Ed Sheerhan adds a note of controversy to 40th anniversary release

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bob Geldof and Midge Ure organizing the Band-Aid charity single featuring an amazing array of music stars “Do They Know It’s Christmas." The single was, of course, followed the next year by the extraordinary Live Aid concerts. As the anniversary approaches there is news of a new version of the song. And a touch of controversy too.

The single was a huge hit around the world when it first came out in 1984. It famously grouped a huge number of artists together to perform the song. The single went on to raise huge sums for charity and spark those Live Aid events for even more fundraising. The funds were to support aid for famine in Africa. It’s understood the Band Aid Charitable Trust has raised over £140m over the years. 

With remixed versions on three previous anniversaries, it’s no surprise to see a special 40-year version announced. It uses a variety of vocal performances over previous years with once again many famous stars featuring on it. Those include Harry Styles, George Michael, Sinead O'Connor, Ed Sheeran, and many more. Producer Trevor Horn has been in charge of blending and mixing them together for this latest release.

Ed Sheeran has a concern over Band Aid anniversary single

There is, though, a surprise in all this for Ed Sheeran. He has commented on his Instagram, as reported by the BBC, that he wasn’t asked for permission to use his voice again. Sheehan has said he wouldn’t have given his agreement if he had been asked. 

“My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release.” "Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals." “A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by (at)fuseodg.” "This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all x.”

Rapper FuseODG posted his statement via Instagram too, noting that he also refused a previous request for his voice to be used. That does add a touch of controversy to the single, but that's something Geldof is no stranger to over the years.

No doubt the charitable and perhaps Christmas spirits will overcome the issues. The record is due to be released on November 24. There will also be a new video by Oliver Murray, who was behind the one for The Beatles “Now And Then” single. It’s also expected to blend together archive material. 

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