Bob Geldof has ‘put in a call’ to Ed Sheeran to solve Band Aid 40 controversy
It comes after Sheeran this week publicly said that the new iteration of the charity single didn’t ask permission to use his vocals
Bob Geldof has reportedly “put in a call” to Ed Sheeran to fix controversy over his inclusion in the new Band Aid 40 single.
Last week, it was revealed that Geldof, Midge Ure and producer Trevor Horn were to release a new version of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ to mark four decades of the celebrated charity single.
After the track’s announcement, Sheeran claimed that he wasn’t asked for permission to have his vocals used on the latest version of the song.
In a post on Instagram Stories, Sheeran shared a comment from Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, which accused the campaign of “[dehumanising] Africans and [destroying] our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’”.
“My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,” Sheeran wrote.
“A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by [Fuse ODG]. This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all.”
Now, a source has told NME that Geldof has “put a call in to Ed,” adding: “He thinks he’s a great bloke and a major talent. They’ll work it out.”
Fuse ODG, meanwhile, has announced his own song ‘We Do Know It’s Christmas’ and explained how he previously turned down the chance to take part in Band Aid.
“Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa,” he said.
“While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity. By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership discouraging meaningful engagement.”
The latest take on Band Aid 40 to release era-spanning mix of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ comes in the form of the 2024 Ultimate Mix, which will premiere simultaneously across UK breakfast time radio on November 25, 2024, the 40th anniversary of the recording of the original song.
It’s set to be a landmark celebration of all that went before, with Horn – a defining producer of the 1980s – blending all the voices of those separate generations into one seamless track.
According to an official release, this means we’ll see “a young Sting sing alongside a young Sheeran. A young Boy George with a young Sam Smith. A young George Michael beside a young Harry Styles. The young Bono with an older Bono, Chris Martin with Guy Garvey, the Sugababes and Bananarama, Seal and Sinead O’Connor, Rita Ora and Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang and Underworld.”
They’ll be joined by the Band Aid house band of Paul McCartney, Sting, John Taylor (bass), Phil Collins, Roger Taylor, Danny Goffey (drums), Thom Yorke (piano), Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Midge Ure, Jonny Greenwood, Gary Kemp and Justin Hawkins (guitar).