Band Aid 1984
The original lineup of Band Aid artists in 1984

Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and Trevor Horn announce details of a forthcoming Band Aid 40th anniversary compilation, brand new 2024 Ultimate Mix and accompanying video release.

The latest incarnation of Do They Know It’s Christmas? is set to be premiered simultaneously across UK breakfast time radio on 25 November – the 40th anniversary of the recording of the original song. It will then be available to stream immediately on all digital platforms.

Do They Know It’s Christmas? was first recorded in 1984 at Sarm West Studios and there has been three re-recordings: Band Aid II (in 1989), Band Aid 20 (2004) and Band Aid 30 (2014).  For the latest 40th anniversary version, producer Trevor Horn has taken various incarnations of the single and blended all the voices of those separate generations into one seamless whole.

Band Aid 40th anniversary

Feed The World

Unveiled on 25 November, on Band Aid – 2024 Ultimate Mix you will hear a young Sting sing alongside a young Ed Sheeran. A young Boy George with a young Sam Smith. A young George Michael beside a young Harry Styles. The young Bono with an older Bono, Chris Martin with Guy Garvey, the Sugababes and Bananarama, Seal and Sinead O’Connor, Rita Ora and Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang and Underworld.

Band Aid 40th anniversary

Instrument Of Change

The vocalists are accompanied by Band Aid’s houseband of Paul McCartney, Sting, John Taylor (bass), Phil Collins, Roger Taylor, Danny Goffey (drums), Thom Yorke (piano), Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Midge Ure, Johnny Greenwood, Gary Kemp and Justin Hawkins (guitar).

Band Aid 20 by Dave Hogan/Distributed by Getty Images on behalf of the Band Aid Charitable Trust

There’s A World Outside Your Window

Director Oliver Murray has also created a promo video that matches Trevor Horn’s new reworking. Murray came to prominence last year when he directed the emotional short film that accompanied The Beatles on their last No.1 single Now And Then. The video will be unveiled on 25 November, with broadcast details to be announced in the coming days.

Original Band Aid 1984 single artwork

Visual Compassion

Through the years the Band Aid sleeve has been issued with original artwork from Peter Blake, Tracey Emin, Damian Hirst and Mat Maitland.

Sir Peter Blake was initially asked to design a unique cover for the first Band Aid single in 1984, creating a collage of standard  Christmas card tropes set against the disgrace of a hungry child. Now at the age of 93, Peter has rejoined the Band Aid cause and created new artwork for the forthcoming single (pictured below).

Do They Know It’s Christmas? – 2024 Ultimate Mix is available to buy now digitally and physically on the Band Aid Compilation 1CD and 12″ vinyl, released on 29 November. Click here.

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