The classic charity song *Do They Know It’s Christmas?* is set to receive a special “ultimate mix” release featuring an impressive lineup of musical stars, including Harry Styles, George Michael, Sinead O’Connor, and Ed Sheeran. The revamped track will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original recording, bringing together iconic artists from different generations who have contributed to this enduring anthem over the years. Scheduled for release later this month, the new mix will be part of a compilation commemorating the milestone.
*Do They Know It’s Christmas?* originally debuted in 1984 as a charity single by Band Aid, a supergroup formed by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The song quickly became a cultural touchstone, topping the UK singles chart and raising millions for charity. Over the years, it has been re-recorded three times—in 1989, 2004, and 2014—to mark various anniversaries and respond to contemporary crises, with each version featuring a rotating roster of popular artists of the time.
To create this new version, renowned producer Trevor Horn has gone back through all past recordings and merged the voices into a unified mix. The resulting track features contributions from artists like Ed Sheeran, Sting, Boy George, Sugababes, Sam Smith, Bono, and Chris Martin, among others. Notably, it will also include the vocals of the late George Michael and Sinead O’Connor, whose timeless performances add a poignant touch to the anniversary project. Their inclusion highlights the song’s enduring legacy and impact across multiple generations.
The star-studded lineup for the 2024 version also includes Harry Styles, Rita Ora, Guy Garvey, Seal, Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang, and Underworld. These vocalists will perform alongside an all-star band featuring legendary musicians such as Sir Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Roger Taylor, Thom Yorke, Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Jonny Greenwood, Gary Kemp, and Justin Hawkins. Together, they will bring fresh energy to the familiar melody while honoring the spirit of the original recording.
The new “ultimate mix” will make its radio debut across British stations on the morning of November 25, precisely 40 years since the original song was recorded. Fans and new listeners alike will then be able to stream and purchase it on digital platforms, leading up to the compilation album’s wider release on November 29.
Accompanying the new mix will be a video directed by Oliver Murray, who is acclaimed for his work on The Beatles’ 2023 single *Now And Then*. This new visual tribute will incorporate archive footage, including clips of David Bowie introducing the song’s stars and excerpts from Michael Buerk’s powerful 1984 BBC report on the Ethiopian famine. By blending past and present, the video aims to rekindle memories of the original campaign while reminding audiences of the ongoing need for charitable support.
The Band Aid initiative, conceived in response to the Ethiopian famine crisis, has left an indelible mark over the past four decades. The original single raised more than £8 million and inspired a series of major fundraising concerts, including the landmark Live Aid concert in 1985 and its follow-up, Live 8, in 2005. Collectively, these efforts have contributed more than £140 million towards both emergency aid and long-term development projects. In 2014, a new recording of the song helped raise funds to combat the Ebola crisis, underscoring its adaptability to evolving humanitarian needs.
However, more recent versions of *Do They Know It’s Christmas?* have faced criticism, with some listeners arguing that its lyrics can seem outdated or even patronizing by contemporary standards. In response, some artists, such as Adele, opted to make charitable donations in lieu of participating in the recording. This “ultimate mix” cleverly sidesteps potential pitfalls by revisiting and combining previous recordings rather than creating a wholly new version, allowing the focus to remain on the music’s charitable mission and historical significance.
As the anniversary approaches, the BBC will also contribute to the commemoration with two upcoming documentaries set to air on BBC Four and Radio 2. These programs will delve into the song’s legacy and the broader impact of Band Aid’s charitable work, offering fresh insights into a campaign that has touched millions of lives. This multi-faceted celebration of *Do They Know It’s Christmas?* is a testament to the power of music to unite people and inspire change—proving, once again, that the spirit of giving is timeless.