Band Aid Organizers Prep ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Megamix

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Band Aid Ethiopian famine relief single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” organizer/producer Trevor Horn has blended elements from the original as well as the 2004 and 2014 re-records into one “Ultimate Mix,” which will premiere Nov. 25. It will also be available on CD and vinyl editions of the Band Aid Compilation, due Nov. 29.

The new version of “Christmas” finds Sting singing alongside Ed Sheeran, Boy George in tandem with Sam Smith and the late George Michael complementing Harry Styles. Bono’s vocals are highlighted from both the 1984 and 2014 recordings, while the house band features everyone from Paul McCartney, Phil Collins and Thom Yorke to Damon Albarn, Paul Weller and Live Aid principal Midge Ure.

An Oliver Murray-directed video for “Ultimate Mix” will also be unveiled on Nov. 25, rounding up footage from 40 years worth of recording sessions. Murray previously helmed the video for the Beatles’ final single, “Now and Then,” which incorporated archival footage of the late John Lennon and George Harrison with modern-day imagery of surviving band members McCartney and Ringo Starr.

New artwork was created by the legendary 93-year-old Peter Blake, who contributed to the original sleeve. The compilation itself sports the 1984, 2004 and 2014 versions of “Christmas,” as well as the new mix and a live version recorded at Live Aid at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1985. All proceeds will benefit Band Aid Trust, which has raised more than $175 million for famine relief and emergency aid.

However, not everyone is thrilled that “Christmas” is being rebooted once again. Sheeran wrote on Instagram that his “approval wasn’t sought” for the project and “had I had the choice, I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.” He also referenced a social media post by Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG, who declined to participate in the 2014 re-record due to issues with Band Aid’s messaging.

“By showcasing dehumanizing imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement,” he said. “My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism. Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid, proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.”