Bob Geldof’s emotional tribute to Liam Payne as revamped Band Aid 40 charity single is released
As someone who has spent a significant part of my life working and living in Africa, I find myself torn by the ongoing debate about the Band Aid 40 release. On one hand, I understand the good intentions behind such initiatives – to raise funds for those in need and bring attention to critical issues affecting our continent. However, on the other hand, I cannot ignore the concerns raised by artists like Fuse ODG.
On Monday, during his emotional tribute on BBC Radio 2, Bob Geldof acknowledged Liam Payne as they aired the newly reformed Band Aid 40 charity single for the first time.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the renowned charity single, a fresh rendition titled “Do They Know It’s Christmas? 2024 Ultimate Mix” along with a unique video is now available for release.
Three times has the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” been recorded, first by Band Aid in 1984, then by Band Aid 20 in 2004, and most recently by Band Aid 30 in 2014. Each recording captures a moment in time featuring some of the biggest names in music, showcasing their evolution over the decades.
As I reflect upon myself, I was the one whose melodious voice graced a beloved song. Tragically, I departed from this world at the tender age of 31, on October 16. My life took an unexpected turn when I fell from the balcony of a hotel in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital.
Experiencing the remix of the track firsthand, I found myself moved to tears as a renowned Irish artist, aged 73, listened intently to the powerful vocal performance by Liam from our beloved One Direction.
He gushed that in the song, Liam is ‘alive with us’ and ‘with his mates, doing this for others’.
Band Aid’s hit single has left an indelible mark on the annals of pop music, as it was initially crafted by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure with the aim of generating resources to combat famine in Ethiopia.
One Direction featured in the last version of Band Aid to be released, which was back in 2014.
Following the radio play of that song, Zoe commented, “Boy, it stirred a myriad of feelings within me, Bob! What an exceptional recording. Listening to Sinead’s voice is one thing, but then hearing David…
She added: And those guitars when they come in, the strings.’
Bob expressed his opinion, saying, ‘I truly believe this is a masterpiece – listen to those amazing voices! In my honest opinion, it’s among the finest pieces of British rock and roll production ever created.’
Speaking about those individuals mentioned in the song who have since passed away, the singer found it difficult to continue due to emotional distress.
Zoe said, “I’m acquainted with Bob, and we’ve shared our tears. It’s just that, with so many others connected to this situation, it feels heavy. This season often makes us remember those who aren’t here with us.
At the funeral, Bob reflected deeply and shared, “Liam, you see, in my mind, I imagined him being there, among his friends, living on with us. He’s not just gone; he’s still here, helping others.
‘His voice lives on in his music. It is beautiful’ said Zoe.
Following the song, Zoe, aged 54, expressed: “That really touched my emotions. What a remarkable album!
To which Bob replied: ‘It is…’, with the artist then taking an emotional intake of breathe.
Listening to all the voices featuring on the track, he said: ‘I think it’s a work of art.
Wow, those voices are amazing! I truly believe this is some of the finest work ever produced in British rock and roll. It’s genuinely outstanding.
Nevertheless, it was quite evident that some listeners who weren’t fond of the remixed version expressed their disapproval clearly regarding the reworked song.
They penned on X: ‘What the f**king f**k have they done to #BandAid?’
‘Oh god. It’s just so bad’; ‘Well this is a load of sh*te. Absolutely ruined it’
‘Just heard the new version…Utterly crap; ‘I’m sorry but that’s a hot mess’
‘Not feeling the new Band Aid single’; ‘What fresh hell is this’
‘#BandAid40 have set back famine relief forty one years.’
On the other hand, some listeners expressed a contrasting opinion and actually lauded the tune. One listener even confessed that they were moved to tears by the track.
I wasn’t anticipating much, but it turned out to be significantly superior to my initial expectations. It truly touched my heart while listening to it.
‘Hearing @PaulYoungParlez and that opening line bought a tear to my eye, very good! #BandAid40’
They penned: ‘Sir Bob has done the song proud, I was worried about another version but it was good and had me sat in the car in tears doing the sch run! Such an iconic song for such a good cause.’
On November 25th, I got the chance to witness an extraordinary collaboration on Band Aid – 2024 Ultimate Mix. I found myself standing alongside youthful versions of musical legends like Sting, Ed Sheeran, Boy George, Sam Smith, and George Michael, joined by the young Harry Styles. It was a remarkable blend of past and present talent!
Here are pairs of artists who were brought together for a unique performance: Bono (at a younger age) and an older Bono, Chris Martin alongside Guy Garvey, The Sugababes and Bananarama, Seal and Sinead O’Connor, Rita Ora and Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang and Underworld.
Stars such as Paul McCartney, Sting, John Taylor, Phil Collins, Roger Taylor (not to be confused with the former Queen member), Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Midge Ure, Johnny Greenwood, Gary Kemp, and Justin Hawkins are also part of this ensemble.
On Monday, November 25, the new song made its debut, being played on UK breakfast radio stations. Later that same day, the accompanying video was revealed during prime-time hours.
The initial release of Band Aid featured a compilation of some prominent musicians from the 1980s, such as George Michael, Boy George, Spandau Ballet, and Banarama.
In 2004, I had the pleasure of hearing a re-recording of the track that included some of the most popular artists from the 2000s. Among them were Busted, Robbie Williams, Daniel Bedingfield, Snow Patrol, and The Sugababes.
2014 saw the release of the latest iteration of “Band Aid.” Notable artists like One Direction, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, and Rita Ora contributed, but the song’s lyrics were revised to focus on fundraising for the Ebola crisis in Africa.
Critics took issue with this decision, arguing that the song’s lyrics are outmoded and reinforce harmful stereotypes about African nations, potentially damaging their global reputation.
After Ed Sheeran stated that he wasn’t granted approval by the organizers of Band Aid 40 to incorporate his voice in the latest rendition of their charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, it was reported.
Previously, at age 33, this musician was part of the 2014 edition of a charitable track led by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Notable artists such as Sting and Harry Styles were also included on this track. The purpose behind it was to generate funds for the Ebola crisis relief efforts.
Despite the forthcoming 2024 release of the Ultimate Mix version of the song as a way to mark its 40th anniversary, Ed has shared that he would have declined if asked to contribute his voice to the track.
On Sunday, I excitedly hopped onto my Instagram stories to find a post from the talented Fuse ODG, a Ghanaian-British musician, who has been openly critical of the charity single. He argues that instead of promoting unity and pride, it inadvertently dehumanizes Africans and undermines our identity under the guise of ‘charity’.
In other words, “I wasn’t consulted about the latest Band Aid 40 release, and if given the option, I would kindly refuse to participate with my voice.
After ten years, my perspective on the story connected to this has evolved, as succinctly put by @fuseodg. This is simply my individual viewpoint, and I hope it looks toward the future. Sending love to everyone x.
Ed expresses agreement with rapper Fuse ODG’s firm position regarding the charity single led by Bob Geldof, a project that emerged a full decade following Fuse ODG’s decision not to participate in the Band Aid 30 track.
Fuse ODG, the artist who collaborated with Ed on the song “Boa Me”, released a statement asserting that the hit tune reinforces harmful stereotypes.
The artist, who is releasing his own track We Know It’s Christmas, penned: ‘Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa.
Though these may evoke empathy and financial support, they unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes that hinder Africa’s economic expansion, tourism, and investments. Over time, this can result in losses worth trillions of dollars and the erosion of its self-respect, honor, and unique character.
In my perspective as a lifestyle expert, when these initiatives present images that strip humanity, they tend to evoke feelings of pity instead of fostering partnerships. This emotional response often hinders genuine collaboration and engagement.
The artist further expressed his intentions to take up the task of reinforcing African narratives, enabling Africans to share their personal experiences, reshape their self-image, and showcase Africa as an active and attractive destination for both business opportunities and travel.
He continued: ‘Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.’
TopMob contacted Band Aid representatives for comment at the time.
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2024-11-25 14:06