Bob Geldof says he’ll ‘chat’ to Ed Sheeran as listeners call Band Aid 40 song ‘awful’
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The updated version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?” by Band Aid has been called “terrible” amid the debate regarding its re-release to mark its 40th anniversary.
Band Aid 40 includes versions of the song from three earlier years: 1984, 2004, and 2014. Each version showcases the voices of different artists who were prominent during those times.
Ed Sheeran recently addressed his fans, clarifying that he was not invited to contribute vocals for a new version of a song that first came out in 1984. He also mentioned that if he had been asked, he would have said no because his perspective on the story behind the song's charity work has evolved.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Bob Geldof, 73, who co-created the song, spoke out in favor of its history of raising money to help those in need.
He remarked, "This catchy tune has saved the lives of countless individuals," while highlighting the charity's efforts in sectors like education and healthcare. "Why would Band Aid stop providing meals for thousands of children who rely on us? Why not continue that support? Just because of a vague debate coming from the wealthy world, even if it's valid?"
Geldof has mentioned that he has contacted Sheeran to talk about the issues that the singer has brought up. In an interview with Lorraine Kelly on her ITV program, the Irish artist was asked if Sheeran's remarks bothered him.
Geldof emphasized, “Absolutely not. The important thing is that perspectives have evolved over the years. Feelings and sensibilities shift, and public opinion transforms over four decades – which is natural; it’s not possible to remain unchanged.”
"You need to explore various approaches to address these problems and discuss them. What we're celebrating here is that none of these debates would be gaining attention if Band Aid hadn't emerged."
Turning to Ed, he mentioned, "Ed expresses his current feelings. I've reached out to him – he's genuinely a wonderful person, quite bright, and a significant artist. We'll have a conversation, and we might either see eye to eye or have differing views, but we will definitely discuss it."
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"We need to have this discussion, which allows us to express our opinions even more passionately. That's my position on this matter."
Despite the buzz around the new song that came out on November 25, many listeners can't shake the feeling that it's not particularly impressive.
“Wow! The #BandAid40 song is awful. It feels like it was thrown together haphazardly. I used to think the rap section in an earlier version was bad, but this is just terrible,” a user commented on X/Twitter.
Another person quipped, “The latest Band Aid song is the most dreadful thing I've ever listened to, and that says a lot, considering I've heard many terrible things!”
In the meantime, someone else chimed in, saying, “I’ve got to say, that new Band Aid 40 song is just awful. Honestly, I’m not looking forward to hearing it in November either.”
One more listener shared their thoughts: "Oh no. I just listened to the #BandAid40 song, and it's terrible. Why did they change it? The original was a fantastic track created under really difficult conditions for a great cause. Why not just let it be?"
In another part of the discussion, a fifth person remarked, “I honestly think Band Aid 2024 is the worst news I've encountered all year, and they removed Tony Hadley?!?!”
The updated rendition of the song features contributions from artists such as Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, Guy Garvey, One Direction, Simon Le Bon, Boy George, Sting, Chris Martin, Seal, and the late George Michael and Sinéad O'Connor.
The supporting musicians, drawn from both the original and 2004 lineups, include Paul McCartney and John Taylor from Duran Duran on bass, Thom Yorke from Radiohead playing the piano, Phil Collins on drums, and Justin and Dan Hawkins from The Darkness on guitar.
The earnings from the new single will be donated to the Band Aid Charitable Trust, which funds health and poverty alleviation efforts throughout Africa.
