Burning The Ground Exclusive 1985
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the recording of Band-Aid’s iconic charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.
Written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song was created to raise funds for the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine relief efforts. Recorded in just one day at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, on November 25, 1984, the session brought together a supergroup of prominent British and Irish musicians assembled by Geldof and Ure.
Released in the UK on December 7, 1984, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” made an immediate impact, debuting at number one on the UK singles chart and holding the top spot for five weeks. It became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time, moving one million copies in its first week. By the end of 1984, it had sold over three million copies in the UK and topped the charts in 13 other countries. In the United States, despite limited radio play, the song sold approximately 2.5 million copies by 1985. Globally, it reached 11.7 million in sales by 1989, and its UK sales alone stood at 3.8 million by 2017.
The single raised £8 million within its first year, far surpassing Geldof’s initial expectations. Due to its success, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”was reissued on November 29, 1985, featuring an updated B-side titled *”One Year On (Feed the World).” This version included a spoken message from Geldof and Midge Ure and highlighted the tangible impact of the funds raised, listing the resources and aid provided. Notably, this updated version was only ever released on vinyl.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” remains a testament to the power of music to inspire change and unite people for a common cause.
+De-notes vinyl-only
SIDE A:
Do They Know It’s Christmas? (12″ Mix) 6:17
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Remix – Trevor Horn
SIDE B:
One Year On (Feed The World)+ 4:34
Mastered By – BilBo (3)
Producer, Mixed By – Alvin Jeff Clark*, Midge Ure
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Do They Know It’s Christmas? | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #13 |
| 1984 | Do They Know It’s Christmas? | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #32 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Phonogram – FEED 112, Mercury – FEED 112
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Reissue
Country: UK
Released: Nov 29, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, Holiday
CREDITS:
NOTES:
Many thanks to all the Record Companies of the artists involved.
It’s one year on since BAND AID first began to raise funds for famine relief.
With your help people have survived, now help BAND AID to help them stay alive.
If you would like to make a further donation-send it to:
Band Aid Trust
c/o Stoy Hayward
8 Baker Street
London W1M 1DA
Many thanks to all the people, too numerous to mention, who kindly donated their time and effort in the making this record.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
Thank you! Definitely one of, if not, the very best of the 80’s
charity songs.
Here’s the 40th anniversary “2024 Ultimate Single Mix” by Band Aid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je7k8LGmjNA
The new 2024 “making of” documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6_6PzRQ9sQ
And the original “making of Band Aid” that was released on home video in 1984 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPZlPaPFaxU
Thank you Paul for posting this!!! The original 1984 Band Aid hit is my favorite Christmas song as they don’t burn it out here in the US. I’m proud to say I was the first to play this in L.A. on KIQQ 100.3FM and possibly other markets as the song ended a Duran Duran special we were airing one weeknight from Westwood One (IIRC). I was running the show that evening inserting our local ads when this wondrous song ended the special. It aired almost clean without any voice over except for the last 15 seconds of the fade. I… Read more »
Thanks so much, Paul! I never knew this existed…probably because it was released in the UK. I always wished Band Aid would have released a dub or instrumental (after all, they released a 12″ mix). I really love the 0:00-0:44 of One Year On. Thanks again!!
It WAS issued in the US on Columbia, but they hardly worked it to radio or retail. (see my story above.)
I remember buying the UK 7” single in my local record shop in the run up to Christmas, in 1984, and still have that copy now.
Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome, Mark. Happy Holidays
I forgot about the 1985, released, & every Euro-nation Germany, France, Wales,has either a 7 or 12″ singles, of their artists singing ‘Food for Africa’, to help Africa…Love to get a Germany singles, with Nena, & others…Bring them, here if you find any
I will see what I can come up with John 🙂
Thank you Paul. I will be going over to the UK next week , and will be bringing back a UK only Exclusive 12″ for you. Do you have anything else you want from the UK that was not released here in the US?
Wow, there are so many possibilities! You’ll have to surprise me. Now I am excited to see what the UK-only exclusive is 🙂
I emailed you some time ago asking if you could feature it , and we both found out that this classic track was never released commercially as a 12″ in the US (it features a 5 min+ version of the track), But they are ten a penny in the UK. I have brought a copy and will mail it to you when I return in a couple of weeks. Cant wait to hear it restored in 24bit!.
I fondly remember the first time I heard “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” I was jamming out, feeling festive, and then BAM! They hit you with the reality check about famine in Africa. It was like showing up to a Christmas party with a fruitcake and someone saying, “Hey, did you know there are people starving?” A powerful message and an awesome pop song. Still a favorite after all these years. Thanks for sharing.
It still amazes me what they were able to accomplish with this record. I love it when humans help each other.
Thank you Paul and Happy Holidays to all!
Happy Holidays, Eddie 🙂
Wow, just wow Paul!! I didn’t even know One Year On existed! I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since the recording. It seems like yesterday the video was all over MTV and the single was breaking records on the UK singles chart. But most importantly, it really showed the power of music to change the world for the better. To see all musicians of various backgrounds come together for the common good, man I’m so glad I got to experience it. What a unique time, and we all knew it was history in the making. And it only grew… Read more »
I am thrilled that our generation had the opportunity to witness this historical moment. This supergroup included all of my favorite artists at the time. When Live Aid was broadcast on MTV, I watched it from start to finish, setting my VCR to ensure I wouldn’t miss Duran Duran, 🙂
Between Band Aid and USA For Africa, all my favorite artists were covered. I’m jealous, I wish I had recorded Live Aid on MTV. Do you still have the VHS recordings?
Midge did an incredible job on short notice (2 days IIRC) to organize all those artists; Bob did an incredible job pulling together the charity/non-profit and donor side of the project. The fact that it came out so well with all the egos being left at the door is a testament to the cause it represented.
Absolutely!
Thank you for the wonderful gift/post, Paul!
You’re welcome, Dino 🙂
Thank you thank you Paul. I can now finish transcribing Bob’s shopping list. Heehee
What a great way to celebrate this record’s 40th birthday! Oh, Paul, you really are our, “Saint Rip”, who gives us sonic presents all year long. You’ve definitely created quite the legacy for yourself and us, your adoring fans. Thank you for this musical Christmas present and all you do for us!!
Eternally grateful!!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff. I could not miss this iconic anniversary.
I’m so glad you posted this for others who are too young to possibly remember what a great song this is and what an event this was, and how it started other charities.
The original 1984 version was a birthday present for my 16th birthday, and one of the very first 12″ singles I ever owned. It kind of started my vinyl obsession that never waned, even to this day. With my birthday money and a combination of other birthday and Christmas gifts that year, I also had Culture Club’s first 3 albums, the Medal Song, The War Song, Karma Chameleon, and Miss Me Blind 12″ singles before 1985 dawned. It also started my Boy George obsession that ALSO continues to this day! By the time this 1985 version was released, I was… Read more »
I appreciate this flashback into your memories of the record, David. I love Record Runner and have purchased many records from there. Thank you for sharing this with us. I believe that many of us who are on the vinyl-collecting journey started in the 80s with the 12″ single format. I’m pretty sure my first 12″ single was “She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper!