Band Aid – Do They Know it’s Christmas?
#quotefromthe80s
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
When nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
#BandAid #DoTheyKnowItsChristmas
Do They Know It’s Christmas? was a pioneering charity project in the music industry. The initiative originated from Bob Geldof, the former lead singer of the Irish alternative band, the Boomtown Rats. This project not only established Bob Geldof as an emblematic figure of the 1980s but also eventually earned him the honorific title of “Sir.”
Bob Geldof conceived the idea, wrote the lyrics for the song, and undertook the significant task of working diligently to bring the initiative to fruition, involving all the members of the supergroup. Midge Ure, the leader of Ultravox, the band known for the song Vienna, composed the music. Trevor Horn, the creator of Video killed the radio star, contributed behind the scenes; while he did not directly participate in the project, he generously made his private recording studio available for use..
Geldof planned meticulously, but the process proved to be challenging. When the pop stars arrived at the studio, they had not heard the song even once. Consequently, within a single day, they had to progress from knowing nothing about the piece to completing the final recording. Geldof himself reflects that this urgency may have been a crucial factor in the outstanding end result: there was no opportunity for prolonged discussions. Each participant carried out their responsibilities efficiently, often setting aside any rivalries or personal dislikes among the artists
There were also some logistical issues, such as the delay caused by Boy George’s late arrival. Upon contacting him, it was discovered that he was still asleep and located in America. Despite this complication, Geldof insisted that he take a Concorde flight, and Boy George subsequently arrived in London after a few hours.
Prominent figures in pop music performed the verses, including Paul Young, Boy George, Simon Le Bon, George Michael, Bono, Sting, and Tony Hadley. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure led the chorus alongside notable artists such as David Bowie and Paul McCartney. John Taylor played bass, while Phil Collins delivered an exceptional performance on drums. The final chorus featured the collective participation of all the contributors. This initiative was known as Band Aid.
Do They Know it’s Christmas? was indeed an important event from the point of view of charity, but also from the point of view of music: the emotional, musical and philanthropic wave of “Feed the world” grew day after day, and ended up in the spectacular realization of Live Aid, a truly unique concert, held on July 13, 1985 at London’s Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia , simultaneously taking advantage of the time zone difference, with Phil Collins playing in London, then taking the Concorde, and then playing again in the United States.
According to legend, during a Concorde flight, Phil encountered Cher, who was unaware of Live Aid. Subsequently, Phil suggested, “When we land, accompany me,” and a few hours later, Cher joined the choir on stage in Philadelphia.
Live Aid, the culminating event of the Band Aid project, marked a significant cultural moment in the 1980s. It clearly distinguished the first half of the decade from the second. Numerous prominent artists performed at their peak levels; for instance, Status Quo and Duran Duran, who played together for the last time until their reunion in 2004. Additionally, Freddie Mercury’s performance solidified his status as a leading figure in the latter part of the 80s.
#quotefromthe80s
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
When nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?
#BandAid #DoTheyKnowItsChristmas
Band Aid on Wikipedia
Views: 2053