Do They Know It's Christmas

About

Written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Do They Know It’s Christmas? was re-recorded in 2004 as Band Aid 20 to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Sudan’s Darfur region. Robbie Williams joined a new generation of artists including Chris Martin, Dido, Will Young, The Sugababes, Busted and Bono to revive the classic charity single first released in 1984. The project brought together over 40 performers at Air Studios in London on 14 November 2004 and was released just two weeks later.

Williams recorded his part separately in Los Angeles, contributing the line “Let’s say a prayer” near the song’s opening, a moment widely praised for its sincerity. His voice was instantly recognisable among the ensemble, standing out for its warmth and conviction. The single debuted at number one in the UK and went on to become the fastest-selling release of the year, remaining at the top of the chart for four weeks over Christmas.

I was so proud to be part of it. The original meant so much to me growing up, and it felt right to be involved in the next chapter. Everyone gave it everything they had.Robbie Williams

Although Bono reprised his famous line from the original, “Well, tonight thank God it’s them instead of you,” both Williams and Justin Hawkins of The Darkness had recorded alternative versions, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of the session. The 2004 version became the last physical single in the UK to sell over one million copies. For Williams, it marked another milestone in a year that saw him cement his status as one of Britain’s defining pop voices.