Band Aid’s “ultimate mix” combines recordings for 40th anniversary

A forthcoming “ultimate mix” of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” will feature vocal contributions from artists including Harry Styles, George Michael, Sinead O’Connor, and Ed Sheeran. This new recording will integrate various renditions of the charity single produced throughout the years, commemorating the original’s 40th anniversary. The song was initially performed by an ensemble of prominent artists in 1984. Subsequently, it has been re-recorded on three occasions to observe its fifth, 20th, and 30th anniversaries, involving leading musicians from each respective period. This latest iteration is scheduled for release later in the current month and will be included on an upcoming compilation album celebrating the anniversary. Producer Trevor Horn revisited each prior recording, merging vocal contributions from diverse generations into a unified piece. The final rendition incorporates vocals from Sting, Ed Sheeran, Boy George, Sugababes, Sam Smith, Bono, and Chris Martin. Additionally, previously recorded vocal tracks by George Michael, who passed away in 2016, and Sinead O’Connor, who passed away in 2023, are included. Harry Styles is featured alongside his former One Direction group members Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne, who passed away last month. The roster of participants further comprises Rita Ora, Guy Garvey, Seal, Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang, Dizzee Rascal, Dido, Emeli Sandé, and Joss Stone. These vocalists will perform over instrumental backing provided by a group featuring Sir Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Roger Taylor, Thom Yorke, Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Jonny Greenwood, Gary Kemp, and Justin Hawkins. The debut of the new “ultimate mix” is scheduled for British radio stations on the morning of 25 November, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the initial song’s recording. Subsequently, it will be accessible for streaming and purchase on digital platforms, preceding the complete compilation album’s launch on 29 November. A new accompanying video, directed by Oliver Murray, known for his work on The Beatles’ 2023 single “Now And Then,” will feature archival footage of David Bowie presenting the song’s performers and Michael Buerk’s renowned BBC news coverage of the 1984 famine in Ethiopia. This humanitarian crisis prompted Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to issue the original single, which achieved sales exceeding two million copies and generated approximately £8m. Every iteration of the song attained the top position on the UK singles chart. Concerts such as Live Aid in 1985 and Live 8 in 2005 brought together numerous artists and groups to persist in fundraising for the initiative. Over the last four decades, the Band Aid Charitable Trust is estimated to have accumulated over £140m collectively. These funds have been allocated to long-term development initiatives and urgent humanitarian assistance. For instance, the 2014 rendition garnered contributions for the Ebola crisis. Nevertheless, subsequent renditions of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” drew criticism, with some audience members contending that the lyrics had become progressively obsolete and condescending. Certain artists, including Adele, reportedly opted to contribute to charity directly rather than participate in the recording. The choice to merge previously recorded versions of the single strategically circumvents comparable potential issues, concurrently generating funds and commemorating the charity’s 40th anniversary. The BBC is also observing Band Aid’s anniversary with two upcoming documentaries slated for broadcast on BBC Four and Radio 2. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.