Pop stars have a lot of pull when it comes to affecting their audience. That influence is usually geared toward selling tickets, merchandise, and albums to their rabid fanbases. But sometimes, they join forces to use their power for good, like when George Harrison of the Beatles decided to bring his friends on stage to promote awareness for the troubled country of Bangladesh.
That tradition continued with musician Bob Geldof inviting all the famous musicians of the 1980s he could fit into one studio for a Christmas song with a special message. Performers like The Police's Sting, U2's Bono, and Duran Duran's Simon LeBon joined Geldof to sing, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 1984. The emotional lyrics pose a question to listeners, forcing them to consider the idea that those suffering in impoverished areas of Africa might not have much to celebrate in their neck of the woods during the holiday season. Seeing these mega-stars put away any ego they might have to use their fame for good inspired audiences to do the same for those across the world. The resulting album provided funds for those inflicted by the ebola crisis in West Africa at the time.
Geldof continues his musically charitable fundraisers to this day, but this original song still tugs at my heartstrings every Christmas season. The way Bono sings, "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you," is as haunting today as it was when the record was pressed.
SHARE this emotional video to inspire all your friends to help out those less fortunate this holiday season.
