Do They Know It's Christmas?

Do They Know It's Christmas? is a charity single recorded by the Supergroup Band Aid, a collective of popular British and Irish musicians, including Bono of U2, Phil Collins of Genesis, Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats, George Michael of Wham!, and Sting of The Police. The song was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure of Ultravox in response to the 1983-1985 Ethiopian famine, with the goal of raising funds for UNICEF and other organizations providing aid to Ethiopia. The project was inspired by a BBC News report on the famine by Michael Buerk, which was broadcast on BBC One and seen by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. The song features a diverse range of artists, including David Bowie, Paul Young, Status Quo, Paul Weller of The Jam, and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran.

Background

The idea for the song was conceived by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure after watching a BBC News report on the 1983-1985 Ethiopian famine, which was also covered by ITN and other news organizations, including CNN and Al Jazeera. The report, presented by Michael Buerk, highlighted the devastating effects of the famine on the people of Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray Region. Bob Geldof was inspired to take action and contacted Midge Ure to discuss the idea of recording a charity single, which would involve a Supergroup of British and Irish musicians, including The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Elton John. The project was supported by Harvey Goldsmith, a prominent Music promoter who had worked with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. The song was also endorsed by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher, who was the leader of the Conservative Party (UK) at the time.

Composition and Recording

The song was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in a relatively short period, with the lyrics and melody being composed in just a few hours, according to Midge Ure. The song features a simple, yet effective melody, with a catchy chorus and a memorable vocal performance by Bono of U2. The recording process was rapid, with the song being recorded and mixed in just one day at Sarm West Studios in London, which was owned by Trevor Horn, a renowned Music producer who had worked with Yes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Propaganda (band). The song was produced by Midge Ure and Trevor Horn, with assistance from Gary Langan, a skilled Audio engineer who had worked with The Police, The Clash, and ABC (band).

Release and Reception

The song was released on December 3, 1984, and was an instant success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and staying there for five weeks, according to The Official Charts Company. The song was also a hit in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Germany, where it was released by EMI Records and other major labels. The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the song's catchy melody and the project's charitable goals, which were supported by Oxfam, Save the Children, and other humanitarian organizations. The song was also praised by BBC Radio 1, Capital Radio, and other major radio stations, which played the song extensively and helped to promote the project.

Impact and Legacy

The song had a significant impact on the music industry and beyond, raising awareness of the 1983-1985 Ethiopian famine and helping to raise funds for UNICEF and other organizations providing aid to Ethiopia. The song's success also inspired other charity singles, including USA for Africa's We Are the World, which was recorded by a Supergroup of American musicians, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Glee (TV series) and The Muppets, and has been featured in various films and television shows, including The Simpsons and Family Guy. The song's legacy continues to be felt, with the song remaining a popular Christmas song and a symbol of the power of music to make a positive impact on the world, as recognized by Nobel Peace Prize laureates like Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela.

Sales and Chart Performance

The song was a major commercial success, selling over 3.5 million copies in the United Kingdom alone, according to The Official Charts Company. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for five weeks, and also reached number one on the Irish Singles Chart and the Australian Singles Chart. The song was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and has been estimated to have raised over £8 million for charity, according to The Guardian and other sources, including The Times and The Daily Telegraph. The song's success can be attributed to the involvement of high-profile artists, including Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John, as well as the song's catchy melody and the project's charitable goals, which were supported by Live Aid and other major charity events, including Live 8 and Comic Relief.