Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' celebrates 40 years, 2024 anniversary remix released

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Published  December 19, 2024 4:34pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando

Band Aid performers gather for group portrait during the recording of the charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' at Sarm West studios, London, 24th November 1984.  Line up includes (back), James Taylor, Phil Collins, Adam Clayton, Steve Norman …

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The Brief

    • It's been 40 years since Band Aid wrote and recorded "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and to celebrate the song's anniversary, Band Aid released a 2024 remix.
    • The song was created to raise money and awareness for the devastating famine affecting the people of Ethiopia in the 1980s.
    • This mix combines elements of the original, the 20th and 30th-anniversary versions.

ORLANDO, Fla. - It's been 40 years since Band Aid wrote and recorded "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and to celebrate the song's anniversary, Band Aid released a 2024 remix.

The song, which was written, recorded and hit the airwaves in 1984, was created to raise money and awareness for the devastating famine affecting the people of Ethiopia at the time.

Irish singer-songwriter Bob Geldof of the Boom Town Rats and Scottish singer-songwriter Midge Ure of Ultravox composed the song which featured popular British and Irish artists of the 80s.

Some of the solo artists included, Boy George, George Michael, Simon Le Bon, Sting and Bono.

This holiday song was recorded in just a single day and quickly became a Christmas number one in 13 countries.

Band Aid performers gather for group portrait during the recording of the charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' at Sarm West studios, London, 24th November 1984. Line up includes (back), Steve Norman, John Taylor, Paul Young, Tony Hadley, Gle …

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Band Aid previously celebrated the songs 20th and 30th anniversary's with re-recordings featuring new artists. However, this year they decided to release the "Do They Know It's Christmas? 2024 Ultimate Mix", to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

This mix combines elements of the original, the 20th and 30th-anniversary versions and has received over 4 million views since being released at the beginning of December.

The international success of the holiday song led to other charity singles, notably 1985's "We Are the World," by USA for Africa and the 1985 Live Aid concert with iconic performances from artists such as Queen, Elton John, The Who and so many others.

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