Band Aid Megamix released – at 40

The 40th anniversary remake of Band Aid‘s Do They Know It’s Christmas? unveiled today amid renewed discussion about the song’s portrayal of Africa.

The new “ultimate mix” blends vocals from several versions of the charity single recorded over the years.  This mean the George Michael duets with Harry Styles, and Chris Martin harmonises with the Sugababes.

A BBC report by  Michael Buerk was broadcast in 1984 and spurred a huge fundraising effort.

Then followed, Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure who found themselves on a damp October afternoon knocking out a song.  The two thought it would do to get the nation up to Christmas.

The release of the Band Aid single, and the Live Aid concert that followed eight months later, became seminal moments in celebrity fundraising.  Set a template that many others followed.

In 2010 and reported in the Guardian the BBC had ran story about Band Aid.  The BBC stands by a report that 95% of the $100m aid raised to fight famine in northern Ethiopia in 1985 was diverted by rebels.  Believed spent on weapons, despite denials by Bob Geldof and leading charities.

The controversy does not stop.  Today, Ed Sheeran objected to his vocals recycled for the new track.  This because the “narrative” had changed, and Sheeran said he would have declined permission if asked.

Watch this version and enjoy!

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