Band Aid's Do They Know It’s Christmas? Celebrates 40 Years with a Star-Studded Ultimate Mix
As the world anticipates the festive season, Band Aid is marking a historic milestone by releasing an “ultimate mix” of its iconic charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas?, honoring the song’s 40th anniversary. First recorded in 1984 to address the Ethiopian famine, the song united some of the biggest stars of the time to create a powerful anthem for change, inspiring generations to come together to make a difference.
The 2024 remix of Do They Know It’s Christmas? will be launched on November 25—the anniversary of the day the song was recorded in 1984. This anniversary edition showcases an innovative blend of the voices that have shaped the song over the past four decades, including both the original artists and stars from later renditions.
Celebrating Four Decades of Musical Legacy
The original track brought together a constellation of British pop and rock legends, with unforgettable performances from Bono, George Michael, Boy George, and Sting. Each brought a unique touch to the song, which went on to become the fastest-selling single in UK history, topping the charts and raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia. Today, this timeless charity single continues to impact millions as it evolves with the voices of new generations.
In the latest version, listeners will hear a dynamic layering of voices across time, as original recordings from 1984 blend with contributions from artists featured in the Band Aid 20 and Band Aid 30 versions, released in 2004 and 2014. Stars like Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, and the Sugababes join the iconic voices of the past, creating a musical time capsule that spans four decades. In a particularly moving moment, the line “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you”—originally sung by a young Bono—will now feature the original recording blended with a new performance by his older self, connecting past and present in a remarkable way.
The Powerhouse Band Behind the Track
The 2024 remix is backed by an all-star band of instrumentalists who have come together to support the project’s mission. This "Band Aid house band" features legends such as Sir Paul McCartney, Duran Duran’s John Taylor, Queen’s Roger Taylor, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood, and Supergrass’s Danny Goffey. Together, they recreate the classic arrangement, building a rich musical foundation for the vocal performances.
Other vocalists lending their talents include Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Seal, Bananarama, and Robbie Williams, adding their unique sounds to the beloved song. The remix also incorporates voices from Elbow’s Guy Garvey and legendary bands like Kool & the Gang and Underworld. By bridging generations of musical talent, this ultimate version unites the powerful spirit of Band Aid, a symbol of collective goodwill, and enduring hope for a better world.
A History of Charity and Cultural Impact
The original Band Aid single, led by Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof and Ultravox’s Midge Ure, created an international movement when it was released in December 1984. Spurred by news coverage showing the devastating impact of famine in Ethiopia, Geldof and Ure mobilized the UK’s music community to respond. The single sold over three million copies in the UK alone, and its success laid the groundwork for the global Live Aid concert held in July 1985, which featured some of the most celebrated artists of the era performing across two continents to raise funds for humanitarian efforts. The single’s release—and the larger Band Aid and Live Aid movements—sparked a new era of charity-driven music projects and cemented Do They Know It’s Christmas? as a cultural touchstone.
Over the years, the song has been rerecorded with different artists for Band Aid II (1989), Band Aid 20 (2004), and Band Aid 30 (2014). Each version has raised funds for urgent causes of the time, from Sudan’s Darfur crisis to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. With this anniversary edition, Band Aid continues its legacy of using music to address global crises, with proceeds once again going to the Band Aid Trust to support humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Behind the Production: Trevor Horn and Sir Peter Blake
Music producer Trevor Horn, known for his work with some of the biggest names in British music, has expertly crafted this 40th-anniversary remix to ensure that the past, present, and future blend seamlessly. By merging recordings from different decades, Horn has created a soundscape that preserves the song’s original spirit while highlighting the new talents featured. “We’ve blended all the voices into one seamless whole,” Horn said, aiming to respect the song's roots while honoring its evolution.
The visual aspect of this anniversary release has been entrusted to Sir Peter Blake, the 93-year-old artist famous for his work on The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Blake, who designed the original cover of Do They Know It’s Christmas?, has returned to create a refreshed cover art for the 2024 release. His design brings a modern interpretation of the original, featuring a collage of Christmas images alongside a powerful visual reminder of the song’s mission.
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New Additions to the Anniversary Release
A new video accompaniment will feature the late David Bowie introducing the 2024 lineup, alongside archival footage of BBC newsreader Michael Buerk’s report on the Ethiopian famine that originally inspired the song. This heartfelt video honors the legacy of Band Aid’s founders and artists and highlights the song’s continued relevance in addressing global challenges.
Fans can expect the Do They Know It’s Christmas? – The Ultimate Mix to debut on UK radio and streaming platforms on November 25, 2024. For collectors, a CD and vinyl edition will be available from November 29, which will include all prior Band Aid recordings as well as the legendary Live Aid performance from Wembley Stadium in 1985.
This new edition of Do They Know It’s Christmas? stands as a tribute to four decades of goodwill and serves as a testament to music’s ability to inspire change. As the ultimate mix hits the airwaves, it continues to unite generations of listeners, offering an anthem of compassion, resilience, and hope—a perfect reminder of the season’s true spirit.
