This is my homage to a great and catchy 1984 song “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid (what an apt and awesome project band name) that was hurriedly composed by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, mercurially recorded and the resulting vinyl record released within weeks in the hope of saving lives in famine-hit Ethiopia, Africa.
The song was recorded in a day at Trevor Horn’s Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London.
Thus far, there are four versions of the song – the original (1984) and the 20th, 30th and 40th Anniversary versions. The original version only came in vinyl versions. I love the 6 minute version of the song on it.
To me, the first 1984 version is still the best. The artistes who hurriedly gave their time, effort, and focus on doing a good vocal job (leaving their egos at the door) were Sting, Boy George, Bono (U2), Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Paul Young, Status Quo etc.
Paul Young was the first singer on the song. Boy George flew to the recording on a Concorde was the last singer to contribute his vocal part in the charity song. His vocal part is the most distinguishable on the song.
Bono (U2) initially had his reservations about singing his assigned part – “Well, tonight thank God it’s them instead of you”. This offensive lyric was later updated to “Well tonight we reaching out and touching you”. Sting sang on his namesake lyric part – “Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears””. Phil Collins arrived with his entire drum kit to record live drum track on top of the programmed drum machine.
To avoid paying royalties which would diminish the amount raised for charity, Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure composed an original song rather than record a cover version. Ure then wrote a demo of a Christmassy melody, which Geldof joked that it sounded like the theme to “Z-Cars”, a UK TV series.
Improvements were made and the rest is history.
The song’s first intro line was sung by Paul Young on the 1984 version; with Kylie Minogue (1989), Chris Martin (2004) and One Direction (2014) contributed the various opening vocal salvos.
Paul Young again kicked off the song for the 2024 version featured a mixture of the original, 20th, 30th versions, mixed and produced by Trevor Horn. Single Artwork, once more, by Sir Peter Blake.
Months later, the Americans followed up with their own equally-catchy charity version “We Are The World” composed by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Produced by Quincy Jones.
I have been diligently been acquiring the 20th, 30th and 40th Anniversary CD Single versions (above image).
The 30th Anniversary single album artwork was by Tracey Emin.
I love the various song versions featured in the 20th, 30th and 40th Anniversary CD Singles (above image).
My Limited Edition Band Aid Album Artwork Lithograph by Sir Peter Blake (above image).
My personal edition is numbered 21/500, signed by Sir Bob Geldof (green) and Sir Peter Blake (red).
Sir Bob Geldof personally stipulated that the first 20 editions go to the Artists who contributed to the recording of the gorgeous song. I’m grateful to get the first numbered-edition allocated for the public.
Sir Peter Blake kindly inscribed “For Eddie – Best Wishes” to me.
My Limited Edition Band Aid Concert “The Global Jukebox” Lithograph Artwork by Sir Peter Blake (above image).
My personal edition is numbered 21/750, signed by Sir Bob Geldof (green) and Sir Peter Blake (red).
Sir Bob Geldof personally stipulated that the first 20 editions go to the Artists who performed at the concerts. I’m grateful to get the first numbered-edition allocated for the public.
Sir Peter Blake kindly inscribed “For Eddie – In Singapore” to me.
The concerts version of the song by Band Aid was named Live Aid. The concerts were simultaneously performed in Wembley Stadium (UK) and John F. Kennedy Stadium (Philadelphia, USA). The Live Aid extravaganza is best left for another blog for another fine day.
But for now – Merry Christmas, Everyone! Stay Safe & Stay Warm!
