The latest Band Aid song is the fastest selling single of 2014 and has raised millions to help combat Ebola but has faced criticism from some quarters about the lyrics.
The third incarnation of Do They Know It’s Christmas? sold 204,000 copies within 24 hours of release and has outsold the 2004 and 1987 versions.
Stars including One Direction, Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora feature on the track which is the hot favourite to land the coveted Christmas number one spot.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Geldof said: “From what we’re seeing now on iTunes it’s gone manic.
“The pre-orders of the thing were ridiculous.”
However despite pulling more than £1 million within minutes Geldof and the charity single format has been criticised.
Stars including Adele and Mitcham’s Fuse ODG turned down the opportunity to feature on the single while the lyrics have been described by some as offensive.
Lyrics such as ‘No peace and joy this Christmas in West Africa. The only hope they’ll have is being alive’ have been dubbed as being insensitive.
Geldof has been defensive of the cause despite many of the stars having accusations of tax evasion and self promotion aimed at them.
Last week Geldof replied to claims that if the singers involved paid their taxes there would be no need to set up fund raising causes.
He told Sky News that such accusations were ‘utter bollocks’.
We took to the streets of South West London to find out your opinions.
Is the Band Aid single the best way to raise charity funds for the Ebola crisis?
| YES | NO |
| 70% | 30% |
Dave Manning, 44, a plumber from Malden, said: “It’s one of the best ways but not the best.
“It raises a lot of money and gets the youngsters involved so it’s very good.”
Carpenter Gary Tucker, 27, of Wimbledon claimed that Geldof’s motives have nothing to do with charity.
“I think it’s just Geldof trying to get what fame he can from the previous Band Aids. He should cough up his own money.
“He wants people to go out and spend their hard-earned money while he sits there with millions in the bank.”
Nursery officer Natalie Nwangwa, 31, said: “It’s a good cause because all the money is going straight to the charity and you feel you have got something in return.”
Pensioner Molly Beasley, 79, from Merton said: “The fact that they have such big names involved means that it makes a lot of money and it is a really good cause.”
Jeff Cutler, 22, a fundraiser from Birmingham said: “I don’t think it is the best way. All those celebrities don’t give any money.
“They want us to go out and spend our time and money on a crappy album and they don’t do anything themselves.”
Erica Pryp, 41, a swimming club director from Colliers Wood said: “I think it is probably the best way of raising money.
“But as a single mum, I do find it unfair that these big stars get away with not paying their taxes while I am struggling to pay for living expenses.”
What do you think? Post your comments below.
Video and image courtesy of Virgin EMI Records/Great Guns via YouTube, with thanks
