Sir Bob Geldof defends Band Aid after Christmas hit was slammed for ‘damaging stereotypes’

Sir Bob Geldof has spoken out after Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas was criticised over outdated and ‘damaging’ stereotypes.

The new Band Aid 40 remix has been unveiled and it’s not exactly getting people in the festive spirit for a variety of reasons.

While some fans have simply complained the new version is not to their taste, others have pointed out that the messaging has not aged well.

‘There has been some controversy around the song which we just wanted to touch on,’ said One Show host Angelica Bell on tonight’s show.

‘No, go away, it’s a pop song! Controversy, my god,’ joked Sir Bob as Angellica continued with her question.

She referenced Ed Sheeran’s recent statement in which he said his ‘understanding of the narrative’ had changed since 2014 when he appeared on the song.

The 48-year-old presenter pointed out that Fuse ODG slammed the track for ‘perpetuat[ing] damaging stereotypes’.

Fuse ODG told the BBC how he wanted to ‘disassociate’ himself from Africa after seeing the’disrespectful’ images used in the music video.

He claimed the song has had a lasting impact and ‘stifled’ tourism and investment for African countries, instead painting it as a continent of war and famine.

In response, Sir Bob explained some of the financial influence the Christmas classic has had, raising money to donate to charities around the globe to ‘massively change the structures of the world’.

‘That’s what it is to me,’ said the 73-year-old singer. ‘Other people have a different opinion of it because over 40 years, time, opinions, sensibilities change.

‘That’s why it’s powerful because it did all the things I said but it still when it comes out it raises the debate and the debate is fantastic, and hte debate only happens because of this small pop song.

‘Without it, that debate doesn’t come anywhere so now it’s out in the public it’s being talked about and that gives us immense political access. Everything about this song is amazing and I love and thrive by people saying …’

He paused and admitted he was ‘going to say a rude word’ but swerved it and continued: ‘It’s part of what it’s meant to be.’

Despite the controversy surrounding the track’s creative direction, Bob is still incredibly proud of Do They Know It’s Christmas.

Problematic depictions aside, the newly remixed version hasn’t won over many people anyway.

Many took to X to express their dislike of 2024’s AI tribute version, which has clips from multiple Band Aids over the years.

On Monday morning, four decades after a charity supergroup founded by Bob and Midge Ure came together to raise money to battle famine in Ethiopia, a new new take the track has dropped.

The AI production only uses artists who featured on the 1984, 2004 and 2014 editions, including Bono singing with his younger self.

It’s safe to say music fans aren’t impressed after hearing the new version, which has plenty of structural changes bringing all the eras together.

‘Bad enough driving to work on a Monday without the Christmas songs, however the monstrosity that is Band Aid 40 could be enough to tip you over the edge,’ wrote @BrendonJnr on X in a savage assessment.

And @MrBlitzed ranted: ‘Just heard the new Band Aid “Do They Know It’s Christmas” single. What an absolute load of cobbled together tuneless bollocks! Never beat the original!’

Tell us how you really feel!

‘I appreciate what they did with Band Aid 40 and it is special… But I’m sorry nothing will beat the original 1984 version,’ said @ImCalledAmyyy, giving a slightly kinder take.

‘Band Aid 40 is terrible. Just enjoy the original for the good work it did and the artists who sang,’ argued @Sharks771, while @Powersboy31 insisted the song will ‘always be utter dog meat’.

And @darlosworld wrote: ‘Just heard the new Band Aid Do They Know It’s Christmas on @jdandroisin, and this is maybe controversial but it’s awful, just terrible. Sorry.’

‘Jeeeeeesus Christ the new ‘do they know it’s Christmas’ is abysmal,’ tweeted @WallmanStevo, as @vaughan_col said: ‘BAND AID 40 IS TRENDING No, it’s not ok. Its been slaughtered.’

But @PaulaMorgan46 insisted: ‘Band aid raised hundreds of millions of pounds for Ethiopia 40 years ago. Wtf is wrong with that! Honestly what is wrong with people!’

However, Bob has hailed the new version as ‘one of the greatest [pieces of] production’ in British rock music history.

‘I think it’s a work of art,’ he told Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 as they both fought back tears after having a cry off-air while the song as playing.

‘It’s such an amazing record,’ he said. ‘It is the history of British rock and roll over 40 years.’

Bob insisted the actually quality of the track was never the focus of the 1984 original, with the overall goal of the charity single outweighing personal taste.

‘We weren’t really bothered the quality of the song as such,’ he explained. ‘It doesn’t matter if you don’t like George Michael, Boy George, or whatever – just buy it, because things will change!’

He also reflected on having late singer Liam Payne on the track, after he sang on the 2014 version with his One Direction bandmates.

Bob added: ‘I was thinking of it at the funeral, he’s here with his mates, and he’s doing it for others.’

As well as streaming, the new version will also be released physically on CD and vinyl on 29 November.

The original song was a huge hit selling over two million copies around the globe and raised more than $24 million (£18.8 million). 

The 2004 version spent four weeks in the number one position on the charts and became the biggest-selling single of 2004, while a decade later, the 2014 single was less successful and went straight to number one in the UK Official Singles Chart, selling 312,000 copies.

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