“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a charity single released in 1984 by the supergroup Band Aid. The song was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to the severe famine occurring in Ethiopia at the time. The idea was to raise awareness and funds to help alleviate the suffering caused by the famine.
The recording took place on November 25, 1984, at Sarm West Studios in London. It featured prominent British and Irish musicians, including members of popular bands such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, U2, and Culture Club, as well as solo artists like George Michael, Sting, and Bono. The session was completed in a single 24-hour period.
Upon its release on November 29, 1984, the song quickly topped the charts in the UK, becoming the fastest-selling single in the country’s history at that time. It also charted highly in many other countries. The success of the single led to the Live Aid concert in July 1985, which was organized by Geldof and aimed to raise further funds for Ethiopian famine relief.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” has been re-recorded several times since its initial release, with versions produced in 1989, 2004, and 2014, each featuring contemporary artists and aimed at addressing ongoing humanitarian issues. Despite some criticism over its lyrics and portrayal of Africa, the song remains an iconic example of music being used for philanthropic purposes.