Charity Is Music to Our Ears
Utilizing bake sales and raffles in order to raise money is now a thing of the past. While working well for schools and small projects, small fundraisers are inefficient for bigger projects that require much more money to make a difference. Times are changing yet Bob Geldof is not. He is the writer of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” which was performed by the charity supergroup, Band-Aid back in 1984.This song was made in order to raise money for the relief of famine in Ethiopia. This was extremely successful; 11.8 copies were sold worldwide. Almost thirty years later, Bob Geldof is ready to do it all over again.
Under the name Band Aid 30, another version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” was released on November 17. Evident in the lyrics, they are trying to provide relief for Ebola. The lines are specifically changed to “ No peace and joy in West Africa” and “Where a kiss of love can kill you- and there’s death in every tear” to fit the current crisis. In order to demonstrate the true horror of the virus, the beginning of the official music video includes a heartbreaking video of a victim of the virus being carried out. Artists such as Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Clean Bandit, One Direction, Rita Ora and Sam Smith contribute to this charitable project. Familiar faces to the youtube community like Zoe and Joe Sugg are included in the chorus of the song.
Unfortunately for Geldof, his critics were not in the christmas spirit. Some said its demeaning to associate the whole country with the Ebola virus while others dislike his forceful and distasteful attitude. Most of his critics agree,however, that the song is simply overused. The song has been remade three times already, so a fourth remake is unnecessary. Geldof’s response to this used what he uses best; his obnoxiously colorful language.
All the artists involved are intent on stopping the virus. They are attempting to get into the true spirit of christmas; which is to help others in need. The proceeds of the song will go directly to The Band Aid Charitable Trust. Hopefully, this will be as successful as the original and free the world of this horrid virus.
