24 December 2008

Do They Know It's Christmas?

For people of a certain age, the 80's will always be remembered as a time of self-centered excess. It was also a time when famine in sub-Saharan Africa found its way into the headlines. This juxtaposition, unbridled excess and hideous human suffering, cried out for action. Led by Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats, musicians found a cause they could support and the result was Band Aid.

The result was a single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" that led to all kinds of famine-relief fund-raising. It somehow made us feel like we were helping when we bought the song (either on vinyl or a cassette). The video is a riot to watch now - if nothing else, just to see the crowd gathered. Take a look:

Merry Christmas!

1 comment:

heidi said...

This was and is one of my favorite things from the 80's. I still love to listen to it! Seeing the video is a huge crack-up, a great way to start the day.

Merry Christmas to your family!