You had to know he had to respond. Bob Geldof has addressed Ed Sheeran‘s comments about Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, saying it’s “kept millions of people alive”.
If you missed what happened – let’s go back a decade. Sheeran sang on the 2014 incarnation of the song, but earlier this week said that despite being included in the new version, he wasn’t asked for permission and if he was, would have respectfully declined.
Remember, Bob Geldof (former Boomtown Rats frontman) made the original 1984 charity single along with Ultravox’s Midge Ure, with the goal of raising money for the Ethiopian famine. The song has been remade numerous times, with a 40th anniversary ‘Ultimate Mix’ being overseen by producer Trevor Horn (below).
Now, Sheeran took to social media to say, “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.”
Bob Geldof responded, talking to the Sunday Times, “This little pop song has kept millions of people alive. Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal? Why not keep doing that? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy?”
“No abstract theory regardless of how sincerely held should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real-world reality,” he added. “There are 600 million hungry people in the world — 300 million are in Africa. We wish it were other but it is not. We can help some of them. That’s what we will continue to do.”
Apparently Bob Geldof has reached out to Ed Sheeran.
The original Band Aid single was recorded on one day in November 1984 and became the fastest-selling single in UK chart history.
What do you think about what Ed Sheeran said?
* Web news is powered by the homedwell.ca group! Buying a home? Selling your home? Contact them today!
