The 1989 version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid II was a re-recording of the original 1984 charity single, created to continue raising funds for famine relief in Africa. Produced by the popular British songwriting and production team Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), this version featured a new lineup of prominent artists from the late 1980s pop scene. While it retained the same structure and purpose as the original, Band Aid II reflected the musical trends of the era, offering a fresh take on the iconic track.
By the late 1980s, Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Trust sought to renew attention to the ongoing famine crisis in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Although the original 1984 single and subsequent Live Aid concerts had raised millions, the need for humanitarian assistance persisted. Geldof approached Stock Aitken Waterman, who were at the height of their success with a string of chart-topping hits, to produce the updated version. Band Aid II featured a roster of artists from the late-‘80s pop scene, many of whom were protégés of SAW or closely associated with the pop sound of the time. The goal was to introduce the song to a new generation and raise additional funds during the Christmas season. Band Aid II brought together a mix of established and emerging stars from the UK and Ireland. Bananarama’s Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward became the only artists to appear on both the 1984 and 1989.
The 1989 version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was heavily influenced by the signature sound of Stock Aitken Waterman, characterized by high-energy beats, synthesizers, and a polished production style. Unlike the more raw and emotive feel of the original, Band Aid II’s version leaned toward the dance-pop aesthetic of the late ‘80s, making it more in line with contemporary pop trends. Vocally, the song retained the format of individual artists singing lines, followed by collective choruses. However, the delivery and arrangement were more polished, with SAW’s slick production giving it a brighter and more upbeat tone.
Released in December 1989, Band Aid II’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for three weeks. It became the Christmas #1 single for the year, maintaining the tradition of the original. While it was commercially successful, its impact was not as significant as the 1984 version, partly because it lacked the groundbreaking novelty and cultural momentum of the original.
Despite its success, the 1989 version received mixed reviews. Critics noted that the song’s message of urgency and compassion felt somewhat diluted by the glossy production and the presence of predominantly pop acts, which gave it a lighter, less serious tone compared to the raw emotionality of the original.
Band Aid II members:
Vocalists
Bananarama
Big Fun
Bros
Cathy Dennis
D Mob
Jason Donovan
Kevin Godley
Glen Goldsmith
Kylie Minogue
The Pasadenas
Chris Rea
Cliff Richard
Jimmy Somerville
Sonia
Lisa Stansfield
Technotronic
Wet Wet Wet
Musicians
Matt Aitken – keyboards, guitar
Luke Goss – drums
Chris Rea – guitar
Mike Stock – keyboards