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Forty years after the first version, there is a new version of the Christmas classic Do they know it’s Christmas?. The song has been given a new look in honor of its fortieth anniversary and will be released on November 25 with the title Do They Know It’s Christmas – 2024 Ultimate Mix.
The song by the British occasional group Band Aid was originally released on December 3, 1984 and was aimed at raising money for a major famine in Ethiopia and the fight against Ebola. The song was also re-released in 1989, 2004 and 2014 in collaboration with popular artists of the time.
This year, British singer Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, lead singer of the band Coldplay, and former One Direction member Harry Styles are participating. The remix is made up of old and new performances, with new and past contributions from Bono, Sugababes, Rita Ora, Robbie Williams, Sam Smith, George Michael and Boy George.
The background music consists of parts of the original song and the 2004 version. Paul McCartney, Sting and John Taylor play bass and Phil Collins will be heard on drums, among others.
Big hit
The original song sold no less than a million singles after its initial release. It spent five weeks at number 1 in the British charts in 1984, becoming the best-selling Christmas single of the year. In the Netherlands, the song spent three weeks at the top of the top 40 and was in the charts for a total of nine weeks.
The song, written by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, aimed to raise money against a major famine in Ethiopia and for the fight against Ebola. Just like then, this year the proceeds will go to… The Band Aid Charitable Trust.
Disparaging tone
The great success was not without controversy. There was uproar about the song’s “Western view of Africa” and its “disparaging tone”. One of the sentences that drew criticism was: “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you.”
In the 2014 version, that sentence was changed to: “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you.”
The 2014 version was also labeled by critics as “clumsy, derogatory and wrong”. British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG refused to collaborate on the new version, saying the song did not reflect “what Africa actually is”. It would confirm a negative and stereotypical image of the continent.
Witte redder-complex
Composer Bob Geldoff responded to his critics in a 2014 interview with The Telegraph newspaper. As far as he was concerned, they could “get excited”, but he “didn’t care about the criticism”. “Please, it’s a pop song, not a dissertation, relax.” Geldof also told Ebola survivor William Pooley, who spoke out against the single, to “chill out”.
This year, Geldoff spoke out about allegations that he has a “white savior complex,” a white person who helps non-white people out of a sense of superiority. Geldoff called that “the biggest bullshit ever“. That reaction was in turn labeled by critics as “childish and rude”.
It is not yet clear whether adjustments have been made for this year’s lyrics.
Brand New Version of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Hits the Charts Again!
Ah, the festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some nostalgia? While we deck the halls and prepare to unleash our best Christmas jumpers, the iconic tune Do They Know It’s Christmas? is making a comeback. Can you believe it’s been 40 years since the original hit the airwaves? Time really flies when you’re having fun, or in this case, dealing with existential dread during the holidays.
The Great Revival – Who’s Involved?
Set to release on November 25, the Do They Know It’s Christmas – 2024 Ultimate Mix is a star-studded affair. Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, and Harry Styles are just the tip of the iceberg. This version promises a mix of old and new performances. Now, I don’t know about you, but the thought of hearing the likes of Bono alongside George Michael again has me feeling nostalgic… or maybe just confused about my taste in music.
For those who don’t remember, the original was launched back in December 1984, primarily to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia and the Ebola crisis. Talk about ambition! And it, of course, sparked a series of re-releases over the decades. I mean, who doesn’t love a classic with a sprinkle of modern-day guilt? Is it still charitable if we’re putting out a remix in the age of streaming?
Chart-Topping Legacy
The original track was a smash hit, selling over a million copies! It jammed its way to the top of the charts for five glorious weeks, becoming the best-selling Christmas single of that year. I mean, if only my Spotify playlists could bring in that kind of cash! Even in the Netherlands, it spent time basking in the glory of the charts. Now, if only my Christmas playlists could do the same without forcing Aunt Edna into another rendition of Last Christmas!
All That Glitters: Charity or Chicanery?
However, it hasn’t all been bells ringing and festive cheer. Critics have raised eyebrows over the song’s portrayal of Africa, calling it a Westernized perspective. One particular lyric drew criticism: “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you.” Talk about a sentiment ready to backfire! The 2014 version did change it to, “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you,” but let’s be honest, you can’t just slap a new coat of paint on a house that needs a serious foundation repair.
Bob Geldof’s Stand – A Polarizing Figure
Bob Geldof, the mastermind behind this whole enterprise, has had his share of critics. He famously suggested that those complaining should “relax.” Oh, sure, Bob! Easy for you to say while counting the millions, right? In recent days, he’s brushed off allegations of white savior complex as “the biggest bullshit ever.” Oh, Bob, if only solving world problems were as easy as taking the piss out of critics!
The Future is Now – Will Lyrics Change Again?
As we all eagerly await this reimagined tune, the question remains: will they tweak the lyrics even further to avoid more backlash? Or will it be the same old story wrapped in a shiny new bow, complete with a hefty dose of irony? We might not find out until that fateful November day, but one thing’s for sure—whether you love or loathe it, this Christmas classic never fails to stir the conversation!
Final Thoughts
This new rendition reminds us all that Christmas isn’t just about giving; it’s about bringing folks together—even if it is to argue about how best to represent the struggles of others. So, whether you’re belting out the classics or rolling your eyes at the trends, remember: it’s the thought that counts… or at least that’s what my mother always told me while she chased me for being a cheeky little git!
Until next time, keep the holiday spirit high and your expectations low. Happy listening!
A fresh rendition of the beloved holiday anthem Do They Know It’s Christmas? is set to be unveiled, commemorating a remarkable 40 years since its original release. This updated version, titled Do They Know It’s Christmas – 2024 Ultimate Mix, will officially drop on November 25, showcasing a rejuvenated sound while retaining the spirit of the classic.
Originally launched on December 3, 1984, the timeless track created by the British ensemble Band Aid aimed to combat the devastating famine in Ethiopia and raise funds for the fight against Ebola. In the years following its initial success, the song witnessed several re-releases in 1989, 2004, and 2014, showcasing various popular artists of each respective era.
This latest collaborative effort features prominent figures from the music industry such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and former One Direction star Harry Styles. The remix brilliantly intertwines both new and past performances, incorporating contributions from iconic artists like Bono, Sugababes, Rita Ora, Robbie Williams, Sam Smith, George Michael, and Boy George.
The background composition artfully blends elements of both the original and the 2004 iterations of the track. Esteemed musicians including Paul McCartney, Sting, John Taylor, and Phil Collins contribute their talents, with Collins providing the rhythm on drums.
Upon its debut, the original version of the song achieved phenomenal success, racking up over a million single sales. It dominated the British charts for an impressive five weeks, securing its status as the best-selling Christmas single of 1984. In the Netherlands, this classic also soared to the top, enjoying three weeks at number one and an extensive run throughout the charts for nine weeks.
Written by the talented duo Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song sought to raise vital funds in the wake of one of the most severe famines in Ethiopia, alongside efforts in combating the Ebola crisis. Renewed calls for action mean that this year, just like its predecessors, all proceeds will be directed to benefit The Band Aid Charitable Trust.
However, the song’s monumental success has not come without its share of controversy. Critics have raised concerns regarding its perceived “Western perspective of Africa” and the “disparaging tone” present in the lyrics. A particularly contentious line that sparked debate was: “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you.”
In an effort to address these criticisms, the 2014 version altered this line to: “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you.” Yet, it too faced backlash, with detractors labeling it as “clumsy, derogatory, and wrong.” British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG even chose to abstain from collaboration on the 2024 version, arguing that the song perpetuates a negative and stereotypical image of Africa.
In response to the growing scrutiny, Bob Geldof addressed his critics in a 2014 interview, taking a dismissive stance by stating that they could “get excited,” but he remained unfazed by their disapproval. “It’s a pop song, not a dissertation, relax,” he said, urging others to not take it too seriously.
Most recently, Geldof has confronted allegations of harboring a “white savior complex,” which implies that a white individual helps non-white communities out of a perceived sense of superiority. Responding to such claims, he deemed it “the biggest bullshit ever.” This retort has been critiqued as “childish and rude” by various observers. Further details remain unclear regarding potential adjustments made to this year’s lyrics.