BBC Unveils New Doc For 40th Anniversary of Band Aid’s Iconic Charity Song
The BBC is marking 40 years since Band Aid’s legendary single Do They Know It’s Christmas? with a brand-new documentary. Set to premierise on November 25, The Making Of Do They Know It’s Christmas? offers a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage from the historic 1984 recording session.
Rare Footage and Star-Studded Interviews
The 75-minute film features 16mm footage capturing the buzz as 1980s music giants like Bananarama, Bono, Boy George, Duran Duran, George Michael, Spandau Ballet, and Sting gathered in a London studio for an unforgettable day.
Exclusive interviews with legends such as Gary Kemp, John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, and producer Trevor Horn reveal the magic behind the moment. Even The Young Ones star Nigel Planer drops by to recount his memories.
“A bunch of young spotty English pop stars came together on a Sunday to record a song that would change the world,” said Sir Bob Geldof, reflecting on the day that sparked global action. “It was the shout that rang around the world and helped bend political will, culminating in the 2005 Gleneagles G8 summit.”
Geldof described the vibe as “casual, spontaneous, with innocence and charm — a bunch of bouffanted oiks giving it large and being quite brilliant.”
Zoe Ball to Front BBC Radio 2 Special
Radio 2’s Zoe Ball is set to host Do They Know It’s Christmas?: The Song That Changed The World on BBC Sounds from November 25. The show will feature voices spanning the song’s history, including contributions from Sir Bob Geldof, Bono, Fran Healy, Sting, Rita Ora, and Ellie Goulding.
On the anniversary morning, Zoe will officially “switch on Christmas” during her Breakfast Show, chatting with guests linked to Band Aid’s legacy. Later, Jeremy Vine takes over from noon to 2pm to explore the song’s cultural impact.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said, “Do They Know It’s Christmas? is a true Christmas classic loved by our audience. Both Zoe’s and Jeremy’s shows will celebrate the song’s remarkable legacy.”
40 Years of a Global Christmas Classic
Since raising millions for famine relief, Do They Know It’s Christmas? has become a festive anthem around the world. The BBC’s anniversary line-up honours the music, memories, and message that sparked global change — proving this song’s impact is as powerful now as it was four decades ago.
