The classic holiday anthem "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid is set to get an "ultimate mix" this year for its 40th anniversary.
The new version will combine vocals from the four different versions that were released in 1984, 1989, 2004 and 2014. It will see a release later this month, as well as be featured on a forthcoming compilation to mark the anniversary.
Originally written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was recorded by an all-star supergroup in the UK under the name Band Aid to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia. Featuring some of the biggest voices in music, such as Bono, George Michael, Sting, Phil Collins, and Duran Duran, the single would go on to sell two million copies and raise £8 million for relief.
The song was updated five years later as Band Aid II featuring Bananarama, Cliff Richard, Lisa Stansfield, Wet Wet Wet and Technotronic. And again in 2004 as Band Aid 20, one again with Bono, Chris Martin (Coldplay), Dido, Robbie Williams, and Róisín Murphy. And then again in 2014 as Band Aid 30 with Bono and Martin again, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, Sinéad O'Connor and Jessie Ware.
The producer of the original, Trevor Horn, is said to have gone back to each of the recordings and blended voices from the different generations into the new, "ultimate mix" that includes the voices of Sting, Ed Sheeran, Boy George, Harry Styles, Sugababes, Sam Smith, Kool and the Gang, Bono and Chris Martin, as well as the late George Michael and Sinéad O'Connor, who passed away in 2016 and 2023, respectively. Musicians set to feature on the track include Sir Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Roger Taylor (Queen), Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead), and Damon Albarn (Blur).
The "ultimate mix" will make its debut on radio stations in the UK on the morning of November 25, the 40th anniversary of the original song's recording date. Following that it will be available on all digital streaming platforms, in advance of the compilation's release on November 29.
In addition to the recording, BBC will be releasing a documentary including footage from the original recording session that has never previously been broadcast.