The new Band Aid 30 single was broadcast for the first time on ITV’s X Factor last night, 16th November 2014.
The video shows performers including One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora singing the reworked version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.
Stars gathered in London on Saturday to record a cover of the 1984 song to raise money to tackle Ebola. The current outbreak of the deadly virus, which was first reported in March, has killed over 5,000 people, almost all in West Africa.
Sir Bob Geldof described the new recording as a “little bit of pop history”. He also said that the video, which starts with images of Ebola victims, was “harrowing and not meant for an entertainment show” but was something the X Factor audience should see.
Some of the other artists who took part were Chris Martin, Emeli Sande, Elbow, Olly Murs, Sam Smith, Seal, Sinead O’Connor, Paloma Faith, Queen drummer Roger Taylor and Clean Bandit. Bono, who featured on the original version in 1984, was also involved.
The song is now available to download here, costing 99p and a CD version will be released in three weeks, costing £4. The UK government has said that VAT will not have to be paid on the single.
The original version of the song, co-written by Geldof and Midge Ure, raised £8m for famine relief in Ethiopia. The song was recorded again in 1989 and 2004.
The lyrics for this latest version have been rewritten in parts to reflect the new recording.
Band Aid 30 lyrics
It’s Christmas time – and there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmas time – we let in light – and banish shade
And in our world of plenty – we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time
But say a prayer – pray for the other ones
At Christmas time – it’s hard but while you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window – and it’s a world of dread and fear
Where a kiss of love can kill you – and there’s death in every tear
And the Christmas bells that ring there – are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you
No peace and joy this Christmas in West Africa
The only hope they’ll have is being alive
Where to comfort is to fear
Where to touch is to be scared
How can they know it’s Christmas time at all
Here’s to you
Raise a glass to everyone
And here’s to them
And all their years to come
Let them know it’s Christmas after all
Feed the world – Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Feel the world – Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Heal the world – Let them know it’s Christmastime again
(Image Band Aid 30)