Band Aid's Bob Geldof responds to Ed Sheeran's stance on 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?', calls it "abstract wealthy-world argument"
Irish singer Bob Geldof has responded to Ed Sheeran's criticism of his song Do They Know It’s Christmas?. In an interview with The Sunday Times on Saturday, November 23, 2024, the singer defended his 1984 holiday hit, saying:
"This little pop song has kept millions of people alive. Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal?"
Referencing the millions of dollars the song raised over the years, Geldof told the publication:
"Why not keep doing that? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy?"
For the uninitiated, Do They Know It’s Christmas? is a 1984 charity song recorded by the supergroup Band Aid to raise money for the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure helmed the group, which consisted of several popular British and Irish musical acts. Over the years, the song was re-recorded, featuring vocals from several recent artists like Bono and Harry Styles.
Geldof's comments come after Ed Sheeran shared an Instagram story last week, expressing his disappointment that Band Aid did not seek his permission to use his vocals. The Perfect singer recorded the 2014 version of the song.
"My understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed"- Ed Sheeran about Do They Know It’s Christmas?
The disagreement between Bob Geldof and Ed Sheeran began when the former announced working on a 40th anniversary re-release of the hit Do They Know It’s Christmas?. Geldof explained that the anniversary special would incorporate performances from the 1984, 1989, 2004, and 2014 versions of the song.
Several popular artists have provided vocals for the songs, including Bono and George Michael in 1984, Bananarama and Kylie Minogue in 1989, Chris Martin and Snow Patrol in 2004, and One Direction and Elle Goulding in 2014.
Ed Sheeran, who appeared on the 2014 version, took to his Instagram stories to state he was not asked about including his vocals in the upcoming anniversary track. Reposting a statement by Ghanaian-British rapper Fuse ODG, he wrote:
"My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release. Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals."
Ed Sheeran continued:
"A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one."
Fuse ODG, in his IG story, revealed that he previously declined to participate in Band Aid's 2014 version of the track, claiming that such initiatives do more harm than good.
He elaborated that while it can "generate sympathy and donations," it also perpetuates "damaging stereotypes" that can in turn "stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment." He claimed that it ultimately costs "the continent trillions and destroys its dignity, pride, and identity."
In his statement, Fuse ODG explained that the song showcased "dehumanizing imagery" that fuels "pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement."
Over the years, Do They Know It’s Christmas? has been harshly criticized for its supposedly condescending and patronizing lyrics. In a December 2022 opinion piece for the Independent, author Ije Teunissen-Oligboh explained that while Band Aid had good intentions, it "helped to perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation" and termed it as a "racist and ignorant creation."
Talking to The Sunday Times, Bob Geldof explained that the song through the Band Aid Charitable Trust has raised £140 million (or $176 million) over the years. He added that he doesn't intend to stop his work.
In a statement made to Entertainment Weekly, Geldof added that half of the world's hungry people live in Africa and they can help feed some of them. He asserted that that's what they will continue to do.
Ed Sheeran has not publicly reacted to Bob Geldof's comments.
