Behind The Vinyl: "Do They Know It's Christmas?" with Midge Ure from Band Aid 

He didn't quite get the credit he very much deserved for his work on this project, but then again he knew the project wasn't really about him, and getting there recognition; it was much bigger than that. Thank you, kind sir.

Midge Ure...songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, Unsung Hero.

Live Aid was this guy's idea.The song was his idea and yet he sat back and let Geldof take all the plaudits.What an amazing man and musician.

In late November 1984 I was working at KIQQ 100.3 in Los Angeles and we had the market rights to a satellite special about Duran Duran airing live at 8pm LA time from the UK. The song that closed the 2 hour special was the yet unreleased "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The song was a pleasant surprise, so I lifted this amazing track from the special and immediately called our music director at home to play it for him before putting it on the air. We had an exclusive for almost two weeks before Columbia could press copies for radio and retail. It was so popular with our audience we aired it in power rotation well into January before we retired it.

Midge Ure is a bloody musical genius and yet he is always so humble and free with his compliments to others. The U.K. should be proud he represents them so well.

Great side story about Phil Collins 'assisting' with Ure...One of the greatest Christmas songs ever made!

Always had such respect for this man. His talent was never appreciated enough in North America.

Midge Ure is a phenomenal talent then and now! He still sounds incredible live!

Midge is so underrated of a talent. Ultravox murrrrrdered at Live Aid, probably the best act besides Queen.

Midge is an incredible human being. Talent, professionalism, selflessness and kindness. We need more people like him in the world.

I can't imagine the camaraderie and emotional connection to the craft and the cause that they all shared,you can see how much the song moves him after 34+years. What a beautiful thing.

Maybe the best story on Behind The Vinyl. Thank you twice Midge.

Every Christmas this song is guaranteed to make my wife weep uncontrollably

Ure, we the truly 80s fans know that this and live aid was not just Bob ... what a great time to be alive and young those years were

You can see how proud he is of this achievement & justfiably so - the lyrics, the music, the community, the cause. It's moving on so many levels.

Midge Ure is definitely an Icon, and a very talented Icon indeed. Respect!

this series is excellent!! i look forward to more!!

Had no idea his level of involvement. Very modest gentleman. When he mentioned it being the most somber intro to a Christmas song, I thought how he should listen to the amazing Rotary Connection Christmas album from the late 60's called, "Peace". Very unsettling as well. I own many copies of this recording in various formats. I always felt it was better than "We Are The World", and I'm American.

that intro still gives me shivers

I remember the video made it onto Friday Night Videos (NBC, I think) within days of the recording -- probably Dec. 7. It had been on the radio in Toronto for a few days so several stations must have gotten copies flown over or recorded off satellite. Anyway, it was astounding to realize how fast it had been turned around and put on radio and TV in North America. Very, very exciting.

Thank you sir

Genius and such a gentleman !!!

Wow great to hear these stories … cheers Midge for all you did … thanks so much for sharing this

I absolutely love Phil Collins drums on this !! So musical and melodic !! Amazing record and performances all round !!

This song is one of a kind

Thanks fer all the fine tunes ,maestro!

It was such a special and surreal time when all the British artists/bands you like unite and sing together to make this recording.... and then of course, the following year the Americans copied the concept with their "We are the World" song.

It should be Sir Midge Ure!

Beautiful song then and still is to this day

Always such a charming man mr ure true gentleman

Musical master, the true force behind this would never have happened with him, what a man 😍😍😍😍

This Christmas song nearly brings me to tears. This is a great series! So glad I subscribed.

RIP George Michael I love and miss you so much xx

Midge Ure what a singer song writer,hats off to a genius Happy Christmas Midge

great clip. love the emotion

what a hero and special man :) great song the legend behind this song :)

Reason that i love U.K

Amazing behind the scenes stories

Omg !

Who gave this a thumbs down?

you can see he mentally went back to 1984 around the 0:16 point,so powerful

It would have been nice if he mentioned how he came up with the song what inspired him to write the lyrics they should interview Lionel Richie and ask him the same question for the “We Are The World Song”

This song is unfairly bashed by the common and clueless.

A valiant effort. I think it was a lovely time, and that’s what it is to be an artist - you really mean well, but the world’s problems are vastly complicated. There were reasons Africans were in need, and it had more to do with African government corruption. I recall there were hearings in England over Live Aid failing to deliver on most or any of its promises, which had something to do with shipments of food & supplies being confiscated by African soldiers. It seems evident to me now how even back in the 80s you had to fall into a social-justice mindset and virtue signal politically to get anywhere in the pop music business. Oh well, they seemed to mean well, and it was certainly a sign of the times.

Apparently Morrissey was asked to participate in this, but turned it down

This guy is in love with his own cheese.

It's rather well known that the opening drums are sampled from Tears for Fears The Hurting track. Why he says it's all him I dont know.

and then he went on to form amazon

No Madonna? ❤️ No Prince? 🤔💜

Even more, do they know it´s Satan´s time!!!

Do they know its Xmas ? Of course not ....they are mostly Muslim......seems legit

Could this be any darker? Shades of Spinal Tap here, "none more black". Why don't you just get it over with and put a lens cap on the video camera.