This year marks four decades since Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ was first released.
To mark the milestone, organiser Sir Bob Geldof debuted a brand new version of the iconic Christmas song with a twist.
The ‘Band Aid 2024 Ultimate Mix’ features audio from three previous versions of the song - 1989, 2004 and 2014 - bringing together the star-studded lineups across generations.
You’ll hear George Michael, Sting, and Bono alongside the likes of Robbie Williams, Chris Martin, One Direction, and Ed Sheeran.
Fans have been reacting to the track and it’s quite the mixed bag.
“Amazing to see it through the years all come together,” wrote one fan under the YouTube video.
“I didn't think I would tear up so much at a Christmas song, so emotional seeing all the different eras and celebrities, especially those people no longer with us 💔🪽,” said another.
A third added: “Iconic. Life changing. World changing. Brilliant song, emotional and poignant.”
Others - including Ed Sheeran, who features on the track - aren’t so pleased with how the song has aged.
Sheeran said ahead of the release: "Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals. A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed. This is just my personal stance, I'm hoping it's a forward-looking one. Love to all x."
Some agree, writing: “Band Aid 40 is problematic on so many levels. I forgot how awful the lyrics are.”
“Musically, morally, artistically, horizontally, this new Band Aid 40 version is horrific,” said another.
While the updated version has sparked mixed reactions online, Bob told BBC Radio 2 he thought it was "a work of art" and "one of the greatest (pieces of) production art that has ever been done in British rock and roll".
Bob also responded to the criticism that the song reflects harmful stereotypes of Africa, telling The 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?”
