Musician and activist Bob Geldof acknowledges the various critiques aimed at him. Some argue that Band Aid reinforces negative stereotypes and others raise issues related to the “white savior” narrative. Additionally, several pop stars have distanced themselves from Geldof’s initiative to raise funds to combat hunger in Africa.

However, like he has done with countless doubters over the past four decades, he brushes off the criticism.

“I’m always ready for a debate,” he says, smiling wryly. “I thrive on intellectual challenges.”

At 73, Geldof is not just the lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, known for their hit “I Don’t Like Mondays”; he is also a tireless activist and the co-founder, alongside Midge Ure of Ultravox, of Band Aid. This eclectic group of British and Irish musicians formed in 1984 to raise awareness about the Ethiopian famine, while also leaving a significant mark on pop culture.

Their impactful song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” has become a holiday classic that has generated over $178 million for the Band Aid Charitable Trust, which aims to alleviate poverty in Africa.

“This record serves as an instrument of change,” Geldof shares during a video call from the UK. “Over 40 years, perspectives evolve. However, this record opened doors that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. It empowers people to make a difference… Any opposing viewpoint gives me political leverage. It’s transcended being just a pop song; it now resides in the cultural sphere.”

Geldof Remembers Recording with Band Aid

A recent anniversary release titled “Band Aid – 2024 Ultimate Mix” features a remixed version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, integrating vocals from the original artists—such as Sting, George Michael, Simon Le Bon, and Boy George—as well as newer contributions from musicians like Ed Sheeran (who later criticized the song for dehumanizing Africans and wished he hadn’t sung on it), Sam Smith, Harry Styles, Robbie Williams, and Chris Martin. Bono is the only artist featured in all three versions of the charity hit.

Geldof remarks about his longtime friend, “He’s very insightful. He has a strong faith, while I’m driven by a lack of it.”

In the mid-2000s, Geldof harnessed the legacy of Band Aid to assist Bono and Bobby Shriver in founding the ONE campaign, which advocates against poverty, inequality, and diseases in Africa.

While Geldof constantly seeks new methods to address the ongoing famine crisis, he also fondly recalls that dreary November day in 1984 when he worried that only his band and Ure’s Ultravox would show up for the recording session.

“I asked Midge, ‘Who’s coming?’ and he responded with names like Duran Duran flying in from Germany and Spandau Ballet from Japan. Sting casually walked in carrying a newspaper, curious about what was happening. I had to wake up Boy George in New York and persuade him to catch the Concorde to arrive by 6 a.m. Paul Young showed up in a grungy T-shirt with a few blemishes on his face,” Geldof reminisces. “These artists truly made an effort. That’s why journalism is crucial today, amidst a post-truth era, to reveal the reality. I simply composed a tune and invited people I’d known for years to join.”

Bob Geldof Sticks to His Core Message: ‘Feed the World’

A few months after Band Aid topped the UK singles chart for five weeks and reached No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones harnessed that success to form USA for Africa and produce “We are the World.”

Having previously united musicians for charity, Geldof traveled to Los Angeles on the night of the iconic recording to motivate the artists involved.

“’We are the World’ featured some of the greatest talents of the 20^th century. Here I am, just a guy from Ireland, standing among legends like Ray Charles and Willie Nelson, along with Simon Le Bon,” Geldof recalls with amusement. “Quincy had everything orchestrated with everyone following the sheet music. Yet, many of us couldn’t read music! But it was crucial that ‘We are the World’ was created with a clear understanding of its purpose.”

While “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” becomes a seasonal classic each year, for Geldof, providing assistance is a lifelong mission.

“We’re committed to Band Aid every day. It’s not just a seasonal effort for us,” he emphasizes. “Next year marks 40 years since Live Aid, the large-scale concert we organized in support of Band Aid, and it’s a chance to raise global awareness once again.”

Geldof’s persistent message is straightforward: “Feed the world,” he states, echoing the sentiment of his famous song. “During Christmas, we tend to be more aware of ‘others’ around us. We notice those in need, whether it’s someone sleeping on the street or an elderly person nearby. Even a moment of compassion for others is a deeply meaningful act. If this song resonates with you, please support it by streaming it continuously, as we need substantial streams to generate even $10.”