Bob Geldof recently paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Liam Payne during an emotional first listen of Band Aid 40, a special 2024 version of the iconic charity song Do They Know It’s Christmas? marking the 40th anniversary of Band Aid. Payne, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, was one of the many stars who contributed his voice to the new version of the song. This release brings together various recordings from past Band Aid projects, including the original 1984 version, Band Aid 20 from 2004, and Band Aid 30 from 2014, blending them into one powerful tribute to both the cause and the memory of those who have contributed to the charity over the years.
During an emotional moment on BBC Radio 2’s morning show with Zoe Ball, Geldof, now 73, openly reflected on Payne’s passing, visibly moved as he described how the young star’s presence continues to live on through the music. As he shared the track with the audience, he expressed that Payne’s involvement in the new Band Aid mix felt particularly poignant. Geldof revealed he had thought of Payne at his funeral, saying that while the singer may no longer be with us physically, his voice and his spirit remain “alive with us” through the song. “He’s here with his mates… doing it for others,” Geldof said tearfully, emphasizing that the legacy of the song and its mission continues to honor both those who are no longer with us and those who contribute to the cause, like Payne.
The new version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? is not only a celebration of Band Aid’s continued impact but also a powerful tribute to the artists who have been involved over the years, with Payne’s contribution being a significant one. Zoe Ball, who was also overcome with emotion, noted how the song is especially moving at this time of year, as it serves as a reminder of both the charity’s purpose and the many lives touched by the track — some of whom, like Payne, are no longer around to see the impact of their work. As Ball pointed out, “so many people involved in that [project] who perhaps aren’t with us anymore” still remain part of the song’s enduring message of compassion.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the 2024 Ultimate Mix seamlessly integrates the voices of different generations, merging the past with the present to create a unified track that both honors the history of Do They Know It’s Christmas? and brings fresh energy to the song for a new generation of listeners. The new recording also features contributions from a host of music legends, including Ed Sheeran, Boy George, Harry Styles, Sinead O’Connor, Rita Ora, Paul McCartney, and Bono, among others, adding their voices to the same cause that has united artists and listeners for four decades.
Liam Payne’s funeral, which took place in Buckinghamshire last week, was a deeply emotional event, attended by close friends, family, and fellow artists. His One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, were all present to pay their respects, as was his ex-partner, Cheryl, who shared a son with him, Bear, aged seven. The service brought together a community of people who had been part of Payne’s life and career, a testament to the widespread impact he had on those around him, both personally and professionally.
The new Band Aid 40 version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? stands as both a tribute to the humanitarian efforts that the song continues to support and a celebration of Liam Payne’s contribution to that legacy. For Geldof, the song is a reminder of how music can transcend time, keeping the voices of those we’ve lost alive in a way that nothing
else can.
