Do They Know It's Christmas - Merry Christmas Carol Countdown

Christmas is about generosity and giving, of course, and sometimes stars set a shining example.

In 1984, Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats wrote the lyrics to “Do They Know It's Christmas” after viewing a BBC special about Ethiopian famine. Midge Ure of Ultravox set Geldof’s words to music. Soon, they assembled a rock-star celebrity choir to perform the single, with proceeds directed at relieving hunger in Africa.

The song, often called “Feed the World” (for its chorus), became an overnight hit. Now, 30 years later, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” is still a popular part of rock music fans’ holiday playlists.

Do They Know It's Christmas? (Glee Cast Version)

See how many popular musicians (from Bananarama and a former Beatle to Spandau Ballet and U2) you can pick out in the video by the assemblage, tagged as Band Aid:

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Did you spot Adam Clayton, Andy Taylor, Bob Geldof, Bono, Boy George, Bruce Watson, Chris Cross, David Bowie, Dennis J.T. Thomas, Francis Rossi, Gary Kemp, George Michael, Glenn Gregory, Holly Johnson, Jody Watley, James (J.T.) Taylor, John Keeble, John Taylor, Johnny Fingers, Jon Moss, Keren Woodward, Mark Brzezicki, Martin Kemp, Martyn Ware, Midge Ure, Nick Rhodes, Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Paul Young, Pete Briquette, Peter (Marilyn) Robinson, Phil Collins, Robert (Kool) Bell, Rick Parfitt, Roger Taylor, Sarah Dallin, Simon Crowe, Simon Le Bon, Siobhan Fahey, Steve Norman, Sting, Stuart Adamson, Tony Butler, and Tony Hadley?

“Do They Know It’s Christmas” raised some $14 million for African hunger relief.

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Image/s:

Do They Know It's Christmas

1984 Cover Art

Fair Use

Public Domain Art

Merry Christmas Carol Countdown

Art by Nickers and Ink Creative Communications

Do They Know Its Christmas

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