ABOVE: Bob Geldof and a new generation of pop stars has come together to lend their voices to help fight Ebola. Stuart Greer has the story.
TORONTO — One Direction, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay’s Chris Martin are among the artists featured on the new single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” — an effort to raise funds for the fight against Ebola in Western Africa.
A video for the charity song by Band Aid 30, co-written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was posted online early Monday. It opens with footage of an Ebola victim being removed from a home.
Also featured are Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith, Bastille, Sam Smith, Olly Murs, Rita Ora, Sinead O’Connor, Seal and several more.
The song is a reboot of 1984 version, which featured artists like Phil Collins, Boy George, Sting and George Michael and raised funds for African famine relief.
Ure, Roger Taylor and U2’s Bono perform on both versions of the song.
BELOW: Watch “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid 30.
Some of the lyrics were changed from the original. Instead of “Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears” is now “Where a kiss of love can kill you and there’s death in every tear” and “Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you” is now “Well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you.”
Seal sings the line: “Bring peace and joy this Christmas to West Africa.”
Band Aid 30’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was recorded this past weekend in London.
BELOW: Watch the 1984 recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid.
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