Coldplay, Bono, Ed Sheeran & One Direction Among Band Aid 30 Artists
Proceeds will be used in the fight against Ebola
One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Sam Smith are just some of the big name artists confirmed for the Band Aid charity single.
The fourth version of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ – released 30 years after the original - will be sold to raise proceeds for the fight against Ebola in Africa.
Band Aid founders Bob Geldof and Midge Ure confirmed at a press conference in London this afternoon that unlike the previous two re-recordings, this incarnation will feature some changed lyrics that directly reference the “filthy little virus.”
! Bob Geldof and Midge Ure at the launch
Calling the unveiling the "worst kept secret in the world", Sir Bob and Midge said the guest singers would be a combination of established artists and newer names.
Also confirmed are Emeli Sande, Bastille, Bono (making his third Band Aid appearance), Sinead O’Connor, Jessie Ware, Paloma Faith, Foals and Elbow.
The organisers added that there are more “giants” of music in the pipeline, however David Bowie has not been officially confirmed.
Adele & Bruno Mars producer Paul Epworth is on board for production duties while celebrated British artist Tracy Emin has created the artwork.
The song will be recorded in London this coming Sunday and will be available to download for 99p from next Monday (17th November). A separate CD version will cost £4.
Sir Bob told the press this afternoon that the song is being released out of necessity rather than nostalgia.
He said: "I don't like doing this stuff. It's boring organising it. It's embarrassing calling artists you don't know."
Speaking about the Ebola virus, Geldof said it was blighting Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia "because they're extremely poor which is radically unacceptable".
He added: "It makes me sick and makes me angry."
Midge Ure said: "Thirty years ago people wanted to help and wanted to make a difference. We want that again."
! The recording of the 1989 Band Aid single
A response to the devastating famine in Ethopia, the first Band Aid single in 1984 sold 3.7million copies and raised £8million for famine relief.
George Michael, Boy George, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Bananarama were among the plethora of artists on the original, while Jason Donovan, Kylie, Cliff Richard, Bros and Wet Wet Wet appeared on the 1989 version.
A 20th anniversary version in 2004 featured Dido, Dizzee Rasacal, Snow Patrol, The Darkness, Coldplay, Radiohead, Katie Melua, Joss Stone, Robbie Williams and Will Young.