Bob Geldof addresses backlash over Band Aid
The star said Do They Know It’s Christmas? is 'an instrument of change'
What did you miss?
Bob Geldof has insisted that Band Aid charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas? is “amazing” and "an instrument of change" amid recent backlash.
The fundraising track has raised millions since 1984, and a new version called Band Aid 40, which uses previous recordings and features the likes of Bono and Ed Sheeran, has now been released. However, there have been claims that the track perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Africa, and Sheeran recently said on Instagram that if he’d had the choice to say no to his vocals being used on the new release he would have done.
Geldof, who was behind the charity supergroup, was asked about it on The One Show but said in his opinion the fact the song could spark debate was one of the very reasons it was so "powerful".
What, how and why?
The star was on the BBC programme on Monday, 25 November and presenter Angellica Bell asked what he would want to say regarding the criticism.
He replied: "This song, for whatever reason, has become… it has become an instrument of change. What an American paper called two weeks ago probably the most powerful song in rock ‘n’ roll history.
"Because you go from that first moment of those spotty kids and you track it right through to Live Aid, everyone starts copying it… you put all that together, you make a concert. That concert made in today's money 480 million in a week and it created this vast lobby for change. You take that up to the top table of politics and economics at the G8 and Live 8 and you massively change the structures of the world.”
"That’s what it is to me," said the singer.
He went on: "Other people have a different opinion of it because over 40 years, time, opinion, sensibilities change. That’s why it’s powerful. Because it did all the things I said but it still, when it comes out, raises the debate. And the debate is fantastic and the debate only happens because of this small pop song. Without it that debate doesn’t come anywhere.
"Now it’s out in the public, it has been talked about and it’s been written about and that gives us immense political access again.”
Read more: Bob Geldof
"So everything about this song is amazing," said Geldof. "And I love and thrive and I am invigorated by people saying, you know — I was going to say a rude word there, I’m not allowed, its 1pm — but just, you know that.
"It’s part of what it is meant to be, absolutely."
What did Ed Sheeran say?
Band Aid began in 1984, with the single and Live Aid concert. Band Aid II followed five years later, before anniversary versions Band Aid 20, 30 and now 40.
Sheeran featured on a version of the song in 2014 and his vocals were re-used in the latest edition. He posted on his Instagram Story: “My approval wasn't sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals."
Citing a post by rapper Fuse ODG that criticised foreign aid in Africa, he said: "A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I'm hoping it's a forward-looking one. Love to all x."
British-Ghanaian musician Fuse ODG had posted to say that he had turned down Band Aid 30 as he felt those sorts of fundraisers "perpetuate damaging stereotypes".
He wrote: "While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity."
The One Show airs on BBC One at 7pm on weekdays.
