Band Aid 1984: 40th anniversary

In 1984, a group of iconic British and Irish musicians came together for a cause that would change the landscape of charity fundraising forever. Band Aid, formed by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, recorded the unforgettable hit single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" to raise awareness and funds for the famine relief effort in Ethiopia. This year marks the 40th anniversary of that landmark event, and it's an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of both the song and the collective effort of those involved.

The Band Aid 1984 song was recorded by a stellar ensemble of some of the biggest names in British and Irish music at the time, including Bono (U2), Sting (The Police), and Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran).

The Genesis of Band Aid

The idea for Band Aid was born out of a growing awareness of the devastating famine in Ethiopia, which had killed hundreds of thousands of people by 1984. Bob Geldof, lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, had been deeply moved after seeing news footage of the crisis. Along with Midge Ure of Ultravox, he took the bold step of organizing a charity single, bringing together some of the biggest names in music at the time to record a song that would raise millions for famine relief.

The lineup was nothing short of extraordinary: Bono, George Michael, David Bowie, Sting, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Boy George, Simon Le Bon, and many others. The session was marked by a sense of camaraderie, as stars from various genres united for a common cause, transcending the competitive nature of the music industry.

The cover art for the 1984 Band Aid single was designed by the artist and graphic designer Sir Peter Blake.

The Design and Concept

The cover art for the 1984 Band Aid single was designed by the artist and graphic designer Sir Peter Blake, best known for co-creating the famous cover of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). Blake’s involvement with the Band Aid project added an artistic layer of significance to the release, ensuring the cover was not just a promotional tool but a visual statement as well.

The cover features a straightforward yet impactful design that highlights the collective nature of the charity effort. It features a large, prominent image of a smiling Band Aid logo, which consists of a simple, hand-drawn font with the words "Band Aid" in bold, red letters. This logo is framed by the names of the key musicians involved in the project, with the group’s title placed at the top, and the phrase “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” prominently displayed underneath.

The bright red and white color scheme is striking, evoking a sense of urgency, energy, and Christmas cheer. It contrasts against the darker, more somber subject matter—the devastating famine in Ethiopia. The juxtaposition of this festive, holiday-oriented design with the stark reality of the famine gives the cover a poignant and ironic tone, effectively communicating the seriousness of the cause while maintaining a visual connection to the holiday season.