This came before We Are The World, Jayvee. The timing of it being Christmas was really a coincidence. They used the holiday season to appeal to the public’s goodwill. This song is absolutely iconic in Europe.
It was a coincidence. But when they came up with the idea in early November, they did rush to get it done by Christmas. Quite the backstory detailed here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-v1KanJNn_w4.html
Band Aid did it first, and they did it better. When Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie saw how big this song got, they were basically, "Oh we have to do this now too with American artists!"
No, How can We are the World be the inspiration for band aid, when Band aid's song came out a year before We are the World, explain that one to me please. Band Aid was the inspiration for We are the World.
@@Joe1k That's what she said. "Pre-dates" means before. That indicates that Band Aid came out before We Are the World and hence, was the inspiration for WATW. So StrawberryEyes has it correct.
The first guy is Paul Young. John Taylor on bass. I remember this being huge in '84. Unfortunately no ladies featured until the chorus towards the end. Still a fantastic song today.👍😁📀🎶❤️🎄 Bananarama in the font row. Fun fact, a lot of people were reluctant to join up until they knew Duran Duran were on board.😉
Rumour has it Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins was planned to sing the opening lines not Paul Young. Someone called to ask if the Thompson Twins could participate in the single. It was their manager John Hade who answered the phone and said something along the lines of they were too busy. By the time the band found out it was too late and they were furious. And then when they played at Live Aid on their return to the UK they were faced with headlines like the band were only doing Live Aid for the publicity.
@@FeedbackPete1 My understanding was that the opening lyrics were written with David Bowie in mind, but he was unable to make the studio.. he recorded a message for the B-side.
I also remember this great song as a young kid in 1984. The intro singers voices are incredible; Paul Young, Boy George, George Michael (RIP), Simon Le Bon. With that iconic '80s beat.
While various musicians contributed to the original music backing of the song, all of the instruments (except for the drums played by Phil Collins) on the final version (such as what you're hearing in the video) were played by Midge Are. Midge cowrote and produced the song. You can see him in the middle @3:49
@@dannytse8767 John Taylor had said that he was extremely nervous when it came time for him to lay his bass track down. He felt that his playing wasn't good enough, which he felt for a lot of his early career. As I understand it Midge made a backing track for the singers to follow, Collins drums were layed over Ures drum machine beat.
Members of Kool and the Gang was in this video, but they are not British. Just Happened to be in England and was asked to be part of the chorus. The African American woman singing in the chorus was Jody Watley of Sharlamar who also just happened to be there during taping. Members of the Police were there as well. In fact it was Sting of the Police doing part of the solos. He sang the line about "The bitter sting of tears."
I think Jody was there because she released a couple of singles in the UK before she got signed to MCA as a solo act in the states. I think this was around the time the Shalamar album "The Look" was put out with barely any vocals from Jody or Jeffery and they were fed up.
Hi, the bass is a mixture of synth (played by Midge Ure, who co-wrote a few of the lyrics alongside Bob Geldof who wrote most of the lyrics) and Duran Duran bassist John Taylor, with drums by Phil Collins - (and extra percussion by others such as Jon Moss and Roger Taylor, as per AJ17's post comment below?) Singers are: Robert "Kool" Bell (Kool & the Gang) Bono (U2) Pete Briquette (The Boomtown Rats) Adam Clayton (U2) Phil Collins (Genesis and solo artist) Chris Cross (Ultravox) Simon Crowe (The Boomtown Rats) Sara Dallin (Bananarama) Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama) Johnny Fingers (The Boomtown Rats) Bob Geldof (The Boomtown Rats) Boy George (Culture Club) Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17) Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet) John Keeble (Spandau Ballet) Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet) Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet) Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) Marilyn George Michael (Wham!) Jon Moss (Culture Club) Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet) Rick Parfitt (Status Quo) Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran) Francis Rossi (Status Quo) Sting (The Police) Andy Taylor (Duran Duran) James "J.T." Taylor (Kool & the Gang) John Taylor (Duran Duran) Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) Dennis Thomas (Kool & the Gang) Midge Ure (Ultravox) Martyn Ware (Heaven 17) Jody Watley Paul Weller (The Style Council) Keren Woodward (Bananarama) Paul Young Additional spoken messages on B-side by: Stuart Adamson, Mark Brzezicki, Tony Butler, Bruce Watson (Big Country) David Bowie Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood) Paul McCartney
After all these years, Boy George's voice still sends chills down my spine. His voice is beyond compare, even among this august gathering of vocalists.
This was made after Bob Geldof and most of the UK were shown a news report on the TV of the millions of starving people in Africa, it was the most harrowing sight most of us had ever seen. Skeletal people sat in the sand hugging their dying, starving children, I along with millions of others cried at the sight. I can still see it now. Bob and Midge Ure decided to do something about it. This single made millions and millions and helped relieve some of the satrvation, it also spawned Live Aid. It is in no way a happy Christmas song!!
Genuinely hard to ignore the impact of this song. All of the talent involved for one thing: Paul Young, George Michael, Phil Collins, Sting, Duran Duran, Bananarama are in there, as are The Boomtown Rats, Heaven 17, Boy George, Midge Ure of Ultravox. Reached No.1 immediately in the UK in late 1984, instantly defeating everything else on the charts, and remained there for 5 weeks (thus setting a radio tradition that still to this day hasn’t let up around Christmas). It is still one of the biggest selling British singles of all time, having sold since its release just under 4 million copies in the UK. Also reached No.1 in 13 other countries including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Germany to name a few. It just missed out on the US Billboard Top 10 due to the chart taking into account airplay. The song didn’t receive much airplay, even though it outsold the number one single on the Billboard at the time by four to one, and would peak at No.13. Even more interesting when you learn about the artists who almost got onto the record. Bob Geldof (the main man behind the record) wanted David Bowie to do the opening vocal (this wish was granted the following year at Live Aid when Bowie sung the lines when the Live Aid ensemble performed it). Paul McCartney was going to be involved but couldn’t make it due to other commitments. The Thompson Twins as well were also thought of and received an invitation to join, but they were out of the UK and too late received the invitation to join. They ultimately donated some of the money they made on their single Lay Your Hands On Me to the Action for Ethiopia charity.
I have an original copy of this song. Literally everyone went out and bought a copy to raise money for charity. It’s played every year throughout the Uk. So pleased you checked this iconic song.
Same here......like it was yesterday! I brought the record, even though i didn't have a record player. I've been watching TV all day waiting for George Michael 😊 And you were really one of the lucky ones!
Paul Young is the first singer. It was meant to be David Bowie singing the first lines, but Bowie was touring. Also, it's Sting singing a few lines, including "bitter sting of tears." I love that line. At 6.00, it's Jon Moss, where you ask, "Who's that?" - acoustic drummer of Culture Club with Boy George . This amazing song (put together by Bob Geldoff and Midge Ure), has remained a Christmas classic - it still gives us chills... because it was created with such an outpouring of love, hope, and empathy for humanity and those in need. Things that we all intuitively know everybody needs. Much has changed since then, yet our basic needs are still the same. 🌏❤🌿
@@Worstestvideos yeah that's what I've always thought, also beautiful harmonies with bono and Tony Hadley in my opinion there will never be a better version of this song all these legends came together to create a piece of musical magic
Ya know you’re absolutely right about the chills. I was 14 when this song came out and you’re right it represents a simpler time when the world wasn’t so chaotic and giving to and caring about humanity seemed to mean more to people in the 80’s. In my opinion anyway. It brings tears to my eyes, man. The world is going to shit real fast nowadays. It’s all ME ME ME!! Dog eat dog. Survival of the fittest. Etc. The world was definitely QUIETER, CLEANER, people seemed kinder and people then weren’t so f’ing sensitive! That’s how you know it’s all ME ME ME or you wouldn’t give a sh*t about the small stuff. Can’t stand it now in 2021. Ugh 😑
This song started the whole charity singing genre. Bob Geldoff started it. You did miss a very young Sting at the beginning. I really love this song...it definitely puts you in the mood for the season. The opposite end of this feel good song of course is "Fairy tale of New York" by the Pogues...another one that immediately gets me in the Christmas spirit though I'd be hard pressed to tell you why...also "Stop the Cavalry" by Jona Lewis....
You should check out the history of this song - literally thrown together in under 48 hours by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Recorded in both London and New year - basically if you wanted to be on it, you had to get there on the day. Phil Collins famously chartered Concorde to be able to be in New York to perform on both recording sessions. The song was in reaction to the Famine in Ethiopia, and raised a huge amount of awareness and money for the cause. These days the sentiments are a bit dated, and might be considered "White saviour" esque - but at the time it was a pure and well intentioned attempt to do something to help a dreadful tragedy.
Back then this was an unbelievable gathering of music stars from UK, almost shocking. We could not believe all these stars participated in the same song. Amazing stuff. Bass by Duran's John Taylor. And some are not in the video, like David Bowie and Paul McCartney. And of course Live Aid followed.
@ the Bgt Totally agree. I remember vividly the first time hearing this song. December 1984, my friend and me (both 14, both music enthusiastic) sitting in front of the TV, watching German music show „Formel Eins“ and being speechless and delighted with the sheer number of almost all our musical heroes and the haunting song.
@@thedreaming1015 exactly! I was also 14, in Greece and I could not believe it. I run and bought an English newspaper, and in the middle pages it was this huge photo with all the participants. It was so jaw dropping :D And the song was pretty amazing (which I cannot say for the American one..ahem)
@@thedreaming1015 Hy, die Premiere lief im Musikladen. Manfred Sexauer erzählte so nebenbei was in England auf die Beine gestellt wurde. Ich war hin und weg. Hab sofort die Platte gekauft, obwohl ich keinen Plattenspieler hatte. Und hab sie immer noch! Die 80iger.....die beste und verrückteste Zeit meines Lebens!
More iconic British Christmas songs: Slade- Merry Christmas everybody Wizzard- I wish it could be Christmas every day Elton John- step into Christmas The Pogues - Fairytale Of New York Wham!- last Christmas
A few more classics: Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Chris Rea - Driving Home for Christmas Jona Lewie - Stop The Cavalry
Taking me back to when I was a little kid! 🤗 I lived in London years ago when I was about 20… and I used to pass Sir Bob Geldof on my way to work sometimes. He always smiled and said hello. He seemed like a lovely, genuine man. 💖
The line "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you" is such a powerful line it punches you in the face and makes you realize that, no matter our hardship, some people would love to be in our place
This song inspired Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie to write ‘We are the world’ soon after. For something different, check out ‘I’m walking in the air’ from the Christmas animation The Snowman 🥰
It didn't inspire them to write it. They were tasked to write it after Harry Belafonte wanted to create an American version after he got inspired from this song.
RU-vid channel Professor Of Rock did interviews with the people who made this song happen. He just re-posted today, quite the backstory. Bob Geldorf(The Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure(Ultravox) were the musicians who made the whole thing happen.
Professor of Rock wastes the beginning of just about every video with too much word salad and self-promotion as far as I'm concerned. I got tired of forwarding several minutes into all of his videos and eventually unsubscribed.
@@surlechapeau I am not offering an opinion either way on whether he/his/channel/his content is good or bad but subs is hardly the way to measure it, considering people who do not like his channel are unlikely to sub to it or might unsub and so you will never be able to count those numbers.
Oh, and the bass, by Duran Duran's John Taylor who just won best bass player this year. Duran Duran are so underated. Their new album 'Future Past' is great.
The man behind Band Aid inspired We Are the World one year later, and he was also the man who did Live Aid. John Taylor of Duran Duran is the lead bassist for this song.
I was 11 when this came out and bought the '45 record. They had advertised that a % of profits went to the cause. It's my favorite Xmas song yet it's not overly joyous.
Lol! Totally reliving my youth here! Thanks for that! 😎 ... I noticed that plenty of people have already mentioned Bob Geldof, who was *the* main organiser of Band Aid and co-writer of the song, but Midge Ure of Ultravox deserves more mentions, seeing he really deserves the most credit for writing the song, and for producing the song--his songwiting style when he was with Ultravox is unmistakable. You can see a few shots of Midge Ure in some of the crowd scenes, he's also the guy playing the synths on the song, including most of the bass-line on a synth. But John Taylor of Duran Duran added a few bass licks in Ure's studio, and I think I saw him onstage playing the bass.
Am I the only one that got excited everytime he recognized someone? I was happy he got Bono, who's probably my favorite in the video of the singers. Also my smile got bigger when the video showed Nick Rhodes! Also there is a one that Canadians did around this time as well. Can't remember the name of it though. 🤔
There’s a live version of this on Live Aid including Queen, David Bowie, Paul McCartney and many more! Another Christmas song you should hear is I Believe In Father Christmas by Greg Lake
The first singer is Paul Young sweetheart. The man with the plait who gave a thumbs up to the camera is Francis Rossi from Status Quo my favourite band. This was a charity song to feed people who were starving in an African country. It was the first one where great singers and members of bands came together to raise money for others who needed help. They raised a great amount of money bless them. Thank you for playing this and I am so happy that you enjoyed it. God bless you, love hugs and peace Mary-Ellen UK
Yeah, you missed Sting a few times. The first guy singing is Paul Young who was huge in the 80s. You should listen to some of his hits. I personally recommend Love of the Common People.
John Taylor from Duran Duran played bass; Phil Collins played drums. The rest of the instrumentation was done by Midge Ure, who handed the programming and keyboards. Two versions of the single were released.
Make no mistake - this was not meant to be a joyful Christmas song. It was created to raise awareness to the starvation issues and children dying in Africa and around the world. While we sit comfortably in our homes eating turkey and opening gifts, there are children dying of starvation - hence the lyrics "do they know it's Christmas time at all?". Because they're suffering. A great and legendary accomplishment spearheaded by Bob Geldof, and all of the wonderful artists that participated. Yes, it's a catchy tune that sounds upbeat, but the sentiment is really quite sad.
There's nothing much upbeat about this song. And I fully understand why they did it then. But, that said....it is not a true C'mas song that makes anyone happy any more. It overstayed it's welcome to me 5-7 yrs after it was released. I don't understand why any radio stations ever include it any more because it's not been raising funds in ages as far as I know. It's a tragic song that needs to quit being played during the holidays.
@@gailjohnston1248 ..not all Christmas songs are “ upbeat “. I think this song reminds us of those in need and well within the Christmas spirit.But, IMO, it is a good sounding song.The European artists in the song all had really nice voices and the song was well crafted and poignant.Merry Christmas to you and yours Gail✌️🎉🎊
The first artist singing is the great Paul Young ('come back and stay', 'love of the common people', 'wherever i lay my hat', 'love will tear us apart') and the three girls in the front row at the end are Bananarama ('venus', 'cruel summer', 'i heared a rumour') and Bob Geldorf started the whole project🤩
Another mega group project was actually an advertisement for the BBC's licence fee (yes, they did that). But the song is so good that I will still recommend it, and it is Lou Reed's Perfect Day.
@@neilt8863 Really? I was certain I've seen a video where there are end credits that go like "this is possible because of your TV licence" (I'm heavily paraphrasing here). I guess it could've been both I'll see if I can find the video again.
This is an incredibly great song from the '80s. The intro singers voices are incredible; Paul Young, Boy George, George Michael (RIP), Simon Le Bon. With that iconic '80s beat.
The first singer was Paul Young. He has a really soulful voice. You should check out one of his songs like Every time you go away or Love of the common people
This song made an impact, not only on me, I believe. I was 13 at the time, with not a lot of money to spare, but I went and bought the vinyl single because I thought it was important.
The performers who sang verses were, in order: Paul Young, Boy George, George Michael, Simon Le Bon, and Bono. The chorus included David Bowie, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Geldof, Ure and many other artists who weren’t given a verse but sang the “Feed The World” part and lent their images to the effort by appearing in the promotional photo.
Bob geldolph put everyone together, his heart is so big that he adopted a child his wife had from the lead singer of the band inxs after he divorced her and both died from an overdose. As far he is concerned she's his daughter and was raised with his children
John Taylor (Duran Duran) played bass, Andy Taylor (Duran Duran) played guitar. Phil Collins (Genesis) played drums. Midge Ure (Ultravox) played keyboards. He was also the cofounder of Band Aid & Live Aid along with Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats).
The three gals in the front are Bananrama. John Taylor (Duran Duran) is one of the bassists. For as many times I hear this song on the radio during Christmastime, I don't know why this morning this song made me cry. I remember when this debuted and the feeling of hopelessness I felt for the hungry populations of the world. I was just 11 years old back then and that feeling still resonates and just got me again. Makes me sad. 😢
@ePelle741 I was a teen when this song came out in 1984 and the entire meaning of Christmas changed for me so I understand how you feel. All of a sudden it wasn't about Santa or a tree or Gifts but knowing that while we are celebrating there were other Human Beings suffering in a part of the World I barely knew about. This Song has a way to remind one of what is important.
When this record came out in 1984, I tried for weeks to buy it with my babysitting cash on Pat's Music on Frankford Avenue and never succeeded (finally got it on a compilation). Because of this record, my hometown of Philadelphia was selected to host the US portion of Live Aid. Great review Jayvee! Happy Holidays to you and to all!
As a South African I was always confused as to why they asked if we knew if it was xmas ... Yes, we definitely did (I was 8 at the time)... but we were not the ones this song was supposed to raise $$ for. There was a terrible drought and famine in Ethiopia around that time. It was horrendous. I still remember the pictures of skinny, stick thin babies with those horribly distended bellies... And yet, we still throw away so much of our food when it could feed the hungry. We do need more work in this department as human beings.
There was another one for famine relief around the same time by Canadian Artists with music by David Foster and lyrics by Bryan Adams - "Tears Are Not Enough". I was very impressed with how many you knew in this British version Jayvee, give the Canadian one a try.
This is one of my fave Christmas songs... along with Last Christmas by Wham and Another Lonely Christmas by Prince... who btw, has a song called 4 the Tears in Ur Eyes on the album that this song is from...I still have this LP ❤💚❤💚🎄
Excellent choice. I had no choice but to turn up the volume, turn of the lights and watch this reaction with only the Christmas lights on, to enjoy this classic.
This remains one of my favorite Christmas songs. Jayvee, you are an old soul! You recognized so many of the 80s powerhouse singers. The first guy is Paul Young. I had a crush on him in the 80s. The clip at 6:30: The girls in the front row are the band Bananarama. There are also members of Culture Club and Duran Duran in the shot. It looks like Sting is next to Bono and George Michael is tucked in behind the members of Bananarama. Thanks for reacting to this classic.
Besides "USA for Africa" and "Band Aid" there was also a metal charity project back in the 80s called "Hear'n Aid" organized by the great DIO. The songs name is "Stars". Maybe something you could check out in the future.
Yes Sting was there Jayvee and the guy singing the first line of the song is Paul young the record was threw together by Bob Geldof and Midge ure but the first star to Highlight the Famine in Africa was Bono he and his wife Ali spent a month in Ethiopia and seen at first hand the Horror of Famine he later informed Bob Geldof and Bob along with Midge Ure who really never received enough credit for his part got these artists together and record Band Aid still the best and most successful Charity song ever
This song is fantastic, and apologizes to anyone, but this is so much better than the American version that came after the Band Aid song. This song always gives me goosebumps.
@@PrinceJediMaster I watched the Professor of Rock video on this song. It featured interviews with some of the people involved. The video was very interesting. If you haven’t seen it already I highly recommend it.
I love that we're all watching this. I was 8 I think when this came out. It's still my favorite Christmas song. It has broken my heart every year since the first time.
I still have the 12 inch vinyl of this record, and thankfully a working player. All subsequent versions have been no where as good as the original. I'm now in full nostalgia mode. Thanks Jay
You did amazing, just think how many you would have known when you started this channel. When you paused it, the three girls at the front is Bananarama who you have reacted to before. Although it was mostly British, there was a few Irish like Bono and U2, and a few Americans like Kool and The Gang and Jody Watley from Shalamar. The opening singer was Paul Young
This is the original collaboration single brought out quickly to get aid out to Ethiopia asap. Its before We are the World and led to Live Aid at Wembley at which Queen excelled among the many Bands raising money. I think there was also an event in Philidelphia at the same time sort of linked. It was arranged by Midge Ure Ultravox and Bob Geldolf Boom Town Rats who got the huge amount raised delivered to Africa personally. Still fund raise now. Good recognition of People in this!
Bro, SUPER proud that you recognized as many as you did. Kool and the Gang was brought on, not because they're British...but they were just HUGE in the day. But was massively impressed with how many of the peeps you knew. I still have a tough time with some of them, and I'm from that era. Great job.
The African American lady in the front row is Jody Watley. She has several hits and earlier was from the R&B group Shalamar. She was rivaling Janet and Madonna with her first two solo albums. You need to check her out. "Real Love" "Friends" "Don't You Want Me" are some of her biggest hits.
You will have to react to the Canadian one!!! Tears are not enough by Northern Lights. Another charity supergroup. Also performing in this song, was Jody Watley. She was one of my favorite 80's singers. Looking for a new love was a huge club hit!
I second that. Some of the artists that come to mind who took part in that include Gordon Lightfoot, Burton Cummings (The Guess Who), Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Bryan Adams (who co-wrote it), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Corey Hart, Geddy Lee (Rush), Paul Shaffer, and Oscar Peterson. There's also video of that year's NHL all-stars singing it at one point.
Yesss! One of the few songs that put me in an upbeat mood, make me feel good, and yet shed tears for all those in need that they are singing about. Chills every time I listen. And I'm impressed you recognized and remembered the artists you did considering you've been exposing yourself to so many!
Another multi-artist song that I don't think anyone has ever reacted to is "Perfect Day - BBC promotion". You'll know at least half the people in it and seeing some of them will put a big smile on your face.
so in november of 1984, bob geldof of the band the boomtown rats saw a news segment of the plight of massive famine happening in ethiopia. he was moved to do something to help. he got on the phone with midge ure from the band ultravox and they decided to write, produce and record a fund raising single. within a matter of DAYS midge wrote, arranged and produced this and bob got on the phone and rang EVERY top singer and band at the time and coerced them to donate their time and talent. bob didn't know who would show up but most did! they were trying to get the single on the market as early as possible to take advantage of the christmas holiday spending season. "do they know its christmas" raised MILLIONS of £ and $. BAND -AID also inspired the USA FOR AFRICA project, "we are the world", and the BLOCKBUSTER concert in '85, LIVE AID. sorry for the long rant but i love this song lol. merry christmas, everyone!
The guy you didn't know from the first part is Sting of the Police. The guy singing at "There won't snow" and "no rain or rivers" is Paul Weller of the Jam, incredible band.
