Guys, this was recorded in November '84 and was the inspiration for We Are The World, which came out in March '85. Band Aid and the song was conceptualised in only 48 hours and the song hit the charts only week after the recording, raising $$$millions for Africa. Band Aid was also the catalyst for the Live Aid concerts in the summer 1985. Both Band Aid and Live Aid were created by Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure (Ultravox). Everyone involved that you see in the video was only contacted the day before, and nobody had any idea who was going to turn up the next day for recording.
Nobody who reacts to these songs seems to really understand the context of it. I advised they watch the Drive video and also they should read about the famine.
One man, Bob Geldof, started a worldwide movement of care and compassion for Africa. He was Knighted by the Queen of England for his humanitarian efforts, which led to the worldwide event known as Live Aid and Inspired We are the world!
Its NOT the European version. Its the ORIGINAL. USA was a year later and was a copy of Band Aid (aid for Ethiopa). Bob Geldoff had hoped it would raise a million. It raised 150 million !!!! // All the others were copies of this great tribute
this song was in fact done in a hurry to get it released during the christmas season back then. this was done in 48hrs. there is a documentary on the making of the song that will give a better understanding how this was put together in 2 days. I think you can find it on youtube.
At least this song gets played alot once a year, every year…When was the last time you heard We Are The World on the radio? Both songs are amazing, but this holds a little bigger piece of my heart…Cheers!
The song was wriiten, rehearsed and recorded in 48 hours. They contacted all the artists in 24 hours to come perform. Quite an accomplishment which couldn't be done today. It a staple part of Xmas in the UK.
The first face you see is Bob Geldoff ... the creator of Live Aid but it all started with Band Aid's charity single.... and yes this was before the U.S ' self indulgent "We are the World"
I think this is a beautiful song done by the Brits in 84. For me it was the meaning behind it. To help bring awareness to the famine in Ethiopia. This song immediately shot up to #1. It was this that brought the attention to We Are The World so many years ago.❤
Bob Geldof was at the taping of We Are the World, to give the group pointers since he was the one that came up with the idea with Band Aid. He is also the creator of Live Aid.
I always thought we are the world was a bad attempt of copying the original. Because the song do they know is Christmas is the original. A song that I love to listen every year around Christmas for the last decades.
It would have to be very ignorant or very unfamiliar with the era not to realise that these were the absolute greatest artists of their time. It starts with Paul Young, Boy George, Phil Collins (Genesis), George Michael (Wham!), Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran), Sting (The Police), Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Bono (U2), Paul Weller (The Jam/Style Council), Midge Ure (Ultravoax) and so on and so forth. It was an absolute sensation and got ‘USA for Africa’ off the ground in the first place.
This was before 'We are the world', Ethiopia wasn't even in the American news!!!!!!! Back story, the BBC were running a year long news piece on Ethiopia that was facing famine on a biblical scale (think about 1.2 million people who starved to death in 2 years). Sir Bob Geldof watched on the tv a nurse deciding between which children she would try and help and which children she would leave to die and said he had to do something. In 48 hours he wrote (with Midge Ure) the song, got a venue, got as many artists to drop what they were doing and come to the studio that day, produced it, got it recorded to vinyl, did the video and out into the record shops within 48 HOURS! This was to get the best opportunity of being Christmas number one (as Christmas number one gets a lot of revenue and gets into the consciousness of the British public)- there was no time for layers and finesse. As for Jodie Watley and Kool and The Gang they happened to be in England and heard about it so turned up at the studio. Only when the Americans saw and heard about Band Aid and finally realised what was happening in Ethiopia they came up with 'We Are The World' which I think is not a great sentiment because when once did that song mention AFRICA, NO WATER FLOWING BUT TEARS, THE BURNING SUN, WHERE NOTHING GROWS, NO RAIN.
The British song was done last minute it wasn't planned months in advance, the Christmas theme helped it to sell , it become the Christmas number one, it was also less pretentious
We are the world better than this? Please. Horrible, crass, ego driven, over produced and rarely played - and with good reason. Band Aid Christmas has become a Holiday staple for generations and will continue to do so because its a great song, great melody and a holiday Classic.
Obviously it was prominent everywhere, it was played in 62 countries compared to We Are the World's 25 countries. Americans have historically copied the Brits and its never as good
This was for the famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure put Live Aid together and made that happen, then they did the song "Do the know it's Christmas time at all" with a group of people from popular bands at that time. Without Bob Geldof and Midge Ure there wouldn't have been Live Aid or the single "We are the World "
The first singer is Paul Young, who had a string of early eighties hits, but who I didn’t really know of until later in the decade when he did a cover of 1974’s Rufus/Chaka Khan’s, “Stop on By,” which featured Ms. Khan helping out on vocals beside him. He had an amazing voice back then and, while no one touches Chaka, he did (according to Chaka herself) do the song proud. He did quite a few covers, The Four Preps’, “Love of the Common People,” Anne Peebles’, “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down,” and Marvin Gaye’s, “Wherever I Lay My Hat” all three of which I’ve always loved his versions of as well. 🫶
No you had to be a generation x child to understand the impact of this song. The song was about the famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof help to create Live-Aid.
This song made more money than 'We Are The World' did for Africa and is still raising money today. America copied the UK again. You are not the greatest country in the world far from it.
USA for Africa had 6 months to prepare this was a 48 hour job to write, record and sell it. All those on the record volunteered their time for free, The appearance of Jodie and the Kool and the Gang speaks volumes unlike when the live shows took place in 1985 and some of the American acts were prevented from taking part as management teams were demanding normal appearance fees of their clients, it seems that the word charity was alien to them. This is why both Wembley and Philidelpgis
USA for Africa had 6 months to prepare this was a 48 hour job to write, record and sell it. All those on the record volunteered their time for free, The appearance of Jodie and the Kool and the Gang speaks volumes unlike when the live shows took place in 1985 and some of the American acts were prevented from taking part as management teams were demanding normal appearance fees of their clients, it seems that the word charity was alien to them. This is why both Wembley and Philadelphia were overloaded with British acts. By the way Band Aid is the perfect name for a famine relief group as the band aid product is not common in the UK, its not unknown but Elastoplast is our brand and we call them plasters short for sticking plaster 🇬🇧
kool and the gang just happened to be recording in the same place at the same time so they invited them to participate, and the beginning part Paul Young... he sang in place of David Bowie due to prior commitments
Getting so fed up of Americans thinking they were first with everything maybe google info first before showing ignorance …Without Bob and Midge organising Band Aid and then LiveAid there would NOT have been the Crappy American single We are the world
Bob Geldoff had to force many of the artists to show up to sing for Do They Know It's Christmas. Many of the artists had prior plans they had to cancel for this event, I had read that one of the band members from Tears For Fears had a Hawaiian vacation planned, Bob Geldoff made the singer feel guilty and change his vacation plans to take part in this.
lol at your underwhelmed reactions to this great song. I'm glad you played the original though as there have been remixes later where as well as well as trying to change it up to be more modern they've changed some lyrics some don't approve of. For once I'm disappointed by the reaction of Corey but am pleased by that of Olli. I also agree this song is better than "We are the World" and I enjoy hearing "Do they know it's Christmas" every December.
There was a definite time pressure between Bob Geldof seeing the BBC documentary on the Ethiopian famine, and getting the finished record out in time to get the Christmas No. 1. They were limited to artists who the organisers knew and who could be in London on recording day. Being dramatic about it, they could have spent time getting a better song and a more representative cast, but the extra time would been spent in dead Ethiopians.
It would have helped your review if you were aware that it was composed, rehearsed, recorded and released in a matter of days, in a rush to catch the Christmas market of 1984.
The visually powerful music video you really need to react to is the 1986 song Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid. You will definitely recognize many of the performers.
This was a BRITISH and IRISH collaboration Guys and I only think Jody and Kool And The Gang were there for appearance and diversity's sake because, as you know, they are American (The Band was touring The UK at the time). It was all done in 48 hours which was a factor, as well., but, please, REMEMBER, one thing. This was made in 1984 and there were no successful or prominent Artists of Colour then in Britain and Ireland. When I grew up next to the most Multi-Cultural area of Britain just 2 miles from Brixton,I never saw any Black person until around 1965 and I still recall the occasion as it was so rare so THAT is why there are a sea of White faces representing this era..Things are different 40 years on.my friends.
With this song, people (musicians) started hearing about it and ended up showing up at the studio, after the process had begun ... This was more organic .. With We Are the World, Q, MJ and Lionel called everyone they knew, and had them work out their schedules ... Completely contrived ...
This was better and had more genuine meaning than We are the world. We are the world was a oneupsmanship effort. The saddest part was that so much of the aid that was sent to Africa from these efforts was stolen and never got to those who needed it most.
Hello, You all are knocking a song that was done for a good cause? FYI, this song was done before "We Are the World ( do your at least some time-line research, first). Fenom202, what's in a name? You come off as an intelligent man so why is the play on words with the group lost on you? The banded together to aid famine victims in Africa and other parts of the globe -hence, Band Aid plus they are musicians. Corey Roy why should it have sounded more like "We Are the World"? Why isn't ok for this song to be it's own thing? I think "We are the World was more focused on the artists their hype and ego than on the cause for making the song. Adding a verse from Big Daddy Kane's "Ain't No Half Stepping: to emphasize the point: A school of emceein' for those who wanna be in My field and court, then again, on second thought To have MCs comin' out soundin' so similar It's quite confusin' for you to remember the Originator. ( is it really a good thing for songs to similar you think it is an inferior song because the artists weren't doing vocal gymnastics. There was a reason why Jody Watley and Kool and the Gang came at the end and did not do major vocal-DO YOU RESEARCH it was an impromptu recording and video. OllywoodDDA, why do you think the song is "pigeon-holed" because it was made as a Christmas song? ( it was done around Christmas time, so there is that) Aren't Christmas songs perennial? WHAT WAS/IS IMPORTANT IS THE CAUSE BEHINFD THE SONG! J Also listen to the lyica and what is is trying to convey. Just as you should noy substitute someone else's values as your own, viewers of this reaction please do not substitute these gentlemen opinion regarding this song as your own. This was/is a very good song as is "We are the World" why does there need to be a comparison/competition both songs shared/share the same goal. Fenom202, it is perfectly fine to agree to disagree, especially respectfully. However, the cynicism that you all expressed was uncalled for. I have watched you all gushed over and praised song that were dry and lackluster.
This song was done in 48 hours and getting them together...learn your history...we are the world had a whole year to come up....america needs to be more spontaneous than manufactured shop ready music...
This was a time when we cared about little children and now we don’t care as we see what’s going on in Gaza 20,000 innocent little children Slaughtered and we don’t blink a eye.
@peterkirby2771 ....tragic , it really is. Just a pin prick compared to those who have died in Africa through drought and civil war. If you believe 20,000 children have died in Gaza then you'll believe anything . Israel is attacked by numerous countries with a joint population over 20 × that of Israel . The countless billions of dollars given to Gaza have been spent on almost anything BUT what the funds were intended for. Yes , absolutely " suffer little children " is still the mantra of today but don't say nobody cares.
@@russellstanton7583 and if you don't believe that 20,000 thousand children have died in Gaza you are privileged and away with the fairies. Israel is committing genocide- but back to this song.
Band Aid was all British NOT European we did it first in 48 hours from that Bob and Midge arranged Live Aid … America as always was late to the party !!!!!!
Corey you are not well informed. You need to understand the motivation, the urgency, the humility. It may have been underproduced, but it was written quickly and the artists were called up and turned up and made the record with almost NO NOTICE. No egos, no big fanfare. Just to raise as much money as possible to get food to starving humans. It took the arrogantly titled USA for Africa 4 months to do their thing. 4 months versus 48 hours. Not great optics. No wonder their product sounded better. As for your analogy about McDonald's - what a dreadful irony. You were so off the pace with this reaction. Thank God that the youngest of you got the point. Kudos young man. You are the reason that I didn't subscribe.
STOP!! It doesn't even matter what you think of the song. Bob Geldoff kicked off the idea of feeding starving Africans and raised millions of dollars! Quincy Jones jumped on the bandwagon and kept it going to raise millions more. Then Bob organized the epic, multi-continent concert Live Aid. Doesn't matter what song you like more, it was for a beautiful cause. THANK YOU BOB GELDOF!!! For the song & the historic Live Aid concerts.
We Are the World is so dated. It was pushed so much because of the cause and those who were involved, but as a song, meh. After a few years, it faded and it hasn't been missed. With this song, it was clever to tie it to Christmas, and 40 years later, I hear this song during Christmas season. It's not a great song, but it fits fine with the Christmas carols.
Band Aid was Europeans. Kool and Jody got in because they were performing nearby and of course added color. Kool was past their prime and Jody was c level. Sadly back then there was no big time black singers available from Europe.
Yes, it came first. It has become a holiday staple so you do get to hear it (and make money) at least once a year. I do agree that they could have let more than the white boys do solo.
Good recall. The song was "Tears Are Not Enough" by "Northern Lights". A bunch of people you may not know, but yes, Anne Murray, Neil Young and Burton Cummings to name a few - plus obligatory hockey players!
Saw them 5 times around Croydon.S E London in 1972 when they were "paying their dues". One hight they did 5 Encores including a 7 song medley as one of the encores. lol Only down side was they put the price up in this 3,000 venue to £1 per gig. What a xxmmer £1 !!
Totally missing the point entirely. Never have I seen a more uninformed reaction to a record and video that totally led the way, and, in a damned hurry. People were dying of hunger by the thousand monthly. This was thrown together, very quickly by Bob Geldof ( Boomtown Rats singer,) and Midge Ure ( Ultravox singer ) in order to get as much money together, in as quick a time as possible, to get it out there. This was produced for that, and that alone. You're We are the world was a highly produced plagiarised version of this, entirely. No argument on this can be had. You should do your research guys before slating what was, with the full context of the times, an incredible achievement. These two guys were heroes here in Britain. That said, Wokism has thrown its twisted thoughts into the arena recently, and now, its got words in it that actually offend. Yes, offend. This is the value of the totally woke mind leading the blind by an invisible ring through their stuck up noses. How's that for a rant!? Merry Christmas guys😊
“Wokism” isn’t twisted it’s the people who use it as a means to defend not accepting people’s right to be ‘different’ and don’t know what it means. The word itself has been twisted into something it’s not. I was in agreement with you until just then.
Most of the bands had flown in from all over the world to make the record and get it on the shelvs and at no 1, but mostly to stop millions from dying from no food . and that is what happened . You can only have people sing at the start of the record if they were there , if you stuck on a plane how can you sing . They had 48 hours to make the song and get it relist . you have reacted abvout the song and not what the song did
It wasn’t about everyone it was the song!! Not EGO like you Americans This song is the biggest Christmas song of all time Where is we are the world as a Christmas song ffs 😂 never listened to that song again yet this song we listen to every Christmas
Let's be honest. Neither of these songs are songs that people call classics. They are meant to raise money. They did that. I think it would be great if you saw the making of it. These artists on the video showed up for the effort. It's not about being a smash hit. At the end of the day Bob was the first to do it and Lionel Richie was inspired by it. Nobody is doing anything like this now to help ANYBODY. Why are we even comparing them?
It's not 'the European version' of We Are The World. It is the original inspiration for it.
Indeed, without Band Aid....there would have been no We are The World.
I didn't know that.
Exactly uneducated
Band-Aid came first and was done in 48hrs.
Co-written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Bob was also instrumental in We Are The World and also organized Live Aid.
Guys, this was recorded in November '84 and was the inspiration for We Are The World, which came out in March '85. Band Aid and the song was conceptualised in only 48 hours and the song hit the charts only week after the recording, raising $$$millions for Africa. Band Aid was also the catalyst for the Live Aid concerts in the summer 1985. Both Band Aid and Live Aid were created by Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure (Ultravox). Everyone involved that you see in the video was only contacted the day before, and nobody had any idea who was going to turn up the next day for recording.
Nobody who reacts to these songs seems to really understand the context of it. I advised they watch the Drive video and also they should read about the famine.
Totally Agree. It would be good if they had done some research
Band Aid Started it .. USA For Africa followed
"USA For Africa", what an imaginative title for a Band that's helping to provide Aid, lol
We Are The World followed Band-Aid's lead with this charity single.
Fpr the same charity ... The American music scene following the British music scene ...
One man, Bob Geldof, started a worldwide movement of care and compassion for Africa.
He was Knighted by the Queen of England for his humanitarian efforts, which led to the worldwide event known as Live Aid and Inspired
We are the world!
Its NOT the European version. Its the ORIGINAL. USA was a year later and was a copy of Band Aid (aid for Ethiopa). Bob Geldoff had hoped it would raise a million. It raised 150 million !!!! // All the others were copies of this great tribute
This one paved the way for all the others, and is my favorite of the benefit songs.
I may be mistaken, but I think George Harrison "Bangladesh" from 1971 was the first charity song ever made.
ua-cam.com/video/L5Liaf8hUmU/v-deo.html
Without Band Aid there is no We are the World or Live Aide.
this song was in fact done in a hurry to get it released during the christmas season back then. this was done in 48hrs. there is a documentary on the making of the song that will give a better understanding how this was put together in 2 days. I think you can find it on youtube.
At least this song gets played alot once a year, every year…When was the last time you heard We Are The World on the radio? Both songs are amazing, but this holds a little bigger piece of my heart…Cheers!
soon we will be able to play the dead or alive game watching it on christmas day
@@saintdon4461 …Sadly, this is true…
The song was wriiten, rehearsed and recorded in 48 hours. They contacted all the artists in 24 hours to come perform. Quite an accomplishment which couldn't be done today. It a staple part of Xmas in the UK.
And keep in mind this was before the golden age of the internet, email and mobile phones.
The first face you see is Bob Geldoff ... the creator of Live Aid but it all started with Band Aid's charity single.... and yes this was before the U.S ' self indulgent "We are the World"
I think this is a beautiful song done by the Brits in 84. For me it was the meaning behind it. To help bring awareness to the famine in Ethiopia. This song immediately shot up to #1. It was this that brought the attention to We Are The World so many years ago.❤
Before, and way better, than We Are The World...
This was the FIRST to start the Africa charity. The USA and CDN songs came out the year after. 40 years later and this song still is amazing.
I prefer this over We Are The World.
Me too!
Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. LEGENDS.
Midge yes. Bob mishandled the finances sadly
Bob Geldof was at the taping of We Are the World, to give the group pointers since he was the one that came up with the idea with Band Aid. He is also the creator of Live Aid.
Not being rude but why do Americans think they do everything first when they invariably follow 🤷♂️
I always thought we are the world was a bad attempt of copying the original. Because the song do they know is Christmas is the original. A song that I love to listen every year around Christmas for the last decades.
Band-Aid is what inspired we are the world. Band-Aid came first.
It would have to be very ignorant or very unfamiliar with the era not to realise that these were the absolute greatest artists of their time. It starts with Paul Young, Boy George, Phil Collins (Genesis), George Michael (Wham!), Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran), Sting (The Police), Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Bono (U2), Paul Weller (The Jam/Style Council), Midge Ure (Ultravoax) and so on and so forth. It was an absolute sensation and got ‘USA for Africa’ off the ground in the first place.
George Michael donated all proceeds from Last Christmas to the same cause.
We Are The World was nothing compared to this, this is the OG
Bob Geldolf and Midge Ure organized this record and LIVE AID, which followed this ...
This was before 'We are the world', Ethiopia wasn't even in the American news!!!!!!! Back story, the BBC were running a year long news piece on Ethiopia that was facing famine on a biblical scale (think about 1.2 million people who starved to death in 2 years). Sir Bob Geldof watched on the tv a nurse deciding between which children she would try and help and which children she would leave to die and said he had to do something. In 48 hours he wrote (with Midge Ure) the song, got a venue, got as many artists to drop what they were doing and come to the studio that day, produced it, got it recorded to vinyl, did the video and out into the record shops within 48 HOURS! This was to get the best opportunity of being Christmas number one (as Christmas number one gets a lot of revenue and gets into the consciousness of the British public)- there was no time for layers and finesse. As for Jodie Watley and Kool and The Gang they happened to be in England and heard about it so turned up at the studio. Only when the Americans saw and heard about Band Aid and finally realised what was happening in Ethiopia they came up with 'We Are The World' which I think is not a great sentiment because when once did that song mention AFRICA, NO WATER FLOWING BUT TEARS, THE BURNING SUN, WHERE NOTHING GROWS, NO RAIN.
I do hope you read the comments, y’all wouldn’t be as hard on this if you knew the backstory, it was literally thrown together, and it shows
The British song was done last minute it wasn't planned months in advance, the Christmas theme helped it to sell , it become the Christmas number one, it was also less pretentious
We are the world better than this? Please. Horrible, crass, ego driven, over produced and rarely played - and with good reason. Band Aid Christmas has become a Holiday staple for generations and will continue to do so because its a great song, great melody and a holiday Classic.
Came out when I was in HS, even though I was in the US, knew who everyone was. Very exciting at school the next day after it was broadcast.
I think people prefer what they've been brought up on. Do they know its christmas is more prominement in the UK hence why it's more popular
Obviously it was prominent everywhere, it was played in 62 countries compared to We Are the World's 25 countries. Americans have historically copied the Brits and its never as good
This was for the famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure put Live Aid together and made that happen, then they did the song "Do the know it's Christmas time at all" with a group of people from popular bands at that time. Without Bob Geldof and Midge Ure there wouldn't have been Live Aid or the single "We are the World "
I suggest to these reactors watch documentaries regarding how this music/video was created.
The Canadians also did a song to fund raise for the famine relief. They called themselves "Northern Lights" and the song is Tears Are Not Enough.
Check out how long after USA for Africa came after. May give a clue to the difference
Paul Young who started the song does a great version of Marvin Gaye's " wherever I lay my hat ". Very different but great vocals.....
This is what started all the other fundraising/awareness collaborations. Enjoy! ✌🏻🇨🇦✌🏻
Omg where have you been, Corey, under a rock??!!
The first singer is Paul Young, who had a string of early eighties hits, but who I didn’t really know of until later in the decade when he did a cover of 1974’s Rufus/Chaka Khan’s, “Stop on By,” which featured Ms. Khan helping out on vocals beside him. He had an amazing voice back then and, while no one touches Chaka, he did (according to Chaka herself) do the song proud. He did quite a few covers, The Four Preps’, “Love of the Common People,” Anne Peebles’, “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down,” and Marvin Gaye’s, “Wherever I Lay My Hat” all three of which I’ve always loved his versions of as well. 🫶
This was the first!
Corey Roy, Band Aid only had 48 hours to write and get the performers to make this song in order to get it's entry into the Christmas charts.
Thanks for a great year of entertainment my friends. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
No you had to be a generation x child to understand the impact of this song. The song was about the famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof help to create Live-Aid.
This was the first... we are the world is the copy.
This song made more money than 'We Are The World' did for Africa and is still raising money today. America copied the UK again. You are not the greatest country in the world far from it.
O c'mon the American healthcare system is a model for the world 😂
USA for Africa had 6 months to prepare this was a 48 hour job to write, record and sell it. All those on the record volunteered their time for free, The appearance of Jodie and the Kool and the Gang speaks volumes unlike when the live shows took place in 1985 and some of the American acts were prevented from taking part as management teams were demanding normal appearance fees of their clients, it seems that the word charity was alien to them. This is why both Wembley and Philidelpgis
USA for Africa had 6 months to prepare this was a 48 hour job to write, record and sell it. All those on the record volunteered their time for free, The appearance of Jodie and the Kool and the Gang speaks volumes unlike when the live shows took place in 1985 and some of the American acts were prevented from taking part as management teams were demanding normal appearance fees of their clients, it seems that the word charity was alien to them. This is why both Wembley and Philadelphia were overloaded with British acts. By the way Band Aid is the perfect name for a famine relief group as the band aid product is not common in the UK, its not unknown but Elastoplast is our brand and we call them plasters short for sticking plaster 🇬🇧
It was the first to come out and it was all British bands of the 80s apart from bono who is Irish
To Say That This Song & Event Changed My Life Is Putting It Mildly!! I Watch My DVD Boxset Every Holiday Season!! Thank You Bob!!
This inspired Live Aid. Geldof spearheaded both. The song was played a lot on MTV and the radio during the Christmas season that year.
I've never thought about which is better,, it is for charity after all. That was the point.
Should check out the documentary on UA-cam on the Live Aid channel. Shows how quickly this all came together from recording to print to release.
Of course they won't check that out they are ignorant and lazy!
kool and the gang just happened to be recording in the same place at the same time so they invited them to participate, and the beginning part Paul Young... he sang in place of David Bowie due to prior commitments
Getting so fed up of Americans thinking they were first with everything maybe google info first before showing ignorance …Without Bob and Midge organising Band Aid and then LiveAid there would NOT have been the Crappy American single We are the world
Bob Geldoff had to force many of the artists to show up to sing for Do They Know It's Christmas. Many of the artists had prior plans they had to cancel for this event, I had read that one of the band members from Tears For Fears had a Hawaiian vacation planned, Bob Geldoff made the singer feel guilty and change his vacation plans to take part in this.
Nobody from TFF was there. Cheers
They are British. Soul is in us ❤and we are aware and help
British and Irish with a sprinkling of American.
200 million poundsis euqual to 252,299,966.00 in U.S. dollars.
No taste and plenty of ignorance. That's Americans for you!
Spot on! 👍
lol at your underwhelmed reactions to this great song. I'm glad you played the original though as there have been remixes later where as well as well as trying to change it up to be more modern they've changed some lyrics some don't approve of. For once I'm disappointed by the reaction of Corey but am pleased by that of Olli. I also agree this song is better than "We are the World" and I enjoy hearing "Do they know it's Christmas" every December.
Not as flashy as some might like, and it may be a bit dated, but the fact remains that the fund has raised over 178 million since 1984
There was a definite time pressure between Bob Geldof seeing the BBC documentary on the Ethiopian famine, and getting the finished record out in time to get the Christmas No. 1.
They were limited to artists who the organisers knew and who could be in London on recording day.
Being dramatic about it, they could have spent time getting a better song and a more representative cast, but the extra time would been spent in dead Ethiopians.
Bob Geldof who came up with the idea performed in both songs. Although he was very very background in the US song.
Finally! I had been requesting to do this right after you had reacted to USA for Africa.
It would have helped your review if you were aware that it was composed, rehearsed, recorded and released in a matter of days, in a rush to catch the Christmas market of 1984.
It's the original version before the Americans! And it's English not European!
British. 😁
@@briankilpatrick6014 British AND Irish:)
@Isleofskye I stand corrected.
Really? It's the perfect name. Bands joined to provide aide. It's plain and simple. Plus, it sounds better than USA FOR AFRICA.
The visually powerful music video you really need to react to is the 1986 song Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid. You will definitely recognize many of the performers.
Wow .. Haters gonna Hate
This was a BRITISH and IRISH collaboration Guys and I only think Jody and Kool And The Gang were there for appearance and diversity's sake because, as you know, they are American (The Band was touring The UK at the time). It was all done in 48 hours which was a factor, as well., but, please, REMEMBER, one thing. This was made in 1984 and there were no successful or prominent Artists of Colour then in Britain and Ireland. When I grew up next to the most Multi-Cultural area of Britain just 2 miles from Brixton,I never saw any Black person until around 1965 and I still recall the occasion as it was so rare so THAT is why there are a sea of White faces representing this era..Things are different 40 years on.my friends.
I like this one.🎄🩷
The record was produced in a hurry to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia.
With this song, people (musicians) started hearing about it and ended up showing up at the studio, after the process had begun ... This was more organic ..
With We Are the World, Q, MJ and Lionel called everyone they knew, and had them work out their schedules ... Completely contrived ...
This was better and had more genuine meaning than We are the world. We are the world was a oneupsmanship effort. The saddest part was that so much of the aid that was sent to Africa from these efforts was stolen and never got to those who needed it most.
Hello,
You all are knocking a song that was done for a good cause? FYI, this song was done before "We Are the World ( do your at least some time-line research, first).
Fenom202, what's in a name? You come off as an intelligent man so why is the play on words with the group lost on you? The banded together to aid famine victims in Africa and other parts of the globe -hence, Band Aid plus they are musicians.
Corey Roy why should it have sounded more like "We Are the World"? Why isn't ok for this song to be it's own thing? I think "We are the World was more focused on the artists their hype and ego than on the cause for making the song. Adding a verse from Big Daddy Kane's "Ain't No Half Stepping: to emphasize the point:
A school of emceein' for those who wanna be in My field and court, then again, on second thought To have MCs comin' out soundin' so similar It's quite confusin' for you to remember the Originator. ( is it really a good thing for songs to similar you think it is an inferior song because the artists weren't doing vocal gymnastics. There was a reason why Jody Watley and Kool and the Gang came at the end and did not do major vocal-DO YOU RESEARCH it was an impromptu recording and video.
OllywoodDDA, why do you think the song is "pigeon-holed" because it was made as a Christmas song? ( it was done around Christmas time, so there is that) Aren't Christmas songs perennial? WHAT WAS/IS IMPORTANT IS THE CAUSE BEHINFD THE SONG! J Also listen to the lyica and what is is trying to convey. Just as you should noy substitute someone else's values as your own, viewers of this reaction please do not substitute these gentlemen opinion regarding this song as your own. This was/is a very good song as is "We are the World" why does there need to be a comparison/competition both songs shared/share the same goal.
Fenom202, it is perfectly fine to agree to disagree, especially respectfully. However, the cynicism that you all expressed was uncalled for. I have watched you all gushed over and praised song that were dry and lackluster.
American artists were shamed into bringing out we are the world as all there black artists were all talk and no action.
Phil Collins ❤ sting ❤sunita❤and some many others
This song was done in 48 hours and getting them together...learn your history...we are the world had a whole year to come up....america needs to be more spontaneous than manufactured shop ready music...
This was a time when we cared about little children and now we don’t care as we see what’s going on in Gaza 20,000 innocent little children Slaughtered and we don’t blink a eye.
@peterkirby2771 ....tragic , it really is. Just a pin prick compared to those who have died in Africa through drought and civil war. If you believe 20,000 children have died in Gaza then you'll believe anything . Israel is attacked by numerous countries with a joint population over 20 × that of Israel . The countless billions of dollars given to Gaza have been spent on almost anything BUT what the funds were intended for. Yes , absolutely " suffer little children " is still the mantra of today but don't say nobody cares.
@@russellstanton7583 and if you don't believe that 20,000 thousand children have died in Gaza you are privileged and away with the fairies. Israel is committing genocide- but back to this song.
Band Aid was all British NOT European we did it first in 48 hours from that Bob and Midge arranged Live Aid … America as always was late to the party !!!!!!
Corey you are not well informed. You need to understand the motivation, the urgency, the humility. It may have been underproduced, but it was written quickly and the artists were called up and turned up and made the record with almost NO NOTICE. No egos, no big fanfare. Just to raise as much money as possible to get food to starving humans. It took the arrogantly titled USA for Africa 4 months to do their thing. 4 months versus 48 hours. Not great optics. No wonder their product sounded better. As for your analogy about McDonald's - what a dreadful irony. You were so off the pace with this reaction. Thank God that the youngest of you got the point. Kudos young man. You are the reason that I didn't subscribe.
“Feed the world”…
STOP!! It doesn't even matter what you think of the song. Bob Geldoff kicked off the idea of feeding starving Africans and raised millions of dollars! Quincy Jones jumped on the bandwagon and kept it going to raise millions more.
Then Bob organized the epic, multi-continent concert Live Aid.
Doesn't matter what song you like more, it was for a beautiful cause.
THANK YOU BOB GELDOF!!! For the song & the historic Live Aid concerts.
We Are the World is so dated. It was pushed so much because of the cause and those who were involved, but as a song, meh.
After a few years, it faded and it hasn't been missed.
With this song, it was clever to tie it to Christmas, and 40 years later, I hear this song during Christmas season. It's not a great song, but it fits fine with the Christmas carols.
This took 48 hours and the USA version took 6 months,I read:)
It would probably be good to have a list of singers and such to help recognize people.
Phil Collins on the drums.
You should do ''Sun City'' by United Artists Against Apartheid.
Band Aid was Europeans. Kool and Jody got in because they were performing nearby and of course added color. Kool was past their prime and Jody was c level. Sadly back then there was no big time black singers available from Europe.
Yes, it came first. It has become a holiday staple so you do get to hear it (and make money) at least once a year. I do agree that they could have let more than the white boys do solo.
There's a compilation song from Canada too but I've forgotten the name of it. I remember I liked it, and that Anne Murray was part of it.
Good recall. The song was "Tears Are Not Enough" by "Northern Lights". A bunch of people you may not know, but yes, Anne Murray, Neil Young and Burton Cummings to name a few - plus obligatory hockey players!
you will know the status quo hooks for sure fenom.. down down ,rocking all over the world, in the army now etc
Saw them 5 times around Croydon.S E London in 1972 when they were "paying their dues". One hight they did 5 Encores including a 7 song medley as one of the encores. lol
Only down side was they put the price up in this 3,000 venue to £1 per gig. What a xxmmer £1 !!
This begat "We are the World" & Live Aid.
My problem with " We are the world" is the title. The USA is not the world although they would like to think they are. Too pretentious.
Totally missing the point entirely. Never have I seen a more uninformed reaction to a record and video that totally led the way, and, in a damned hurry. People were dying of hunger by the thousand monthly. This was thrown together, very quickly by Bob Geldof ( Boomtown Rats singer,) and Midge Ure ( Ultravox singer ) in order to get as much money together, in as quick a time as possible, to get it out there. This was produced for that, and that alone. You're We are the world was a highly produced plagiarised version of this, entirely. No argument on this can be had.
You should do your research guys before slating what was, with the full context of the times, an incredible achievement. These two guys were heroes here in Britain. That said, Wokism has thrown its twisted thoughts into the arena recently, and now, its got words in it that actually offend.
Yes, offend.
This is the value of the totally woke mind leading the blind by an invisible ring through their stuck up noses.
How's that for a rant!?
Merry Christmas guys😊
“Wokism” isn’t twisted it’s the people who use it as a means to defend not accepting people’s right to be ‘different’ and don’t know what it means. The word itself has been twisted into something it’s not. I was in agreement with you until just then.
Most of the bands had flown in from all over the world to make the record and get it on the shelvs and at no 1, but mostly to stop millions from dying from no food . and that is what happened . You can only have people sing at the start of the record if they were there , if you stuck on a plane how can you sing . They had 48 hours to make the song and get it relist . you have reacted abvout the song and not what the song did
This is one time when it would have helped if they had done some research about a song before listening to it
It wasn’t about everyone it was the song!! Not EGO like you Americans
This song is the biggest Christmas song of all time
Where is we are the world as a Christmas song ffs 😂 never listened to that song again yet this song we listen to every Christmas
Wow, blind reactions are great, but without proper context it kinda feels like you’re cheating yourselves and your audience
Should of done both songs one after the other
Let's be honest. Neither of these songs are songs that people call classics. They are meant to raise money. They did that. I think it would be great if you saw the making of it. These artists on the video showed up for the effort. It's not about being a smash hit. At the end of the day Bob was the first to do it and Lionel Richie was inspired by it. Nobody is doing anything like this now to help ANYBODY. Why are we even comparing them?
Band Aid is only corny to Americans-it's not a brand in the UK.