Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Paloma Faith are just some of the names already confirmed to take part in the re-release of Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? to help raise funds for the fight against Ebola in west Africa.
For 30 years, this Christmas track has raised money and publicity for charities. This year the track will feature some of the biggest music giants in the industry to help raise money and awareness for the fight against Ebola.
Written in 1984 by Geldof and Ure to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia, Band Aid 30 will include some of the original singers of the track including, Bono – the third time the U2 frontman has contributed to a Band Aid recording.
Speaking to a press conference in London, Sir Bob Geldof said: “We called up some giants, and they said they would come again to the party. Three weeks ago I got a call from the UN saying they required a 20% increase across the board. They are very concerned about the situation in west Africa.”
He added: “It’s tragic that modernity has released this beast in the world. This Ebola. This illness renders humans untouchable.”
However the famous Do They Know It’s Christmas? track has been tweaked with some new lyrics – it looks as though we will just have to buy it to learn the new words!
Urging fans not to download or go onto YouTube, Geldof wants everyone to buy the single even if you are not a fan of the song.
The release date has yet to be confirmed, however we do know that Sir Bob Geldof has written to David Bowie to ask him to introduce the video as he did in the 1984 version.
Confirmed Band Aid 30 artists
One Direction
Adele
Ed Sheeran
Bastille
Foals
Elbow
Ellie Goulding
Emeli Sandé
Sam Smith
Olly Murs
Coldplay
Underworld
Sinead O’Connor
Paloma Faith
Bono
We will certainly be buying our copy for Christmas!
What do you think of the charity song? Share your comments below.
