If you grew up in the 80s, you were probably really excited when this song came out at Christmas, 1984. There are lots of interesting stories associated with it.
The guys from Kool and the Gang were the only American artists recording on the song.
If you don’t know who the first guy singing is, that’s Paul Young, who was huge in the 80s. You know, he sings that song “Everytime You Go Away” that plays on soft rock stations. David Bowie was supposed to open the song, but couldn’t make the session (he sent in his track to be included). I think Paul Young did an amazing job, though.
Bob Geldof phoned and woke up Boy George to fly to London (he flew on the Concorde!) to participate — he was the last one to be recorded.
The song earned $14 million for famine relief and spurred a bunch of follow-up efforts, such as Live Aid and various imitators.
Oddly enough, organizer Bob Geldof (of the Boomtown Rats) absolutely hates this song now. Oh, well! Bob or no, it’s still a great song, and my son loves it.
The record was released on November 29, 1984, and went straight to No. 1 in the UK singles chart, outselling all the other records in the chart put together. It became the fastest- selling single of all time in the UK, selling a million copies in the first week alone.
Here’s the video…
Musicians:
- John Taylor (Duran Duran) – bass
- Phil Collins (Genesis) – drums
- Midge Ure (Ultravox) – keyboards
- Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet) – guitar
- Roland Orzabal (Tears for Fears) – guitar
The original Band Aid ensemble consisted of (in sleeve order):
- Adam Clayton (U2)
- Phil Collins (Genesis, solo)
- Bob Geldof (The Boomtown Rats, subsequently USA for Africa)
- Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet)
- Chris Cross (Ultravox)
- John Taylor (Duran Duran)
- Paul Young
- Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
- Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17)
- Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran)
- Jim Kerr (Simple Minds)
- Simon Crowe (The Boomtown Rats)
- Marilyn
- Keren Woodward (Bananarama)
- Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
- Nik Kershaw
- Jody Watley (Shalamar)
- Bono (U2)
- Paul Weller (The Style Council, and previously The Jam)
- James “J.T.” Taylor (Kool & The Gang)
- Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
- John Illsley (Dire Straits)
- Terry Williams (Dire Straits)
- George Michael (Wham!)
- Midge Ure (Ultravox)
- Martyn Ware (Heaven 17, and previously Human League)
- John Keeble (Spandau Ballet)
- Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
- Curt Smith (Tears for Fears)
- Roland Orzabal (Tears for Fears)
- Sting (The Police)
- Pete Briquette (The Boomtown Rats)
- Francis Rossi (Status Quo)
- Robert ‘Kool’ Bell (Kool & the Gang)
- Andy Taylor (Duran Duran)
- Jon Moss (Culture Club)
- Rick Parfitt (Status Quo)
- Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran)
- Johnny Fingers (The Boomtown Rats)
- David Bowie (who contributed via a recording that was mailed to Geldof and then dubbed onto the single)
- Boy George (Culture Club)
- Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood) Recorded over the phone
- Paul McCartney (The Beatles, and then Wings) (who contributed via a recording that was mailed to Geldof and then dubbed onto the single)
- Stuart Adamson (Big Country)
- Bruce Watson (Big Country)
- Tony Butler (Big Country)
- Mark Brzezicki (Big Country)
