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Just a few weeks after Ed Sheeran criticised the song, Liam Payne is among the singers to be featured on the 40th anniversary edition of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.
For context, the supergroup Band Aid first released the charity song back in 1984, and it has since spawned three additional anniversary versions — each released in an effort to raise money for famine relief in Africa.
The most recent edition of the charity track, which arrived on Tuesday, was billed as an “ultimate mix” of the versions that came before it, blending the voices of several artists who’ve lent their vocals to the controversial Christmas carol throughout the years.
For the 2014 version, Payne contributed to “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” alongside his One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.
Now, Payne’s vocals have reappeared in the 40th anniversary edition, with the late singer’s lyrics heard in between vocals from fellow contributors Olly Murs and Sam Smith, among others.
Speaking of his inclusion of Payne, producer of the song Trevor Horn told BBC that the former One Direction bandmate “is alive with us”.
“I just thought, well, he’s here? He’s here [on the record] with his mates,’” Horn said.
Payne features in the 2014 music video for “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (Image source: Band Aid/YouTube)
The producer also cited Sinead O’Connor, who died in 2023, and David Bowie, who died in 2016, as other recently passed artists who also appear on the track.
While the song has tapped massive names for each of its anniversary editions — assembling the likes of George Michael, Rita Ora, Chris Martin, and Sting — it has more recently attracted controversy for perpetuating stereotypical portrayals of Africa.
Earlier this month, Sheeran took to Instagram to distance himself from the song, saying Band Aid did not seek approval to reuse his 2014 contribution in the updated version.
“Had I had the choice, I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,” Sheeran wrote.
Despite the objection, the singer can still be heard on the 40th anniversary edition.
“A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with [the song] has changed,” Sheeran added.
“I would have respectfully declined.” (Image source @teddysphotos/Instagram)
In the same post, Sheeran reshared comments made by fellow musician Fuse ODG, who slammed the Christmas track for “showcasing dehumanising imagery [that] fuels pity rather than partnership”.
Payne’s family has not commented on his voice being used for the song.
Last week, Payne’s parents, Karen and Geoff, were among those to attend the singer’s funeral, which was held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Amersham, north-west of London.
All the remaining One Direction bandmates, as well James Cordon, Simon Cowell and Girls Aloud members Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, were also spotted at the private service.
Payne passed away on October 16 after falling from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires.
