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The original single, created by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984, went to number 1 in the UK for five weeks and successfully sold over 3 million copies. The original inspiration to create Band Aid came as a reaction to the BBC news reports of October 1984 of countless people starving to death in Ethiopia. This prompted the general public to donate to worldwide children charities and eventually to Geldof and Ure to create the single, and with it, an immensely important legacy. 

This tradition continues 40 years later. Band Aid 40 is set to feature a mix of previous artists, including pre-recorded voices of those who have since passed away, such as George Michael (2016) and Sinead O’Connor (2023). Overall, the Band Aid Charitable Trust has reportedly raised over £140 million in the past 40 years. 

In 1985, the year following the original “Do They Know It’s Christmas’ release, the first ever Live Aid took place. The charity benefit concert was founded by Geldof and Ure following the success of the first single. It took place in Wembley Stadium, London, with a partner concert happening simultaneously in Pennsylvania, USA. The concert, which was shown in 150 countries, raised £114 million.

The single has been rerecorded on previous occasions, notably for the 20th and 30th anniversaries. In 2004 for the 20th anniversary version, more commonly known as Band Aid 20, artists such as Chris Martin of Coldplay, Bono of U2 and Fran Healy of Travis, all featured. On this occasion, the aim was to provide relief for Darfur, a region in the country of Sudan. 

In 2014 for the 30th anniversary, known as Band Aid 30, artists such as One Directions, Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran and more all featured. This single aimed to raise money for the Ebola Crisis in Western Africa, which was rampant in 2014. According to The Guardian, when this single debuted on X Factor, the single raised £1 million in minutes.

Producer Trevor Horn has worked on the song to blend a mix of old and new voices. According to the BBC, artists including Ed Sheeran, Sting, Boy George, Sugababes, Sam Smith, Bono and Chris Martin will all be a part of the song, as well as Harry Styles, Rita Ora, Guy Garvey, Seal, Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang, and Underworld.  The new version is set to release on streaming services and radio on November 25. It will also be released in physical CD and LP form November 29. 

Pet Shop Boys members Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are fans of the reimagination of their track, saying, “Sleaford Mods have brought East End boys back to the West End streets for a great cause and we love their new version.” The duo also remixed Sleaford Mods’ cover version which will feature on the limited edition single.

The Pet Shop Boys took to social media to promote the “West End Girls” cover, calling it “excellent.”

Check out the @sleafordmods’ excellent new cover version of “West End girls”. All proceeds go to the UK charity @Shelter. There’s also a PSB remix! Links below. https://t.co/e32hMvph5Thttps://t.co/yCV9reGYza https://t.co/6pEKqXqscA #PetText pic.twitter.com/C7v86ghOaY

— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) November 21, 2023

Speaking on their decision to cover the track, Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods said “West End Girls is a song that’s very close to my heart, my coming-of-age track in so many ways.”

Bandmate James Williamson added, “I’ve been listening to the Pet Shop Boys’ albums ‘Please’ and ‘Actually’ a lot, the music still fits this landscape so well. When Andrew suggested we cover West End Girls, it was important to honour the track’s brilliance. So, when Neil and Chris gave the track their blessing our tiny minds were blown, and when we received their remix… it was almost too much. It was brilliant!”

Williamson also commented on teaming up with Shelter, saying, “We wanted to do something for Shelter again in the run up to Christmas so felt why not join up the two things. Their work all year round is so important and – unfortunately, considering the state of the country –needed more than ever. We are pleased proceeds from the single can go to them, and if you are coming to a show and can afford to make a donation, then Andrew and I really appreciate it too.”

Sleaford Mods have worked with Shelter previously and are keen to continue their fundraising efforts. All profits from the new single will go to the charity and the duo are also fundraising at their UK shows. Donate to their fundraiser here.

Shelter is a UK-based charity, tackling homelessness. Shelter believes that “Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and it’s where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.”

Sleaford Mods’ cover of “West End Girls” is available to stream now, with physical vinyl and CD releases coming on 15th December.

Purchase tickets for Sleaford Mods’ UK shows here.

22/11/23 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
23/11/23 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
25/11/23 – National Stadium – Dublin
28/11/23 – O2 Academy – Leeds
29/11/23 – O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester
30/11/23 – O2 Academy – Bristol
2/12/23 – Alexandra Palace – London

The charity single has been released to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, with all proceeds from vinyl sales and an undisclosed portion of digital downloads going towards the charity.

In a press statement for the new single, Townshend said, “The pandemic years were terrible for charities; the Teenage Cancer Trust was created in order to take the money from a series of concerts at the Albert Hall every year and various other things and that had all dropped out.”

He continued, “So, the idea of doing this, which is it’s something that has sprung out of Lockdown about mental illness, but also for this particular charity. If you’ve got a scenario in which somebody in your family or a teenager has got cancer, they’re being treated, Lockdown hits, and you’re not allowed to go and visit them. There’s a poignancy to the whole thing about the song.”

The track was composed and produced by Townshend’s partner, Rachel Fuller.

Speaking on how the track came to be created, Fuller said, “We’d just moved house and Pete was as happy as Larry up in his studio, working every day, and I put my back out, I was just climbing the walls, I couldn’t do any creative work and obviously, we couldn’t go anywhere, and I really started to think about how unbelievably difficult this period of time was going to be for so many people. I wrote lyrics and then I sat at the piano and wrote the music, and then I thought, ‘Oh, I really would like to record it, because it’s really not a bad song at all’ — and my singing days are long over. So, I asked Pete to record the demo.”

On working with his partner Rachel, Townshend said, “I’ve helped Rachel make the demos for several of her theatrical projects. She’s a really a fast worker. It’s not that you say to me, ‘Let’s go into the studio for two weeks and work on this project.’ We do it two hours later, or an hour later, it’s done — so it’s easy to work with her.”

“Can’t Outrun the Truth” was recorded in Townshend’s home studio in September 2021. Townshend sings on the track as well as playing violin and lap steel guitar on it for his first solo effort in almost 30 years.

Read more about Teenage Cancer Trust’s incredible fundraising efforts here.

Stream “Can’t Outrun the Truth” here.

“This special release of Tart Tart showcases the unique musical talent of our brother Paul Ryder who passed from this world … we will all miss you Horse…he brought the funk and the rock n roll to Happy Mondays … love you long time R Kid.” https://t.co/h1tXfH4Gq4 pic.twitter.com/aVvT33wOJq

— Happy Mondays (@Happy_Mondays) July 28, 2022

The band released an official statement concerning Ryder’s tragic passing via social media; the moving message stated, “The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning. A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed. Long live his funk.

The newly released EP has been released in Ryder’s memory and contains three previously unreleased versions of “Tart Tart“. The track first appeared within the group’s debut album Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out) and was released in 1987 via Factory Records. The album served as a catalyst to the group’s success and placed the band at the centre of Manchester’s blossoming music scene. “Tart Tart” was released in March 1987 and was the first single released from the album; the 12-inch release also included the B-side “Little Matchstick Owen’s Rap“.

Speaking on the release, Shaun Ryder has given the following statement, “This special release of Tart Tart showcases the unique musical talent of our brother Paul Ryder who passed from this world … we will all miss you Horse…he brought the funk and the rock n roll to Happy Mondays … love you long time R kid.“

The EP’s live renditions of “Treat Treat” are available across all major streaming platforms. The newly release EP includes a recording from 1989 of a John Peel Session on BBC Radio 1 and a recording from the same year at a concert at Sheffield University. The group have also announced the pre-sale opening for a 7-inch version of the release; click here to pre-order.

Profits incurred from the digital release of the EP will be given to the charity Music Cares, the cause was chosen by Paul Ryder’s daughter Amelia. In a statement, she described the importance of the non-profit organisation, “Music Cares is a charity that helps people in the music industry who are struggling with addiction issues. 14 years ago, Paul was given help and support from the organisation that helped fund extended outpatient care and therapy that enabled him to have 14 subsequent happy and productive years. Just two weeks ago he mentioned them in an interview and often expressed his gratitude and desire to pay their support forward so others could be helped too.“

Click here to listen to the digital release of Treat Treat.

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A press release from the charity provides further information, “The Wanted, Island Records, writers & producers will generously be donating all net proceeds to The Brain Tumour Charity to help us fund world-class research, raise awareness and provide support and information to people affected by brain tumours.”

As requested by Parker’s family, the softer rendition of the track was originally performed at the singer’s memorial. That night, the group decided to share the moving performance with their fans and the post quickly captured viewers’ hearts. Requests from the group’s loyal fanbase soon flooded in, this positive reaction led to the track’s official release.

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The charity single’s release comes nearly a month after Parker’s tragic passing; on 30th March 2022, the 33-year-old singer lost his life just 17 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. The talented singer first rose to fame as a member of The Wanted, who formed in 2009 and quickly dominated the UK charts with their catchy pop hooks. The band’s debut single “All Time Low” was released in 2010 and debuted at number one, their self-titled debut album quickly followed the same year.

CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity Alex Lochrane has given the following statement concerning the new single, “Gold Forever (For Tom) is a beautiful song and a moving tribute to Tom – and we are profoundly grateful to The Wanted that donations from the sales of this single will help us fund world-class research and vital support services for anyone affected by brain tumours. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Tom’s wife Kelsey, their children, family and friends at this saddest of times, as well as with fans of The Wanted worldwide.”

Lochrane continues to describe how sales of the single will help the charity to continue its good work, “By buying Gold Forever (For Tom), you’ll be helping fund pioneering research and trusted support services, to help us towards our goal to double survival rates and halve the harm that brain tumours cause on people’s quality of life. A cure can’t wait.”

Click here to stream/download/buy “Gold Forever (For Tom)“.

And one of his helpers includes singer-songwriter Declan McKenna, who’s donated his very own single to the charity. The track is called “Elephant“. If you want to hear it, you can follow the link in the tweet down below. You can pay what you like but there’s a £1.99 price tag included. Environmentalists can be assured that at least £1.30 of their purchase will go to Eno’s charity. Unfortunately, they’ve added a bit of a deadline as well, with the track being available only until May 6^th, so best be quick if you’re interested in hearing it.

A new tune “Elephant” is available from bandcamp for the next 2 weeks only, all proceeds go to @earthpercentorg
pay what you like
VvvVvvVhttps://t.co/8JnADL4z2f pic.twitter.com/ZEGFzkAACP

— Declan mckenna (@DeclanMcKenna) April 22, 2022

According to NME, the track takes McKenna’s previous music in a more “industrial“ direction, but there are similarities to his 2020 album Zeroes with all the allusions to dystopian themes.

As for EarthPercent, Eno’s charity was created back in 2021 and states its goal as “to offer simple and innovative ways for businesses and artists to donate to the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency“.

McKenna’s not the only artist to help out. Other well-known names on Eno’s charity playlist include Jarvis Cocker and his group JARV IS…., Coldplay and Anna Calvi. Artists have been donating previously unreleased songs, live versions of songs and collaborations with other artists, so there are a lot of things that fans might find worthwhile.

McKenna’s got a few live dates coming up as well, including an appearance at this year’s Glastonbury festival (more of which you can read about here). He’ll also be headlining at the Royal Albert Hall on May 2^nd, with artists CMAT and Alfie Templeman involved in the backing band. You can look for tickets at this link, as well as see his UK and Ireland tour dates down below.

Declan McKenna UK and Ireland Tour Dates

01/05/2022 – Assembly Hall – Worthing
02/05 – Royal Albert Hall – London
04/05 – O2 Academy – Liverpool
05/05 – Albert Hall – Manchester
06/05 – Albert Hall – Manchester
07/05 – Empire – Coventry
09/05 – Rock City – Nottingham
10/05 – University Asylum – Hull
12/05 – Olympia Theatre – Dublin
13/05 – Cyprus Avenue – Cork
22-26/06 – Glastonbury – Worthy Farm
15/07 – Finsbury Park – London
22/07 – Tramlines – Sheffield
23/07 – Standon Calling – Hertfordshire
30/07 – Kendall Calling – Lowther Deer Park
13/08 – Boardmasters Festival – Cornwall
27/08 – Victorious Festival – Southsea, Portsmouth

£39,389,048

Thank you, your generosity is truly astounding. Together, we can & we will change young lives.

Watch #ChildreninNeed → @BBCiPlayer
Donate → https://t.co/2juQDENBa0

— BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) November 19, 2021

However, some of the biggest stars were saved for the telethons annual single, which this year was a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 track “Everywhere”. Played as a duet between One Direction’s Niall Horan and singer Anne-Marie, the music video showed footage of the stars in the studio. Here we can see some of the names behind the scenes, with Ed Sheeran playing acoustic guitar, Yungblud helping out on bass, Griff on synths, and Lewis Capaldi giving it some tambourine. Artist Sam Smith was also reportedly involved, despite not appearing in the video. Horan had this to say about his part in the single. “Togetherness sits at the heart of BBC Children in Need, and that’s what this track is all about. I hope people enjoy it, but above all, I hope it lets anyone who might be struggling right now know that we are here for them.” Anne-Marie had a similarly enthusiastic response, saying “As we have seen over the past eighteen months, amazing things happen when we come together to help make a difference, and that’s why I am so proud to be releasing this special track with Niall. I hope everyone loves it as much as we do.”

I hope you all enjoy it, but above all, I hope it lets anyone who might be struggling right now know that we are here for them. Special thank you to @edsheeran, @LewisCapaldi, @yungblud, @samsmith and @wiffygriffy for being a part of this video. https://t.co/6FFrrlpVPp pic.twitter.com/JfRuXYjyR1 — Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) November 19, 2021

As for the song’s original composer, Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac was enthusiastic to have her song be part of a good cause. She had this to say. “I’m thrilled with this new version of Everywhere and to be part of this year’s Children In Need campaign. I hope we can really make a difference.” The track is free to listen to on streaming services, but if you’re feeling extra giving, you can purchase it on iTunes for only 99p, with a minimum of 50p going to Children in Need.

Weller has stated that during the filming he felt awkward, due to the drug use in which he stated was occurring during the event. The singer has made claims that artists among the video’s star-studded roster were taking drugs whilst recording and performing, he claimed that the artists in question were doing the narcotics in the bathrooms.

The music video was filmed in support of the charity single, ‘Do They Know Its Christmas?’ by the supergroup Band-Aid. The group and release were organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in aid of the famine in Ethiopia. The single was released on 25th November 1984 and would go on to win the coveted Christmas number one spot.

The music video was released on 3rd December 1984 and was recorded at the music studio Sarm West Studios located in Notting Hill, London. Those taking part in the release were given specific sections and verses to sing with the chorus sung by the whole group. The group consisted of a line-up of the era’s most popular performers, including Bono, Phill Collins, Boy George, George Michael, Sting and Paul Weller.

The former Jam bassist and vocalist made the accusations during a fan Q&A, Weller revealed: “That was horrible. Everyone was getting off doing blow in the toilets. It probably would have been all right for me in the ’90s but I wasn’t into all that then. I was totally out of my comfort zone.”

Weller related the experience with his own sobriety and has credited his deeper relationship with his music to his decision to stay sober. The singer has stayed sober for 11 years after suffering an addiction to alcohol. “I didn’t give up because of vanity – because the drink was bigger than vanity. Now, when I look back to before I stopped, I just think: ‘Christ, the state of me’. I looked a lot older, a bit puffy, red and just wrong. Since I’ve been sober I get more from music.”

Weller also made headlines recently when the 63-year-old artist scored his sixth number one. The singer’s release, ‘Fat Pop (Volume 1)‘, was released on 14th May 2021 and debuted at number one. The album has sired over 26,000 chart sales and marks five decades of chart success for Weller.

The track premiered exclusively on Hotpress. Speaking to Hotpress, singer-songwriter and organiser of IWIH RuthAnne spoke about the track saying; “It’s been such a joy to write and produce our original Christmas song ‘Together At Christmas.’ Hearing all the amazing Irish female talent come together again has been the best Christmas gift! We’re also thrilled to work in support of Childline, which is a charity very close to all of our hearts. Irish Women in Harmony is hoping ‘Together at Christmas’ will bring joy and festive spirit to the Christmas season, which we all need this year more than ever.”

Returning for the single are 23 incredible Irish female artists, such as; Ailbhe Reddy, Aimée, Aine Cahill, Emma Langford, Erica Cody, Eve Belle, Faye O’Rourke, Fia Moon, Laoise, Lyra, Melina Malone, Moya Brennan, Roe, RuthAnne, Sibéal, Soulé, Stephanie Rainey, Tolu Makay, Una Healy and Wyvern Lingo. There will also be 4 new artists joining the group, they are Kehli, Lenii, Siights and Sophie Doyle Ryder.

The group will also include a tween choir of twelve young Irish singers. IWIH put a call out for the choir in September and received thousands of entries. The tween choir will include; Alisha Weir, Aoife Sweeney, Aoife Delany, Aurora McIntosh, Doireann McNally, Enya Cox, Joy & Priya Hobson, Keelyn Culligan, Molly Verdier, Molly McCann, Naoise Scully, Niamh Smith, Robyn Stack, Saoirse Ruane, Savannah Phoenix Munroe, Sky Dempsey, Sophie Bao Garraghy and Success Omochere.

The group originally formed in June for a cover of The Cranberries’ hit song Dreams in order to raise money for SAFE Ireland following the sharp rise in domestic violence reports in Ireland during the COVID-19 global lockdown. The song raised €250,000 for SAFE Ireland and has been in the top five Irish charts for over two months. The group was also set up to highlight the inequality in the Irish music industry, and have been very vocal about the recent report that showed the gender disparity in the Irish music charts.

The ISPCC is an Irish children’s charity that provides a range of services directly to children and families and advocates for change to enhance the lives of children in Ireland. The ISPCC runs a hotline where children can contact a confidential listening service to talk about the troubles and dangers they face by telephone, text and online, called Childline.

Together at Christmas is out now on all platforms. You can donate to the ISPCC by texting CHILDHOOD to 50300.

The Guardian have reported Kylie Minogue to of said, “Children in Need is such a special charity and so loved by everyone, including me. It was a privilege to take part in this recording with so many amazing artists. This year it feels even more poignant than ever, and I hope we can all come together to raise as much as possible.”

The supergroup was backed by the BBC orchestra which included Grace Chatto and Sheku Kanneh-Mason joining on cello, and Anoushka Shankar on sitar. The video was directed by Phil Deacon who produced the BBC Radio 1 all star live lounge. It’s debut was aired on Friday’s ‘Children In Need’ show which this year, raised 37 million pounds for the charity.

Nile Rogers, who recorded his part of the video in his garden, said to The Metro, “Watching these children every year, it touches your heart, it inspires you to be better yourself, and when I was playing it I was sort of swept away. I was really happy too that I could play it at my own house in the back yard. Believe it or not, my neighbours started to gather round and wonder what I was doing, that was cool because I actually don’t get a chance to see them very often.”

This year's @BBCCiN single from the @BBCRadio2 Allstars is OUT NOW! I'm so proud to be a part of something so special. Donate by downloading here: https://t.co/FEgXmZyJI1 #ChildrenInNeed

— Cher (@cher) November 15, 2020

Cher commented to The Daily Mail, giving her thoughts on the Oasis ballad by saying that she “felt very emotional recording this song, it was very important to me.” Lenny Kravitz also gave his views on the collaboration saying, “We are living in a time when children need all the support they can get and so it is a pleasure to be collaborating with so many great artists for such an important cause. I hope this song reminds everyone that we are all in this together and we can make a difference.”

Jeff Smith, head of music for BBC Radio 2 was responsible for putting the iconic group together and curating the charity single. Music-news.com reported him to of said in regards to the song choice, “I think the lyrics within this song are extremely poignant given the times we are in, and hope this song not only raises vital funds for children and young people across the UK, but also brings hope to people that need it, as the lyrics say, ‘Just try not to worry, you’ll see them someday.’ “

There is no doubt that the single has touched the hearts of the nation in the difficult times we are all facing. The success of the track will come to light on Friday but Official Charts have announced that they are in the lead for the top spot in the charts. If the sales keep up, ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ will be the eighth Children in Need single to reach Number 1 in the charts.