Bob Geldof’s set the lineup for the new edition of his Band Aid song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” coming out in just a few days. The new holiday-themed song will be helping to raise money to fight Ebola in West Africa. Among the artists confirmed to take part are Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Sam Smith, Bastille, Foals, Elbow, Ellie Goulding, Emelie Sandé, Olly Murs, Bono, and Chris Martin.
According to Geldof, more artists will be joining the all-star lineup soon. Geldof’s also planning on changing up the lyrics to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
“We will reconvene Band Aid next Saturday after 30 years almost to the day,” explained Geldof at the press conference officially announcing the Ebola fundraiser. Geldof said that he got a call from the UN a few weeks ago saying they required at least a 20% increase across the board on assistance and materials and expressing their concern about the situation in West Africa.
Geldof said he and Midge Ure decided to do another “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” song to help raise the much-needed funds in large part due to the bravery of international health workers who’ve volunteered to go to West Afrida and help those in need. Although he doesn’t like to have to organize an effort like this, Geldof put that aside to call up artists to lend their voices to the new single.
