Episode 1
After watching a ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ report on Ethiopia's 'biblical famine,' Bob Geldof puts a band of rock stars together and records a song that sparks a global response, inspiring millions.
In late October 1984, a ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ news report about a 'biblical famine' in Ethiopia inspired rock star Bob Geldof to collaborate with Midge Ure on a pop song that would mobilise not only Britain but also the United States, raising millions for the cause. The single, Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid, catapulted Geldof into the complex worlds of aid, charity and African politics.
Featuring archival footage and specially filmed interviews, including Geldof and Ure themselves, Bono, and Sting, as well as key figures such as the Ethiopian ministers responsible for aid, the head of USAID and two survivors of the famine.
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Clips
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"There were a lot of male egos in the room"
Duration: 01:02
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How Band Aid came together
Duration: 01:37
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Producer | Jamal Osman |
Director | Thomas Pollard |
Series Producer | Angus Macqueen |
Editor | Matt Ashton |
Executive Producer | Tanya Shaw |
Executive Producer | Norma Percy |
Production Company | Zinc Television London |
Broadcasts
- Sun 6 Jul 2025 21:00
- Wed 9 Jul 2025 23:00
- Sun 13 Jul 2025 02:05
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