Singer-songwriters Bob Geldof and Midge Ure formed Band Aid 30 in 2014 to perform the song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' to raise money to fight the Ebola crisis in West Africa. The song, written by Geldof and Ure, had been recorded previously in aid of charity in 1985, 1989 and 2004. As on earlier occasions, the two assembled an all-star line-up including Bono, Clean Bandit, Paloma Faith, Guy Garvey, Ellie Goulding, Angélique Kidjo, Chris Martin, Sinéad O'Connor, One Direction, Olly Murs, Rita Ora, Emeli Sandé, Seal, Ed Sheeran, Dan Smith, Sam Smith, Underworld and Jessie Ware.
The digital version topped the UK Official Singles Chart upon its release and, with a cover designed by artist Tracy Emin, the physical release reached number three. It also sold well across Europe. The 2014 version reportedly raised more than £1 million within minutes of its debut on 'The X-Factor' despite criticism about the song's musical and cultural significance.
