmas Song_ _Do They Know It's Christmas__

Band Aid's Christmas Song: ”Do They Know It's Christmas?”

The iconic Christmas charity single ”Do They Know It's Christmas?” was originally recorded in 1984 by the supergroup Band Aid, which was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. This star-studded ensemble brought together many of the most popular British and Irish musical acts of the time to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

The original 1984 version of the song featured an impressive lineup of artists, including:

Bono (U2)

Boy George (Culture Club)

George Michael (Wham!)

Sting (The Police)

Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran)

Phil Collins (Genesis)

Paul Young

Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)

Paul Weller (The Style Council)

John Taylor (Duran Duran)

Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17)

Marilyn

Keren Woodward and Sarah Dallin (Bananarama)

Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama)

Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet)

Jody Watley

Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt (Status Quo)

Robert 'Kool' Bell (Kool & the Gang)

Midge Ure (Ultravox)

Martyn Ware (Heaven 17)

John Keeble (Spandau Ballet)

Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet)

Roger Taylor (Duran Duran)

Andy Taylor (Duran Duran)

Paul McCartney (The Beatles)

David Bowie (who recorded his part separately)

The song was an immediate success, becoming the UK Christmas number one and raising significant funds for famine relief. Its impact was so substantial that it inspired similar charity singles and concerts, including USA for Africa's ”We Are the World” and the Live Aid concert in 1985.

Due to its enduring popularity and charitable message, ”Do They Know It's Christmas?” has been re-recorded several times with new lineups of artists. Notable re-recordings include:

Band Aid II (1989): This version featured artists such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Lisa Stansfield, Cliff Richard, and members of Wet Wet Wet and Bros.

Band Aid 20 (2004): The 20th-anniversary recording included artists like Chris Martin (Coldplay), Bono (U2), Dido, Robbie Williams, Will Young, and members of The Darkness and Sugababes.

Band Aid 30 (2014): The 30th-anniversary version featured artists such as One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, and Olly Murs.

Each new version of the song has aimed to introduce the charitable message to a new generation while continuing to raise funds for various causes in Africa. The song's legacy extends beyond its musical impact, serving as a reminder of the power of collective action in addressing global humanitarian issues.

While the song has faced some criticism over the years for its lyrics and portrayal of Africa, it remains a significant part of Christmas music culture and continues to be associated with charitable giving during the holiday season. The various iterations of Band Aid have collectively raised millions of pounds for famine relief and other causes in Africa, demonstrating the enduring power of music to inspire positive change.