"band aid 20, do they know it's christmas 2004" - well love it or hate it; they've done it again! th

Back in 1984 Bob Geldof and Midge Ure came up with an idea which has since raised an astounding 75 million pounds for famine relief in Africa.

"Do They Know It's Christmas" was recorded by a forty strong crew of the biggest names in '80s pop. Amongst the artists were U2, David Bowie, Paul Weller, Boy George, Phil Collins and Paul McCartney.

In 2004 Robbie Williams is the new George Michael and the Sugababes reflect girl-band originals, The Bangles (how about comparing the Darkness and Status Quo?). The line-up also includes the likes of Chris Martin, Dido, Fran Healy, Will Young and Joss Stone. Only Bono has returned to keep his famous chorus.

The single sold a whopping 72,000 copies within the first 24 hours of its release, and although it has met mixed reviews, you can't deny that it is 3.99 for charity well spent.

Personally, I thought it got off to a good start (you can't go wrong with Chris Martin), but after about a minute I started shifting around uncomfortably in my seat... is it just me or is Dizee Rascal's rap attempt on the wrong side of cringe-making? It is fun people spotting in the video, although I haven't got a clue who half of them are. The only real question I have is, why have we waited 20 years?

It's great!

I think it's a brilliant re-working of a Christmas classic, updated for 2004. It's brilliant and Midge Ure and Bob Geldolf both deserve a pat on the back!!
Anyone who says otherwise is a tight stooge.

Do they know it's christmas?

No, they don't!!!! The people who this disc was produced to help are mostly non-christian, and, I believe, whether they know it is Christmas or not, this stupid song is an insult to millions of starving people who neither know or care about some festival that they have never even heard of, when the smug oil their consciences by donating a fraction of the money that they spend on expensive, undeserved presents for all and sundry.

These desperate people need help everyday, tangible help, and it is a poor reflection on us that unless some pop star gets on TV and whips the public up to a frenzy we do not put our hands in our pockets. Or offer our help.

I agree, granniekool

I think we are in a sorry state of affairs, if it takes a group of second-rate performers belting out a song from 20 years ago to make us give money to those in need.
People today are pathetic.

Come on, glendale...

I think that's a bit strong, look at the response to the tsunami on Boxing Day, I wouldn't call it pathetic, the British public gave more money than the US government!

But

at least someone has done something..as you rightly say, it takes a lot to get people to donate money nowadays. I think Bob Geldof and Midge Ure do deserve recognition for their efforts, even though they are dwarfed by the problem itself.