Band Aid's 40th Anniversary Remix Premieres Amid Criticism

The 40th anniversary remake of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' premiered on UK radio, featuring an 'ultimate mix' that combines vocals from various versions recorded over the years, including performances by George Michael alongside Harry Styles and Chris Martin with the Sugababes. Producer Trevor Horn utilized cutting-edge technology to merge vocals from the original 1984 charity single and its subsequent remakes in 2004 and 2014, with the release set for November 25, coinciding with the original recording date. While the track aims to evoke emotion, reactions have been mixed, with some listeners branding it a 'hot mess' and claiming it has been 'absolutely ruined.' Bob Geldof, the song's creator, expressed deep emotion during the premiere, calling it a 'work of art' despite the criticism. The single has historically raised significant funds for famine relief, totaling nearly £150 million to date. The remix also features a poignant sample of Michael Buerk's 1984 BBC report that inspired the song's creation.