Band Aid 30 recording LIVE: Updates as Bob Geldof, One Direction, Adele and more join forces today
Nov 16, 2014
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Do They Know It's Christmas recording, Bob has once again gathered the biggest names in music for a huge collaboration
One Direction joined Sir Bob Geldof and a whole host of fellow stars in London today to record the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
The likes of Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran, Bono, Chris Martin, Jessie Ware, Paloma Faith, Emeli Sande, Bastille and Elbow all took part and sang lyrics which had been changed slightly to reflect the Ebola crisis in West Africa.
Sir Bob gave an emotional speech to the Band Aid 30 line-up and told them: "Today you join Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd and all those other people who at one time have done something for Band Aid.”
The Boomtown Rats frontman later told The Sunday Mirror: “That pulls them back to say ‘How did I get here?’. They think, Jesus I’ve got to do this now, but this is the thing that rallies the country and that helps to stop this filthy disease.
It will be released on Monday and is expected to raise millions to go towards combating the Ebola crisis.
It will cost 99p to download or £4 to buy on CD and George Osborne this morning pledged to waive VAT on Band Aid 30.
8:45 am
Celebrities and musicians begin to arrive
The time has finally arrived for the biggest names in music to join Bob Geldof on the 30th anniversary of Band Aid.
Adele, Bono, Ed Sheeran, One Direction and Sam Smith will be joined by several other big names from the world of music, including Sinead O'Connor, Ellie Goulding and Coldplay's Chris Martin, to contribute to a recording of Do They Know It's Christmas? today.
Bob is gathering the troops in London for the huge collaboration, which will celebrate 30 years since the original track was released while also raising vital funds to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw has already arrived (keen bean) along with singer Rita Ora and best pal Pixie Geldof, who is supporting her dad on his big day.
They will all record an updated version of the song with altered lyrics to reflect the health crisis in Africa.
A trailer for the new hit was released this week, showing footage of children suffering from Ebola - sending a powerful message ahead of the big recording day today.
At a press conference announcing the single, Boomtown Rats frontman Sir Bob Geldof - who is organising the charity recording for a fourth time - said: "It really doesn't matter if you don't like this song, it really doesn't matter if you hate all the artists. What you have to do is buy this thing."
Follow all our live updates as the stars arrive at the studios.
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8:52 am
Pixie Geldof supports her dad
Pixie Geldof appeared in good spirits as she arrived at the studio in London today to support her dad Bob.
Wearing a leopard-print coat and matching bag, she couldn't help but stand out as she was joined by close friend Nick Grimshaw.
Bob has organised the huge collaboration to mark the 30th anniversary of the original charity project.
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Pixie Geldof
8:55 am
Harry Styles arrives - cue One Direction meltdown
When we heard One Direction had signed up to take part in the 2014 Do They Know It's Christmas collaboration, there was (understandably) worldwide hysteria.
Now Harry Styles has arrived - and China could probably hear the crowd's cheers.
Wearing his signature open-buttoned shirt and a smart jacket, Harry flashed the peace sign as he walked part cameras.
Where are the rest of his bandmates?
Goff
Harry Styles
8:59 am
Rita Ora is lady in red
We challenge any of these celebrities to beat this bright outfit from pop princess Rita Ora.
The star stood out a mile off in her matching jacket and trousers, meanwhile flashing some seriously rock hard abs in a white crop top.
Joining Mr Styles in his happy mood, the blonde beauty flashed the peace sign at the cameras too - what a pair.
Empics
Hottie
9:03 am
Grimmy is SO happy
We don't blame Nick Grimshw for looking THIS happy - he's joining a whole load of huge names today in London.
Best job ever?
The Radio 1 DJ arrived at the same time as close friend Pixie Geldof this morning, showing off his usual out-there style in a chequered shirt and jacket.
We knew he would be the keen bean of the group.
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Nick Grimshaw
9:10 am
30 years on
Other famous faces who will appear on the track include Jessie Ware, Foals, Underworld, Fuse ODG and Paloma Faith, while acclaimed artist Tracey Emin will provide the cover art.
U2 frontman Bono will also return for Band Aid 30, having featured in the original recording in 1984 alongside Phil Collins, David Bowie, George Michael and Sting.
Bob Geldof refused to reveal who has the honour of singing the first line - in 1984 Paul Young had the honour - but Paddy Power have Chris Martin as the current favourite with Ed Sheeran and One Direction next up to take the mic at 4/1 and 5/1 respectively.
Click here to see the full image - Band Aid 30 Years Ago
Brian Aris
9:17 am
Sir Bob Geldof arrives with Sinead O'Connor
He's here!
The king of Band Aid has arrived, accompanied by close friend Sinead O'Connor for the 2014 recording at Sarm Studios.
While Bob attempted to keep a low profile as he headed inside, Sinead wore a multi-coloured woolly hat to protect her short cropped hair.
She will be singing alongside huge names like Adele, One Direction, Ellie Goulding and more today.
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King of music is here
9:21 am
Roger Taylor is so cool
Queen drummer Roger Taylor made the coolest entrance so far this morning, as he hid behind huge sunglasses outside.
Smiling widely for the screaming crowd, Roger gave a brief look around before heading inside to join his co-stars.
The single is set to be released on November 17, but Bob revealed the track will not appear on streaming websites until the new year, claiming "I'm a Taylor Swiftian."
Amazing.
The charity single will cost just 99p to download. It will be £4 to buy on CD.
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King of cool
9:32 am
New lyrics revealed
The new lyrics for Band Aid 30 have been revealed.
While the tune is almost identical to the original, there are a few subtle changes to link it to the Ebola crisis in Africa this year.
A new line reads: "Where a kiss of love can kill you - And there's death at every tear."
Another adds: "Well tonight we're reaching out, and touching you."
It goes on: "No peace and joy this Christmas in West Africa - the only hope they'll have is being alive.
"Where to comfort is to fear - Where to touch is to be scared.
"How can they know it's Christmas time at all."
Read the full song lyrics here:
Rex
Amazing
9:38 am
Harry's not alone - Liam's here!
Liam Payne has joined his lonely bandmate Harry at the studios in London - thank goodness.
The hunky star wore a Burberry-style statement scarf as he smiled warmly at his screaming fans - doesn't he look happy?
The band will perform a line in the new song - we wonder if they'll get the opener? Eek.
Rex
Burberry?
9:48 am
Niall Horan looks (a bit) excited
Niall has joined his bandmates in London to add a bit of Irish charm to Band Aid 30.
The blonde hunk was snapped stepping out of his car in a loose blue shirt and white top, clutching on to his trusty phone the whole time.
Harry and Liam are already there, so we're just waiting for best pals Louis and Zayn now.
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Niall Horan
10:07 am
Half of London turn out
The crowd appears to be getting busier by the second, as more celebrities continue to arrive to record the new single.
So far we've seen half of One Direction, Grimmy, Bob Geldof himself and his daughter Pixie arrive, along with a few more big names - who could be next up?
We can't wait for Adele's return ourselves.
10:09 am
George Osborne offers to WAIVE VAT on new hit
George Osborne has just tweeted the exciting new he will be waiving VAT on the the Band Aid 30 track - so every penny goes to the Ebola crisis.
He wrote: "Just spoke to the remarkable Bob Geldof. Told him we'll waive VAT on #BandAid30 so every penny goes to fight Ebola."
Good on you.
Just spoke to the remarkable Bob Geldof. Told him we'll waive VAT on #BandAid30 so every penny goes to fight Ebola
— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) November 15, 2014
10:19 am
Jessie Ware stops for snaps
World famous newcomer Jessie Ware has made quite a name for herself this year - so it;s no surprise she's joining in the star-studded line-up.
Wearing a black coat, the star stopped for snaps outside the studios - bundled up against the cold unlike the 1D boys.
See her outfit here:
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Jessie Ware
10:20 am
Louis Tomlinson causes mayhem
No worries everyone, One Directon is complete once more.
Louis and Zayn arrived in London a little later than their bandmates this morning, with Louis taking the lead in - er - Adidas.
Yes really.
What spurred that style decision on we don't know. Still, he's VERY smiley today so that's all that matters.
Flynet
Adidas?
10:34 am
Despite the early hour, dozens of fans are there to greet the stars this morning.
Harry Styles was the second star to enter the studio after Rita Ora but neither spoke to the huge gathering of reporters and photographers.
Midge Ure, who with Bob Geldof organised the original single, did speak on his way in, telling reporters that organising the new recording presented the "same old challenges".
He said: "Trying to get to the artists is always interesting."
But he added: "The response we have had from the artists has been phenomenal so far."
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Celebrities arrive at the Sarm studios
10:36 am
Seal the deal
Seal has followed in the footsteps of the huge stars before him, arriving with a bright red scarf to match Rita Ora's outfit.
We hope they are stood next to each other.
Looking as cool as ever, the singer didn't stop for long before heading inside, hiding behind some sunglasses the whole time.
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Seal
10:39 am
It wouldn't be right without Bastille
We wouldn't have been happy without the soulful tones of Bastille in band Aid 30 - and luckily Dan Smith has arrived now too.
Stopping to chat with photographers, the happy singer looked in great spirits as he headed inside in a casual blue shirt.
There's no dress code for this one then.
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He looks chirpy
10:45 am
Will Paloma Faith get the big notes?
Well we knew there wouldn't be a whole lot of glamour in this weather - but Paloma Faith has just managed to steal the show so far with this edgy look.
The singer showed off longer blonde hair and dramatic eye make-up in London today, while rocking a simple black coat and edgy top beneath.
Will she be battling Adele for the big notes? We can't wait to see. Speaking of which, where is Adele?
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WOW
10:47 am
Emeli Sande looks dramatically different
Wow - we saw Emeli Sande looking different a few days ago - and now she's done it again.
The singer wore a head scarf over her short hair for the recording today, as she stopped to flash the biggest smile of the morning for photographers.
The singer made a rare appearance at the MTV EMAs this week too, as she presented an award alongside a stunning Jourdan Dunn.
But we couldn't get over her hair - instead of her signature quiff, Emeli has grown it all out and straightened it into a dramatic fringe and top knot.
We're not at all sure about it.
Luckily it was hidden today - and she looks stunning.
Rex
New look
10:50 am
And the awkward moment of the day goes to...
Ellie Goulding has arrived, so we can all breathe easy.
Awkward moment of the day though - it was around the same time as her ex Ed Sheeran - and Niall Horan is already inside.
It's almost too much for us to handle.
For those who don't know - there were rumours a while back Ellie cheated on Ed with 1D hunk Niall - although she's never admitted it and Ed's yet to openly speak about it.
The blonde bombshell showed off her slim figure in a simple red and black striped jumper, and we've no doubt the trio have put their differences aside anyway, having all attended the Royal Variety together this week.
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She's not bothered
10:52 am
Right on cue - here's Ed
We wonder if Ed was having a quick look around for ex Ellie Goulding here?
He won't have to wait long, because they both arrived around the same time. SO not awkward though.
The red-haired crooner was always going to feature in the Christmas hit, let's face it, and we couldn't be happier.
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Ed Sheeran
10:54 am
A bit of Coldplay magic
Chris Martin looked like he'd seen a ghost when he arrived at the studio this morning.
Gwyneth Paltrow's ex arrived a bit late for the kick off, in a tight navy top and jeans - Grimmy must be on his fourth cuppa by now he was that early.
Chris will sing in the new hit without his bandmates so far, but no doubt he'll manage it perfectly.
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Chris Martin
11:17 am
Could Band Aid 30 get festive top spot?
There are worries Bob Geldof's new project is coming too early for the supergroup to take the festive number one spot.
It's currently 4/5 odds on favourite with William Hill to have the Christmas number one, but it is very closely followed by the winner of the X Factor who is the 11/10 second favourite.
Woah - race to the finish.
"Band Aid 30 is certain to be number one next week but it has a long time to hang on to be the Christmas number one. As a result the X Factor winner is still very much a contender," said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.
Interesting outsiders include Sir Cliff at 100/1 whose outraged loyal fans are attempting to return him to the top spot.
Rex
11:34 am
Zayn Malik is all comfort
While we thought Louis had stolen the crown for most casually dressed today, it seems he's got some competition from bandmate Zayn Malik.
A hoodie Zayn? Really?
Hiding his new longer hair do, the star made a late appearance outside the studio this morning in the dark jumper and tracksuit bottoms.
It's like he's planning to sleep there.
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Zayn Malik attends to record the Band Aid 30 single
11:35 am
Olly Murs adds some much needed heat
After all that comfort wear from One Direction, we were worried the whole line-up would be turning up in tracksuit bottoms.
But luckily we can always rely on Olly Murs.
He arrived in a smart jacket and tight jeans, as he waved to fans outside and melted hearts everywhere in the process.
Thanks Olly.
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Finally!
11:48 am
Rita Ora is done ALREADY
Rita Ora is really excited to be part of band Aid 30 - so much so, she's tweeting from inside as she works.
Multi-tasker.
It seems it was all over very quickly, because she admitted she was rushing off to The Voice just a few hours later.
She wrote: "Band aid 30. Support the cause. Thank you sir bob! It's out tomorrow everybody do your part! Now off to the voice! #TeamRITA #chopper."
11:50 am
Elbowing his way in
Guy Garvey from Elbow is a late arrival today, as he arrived in London to record his part of the new hit song.
Pulling a rather cheesy grin, he stopped briefly to greet fans before heading inside - and while he didn't exactly cause the hysteria One Direction did, there were no doubt a fair few fans there just for him.
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Guy Garvey
12:05 pm
Bono finally arrives
U2's Bono was a late and much-anticipated arrival today at the studio, as fans battle the cold so they could catch a glimpse of the musical legend.
Wearing tinted sunglasses, the 54-year-old smiled happily to fans as he exited his car, ready for some serious work in the recording studio.
We wonder if he could be top competition for the opening line?
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He's here!
12:15 pm
Charity single's line-ups, bust-ups and hiccups
As Bob Geldof unveils the stunning supergroup creating Band Aid 30, we look back at the previous recordings of Do They Know It’s Christmas?
From the original track in 1984, up to the jaunty 1989 version by Stock, Aitken and Waterman and the radical reworking of 2004, they’ve always proved eventful.
Here are a dozen facts about the previous line-ups, bust-ups and hiccups.
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12:52 pm
Liam Payne slept in today
Poor Liam Payne slept past his alarm today - and had to rush to get ready for Band Aid recording day.
He didn't look too shabby for it.
The star tweeted earlier: "That moment when ur fast asleep at the time your supposed to be leaving and you literally put your clothes on faster than Bruce almighty."
We know the feeling.
That moment when ur fast asleep at the time your supposed to be leaving and you literally put your clothes on faster than Bruce almighty
— liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) November 15, 2014
1:11 pm
Quick change over for Rita
Rita Ora spent all of a few hours in the studio with Bob Geldof today before rushing off and swapping her smart red outfit for some yellow tracksuit bottoms.
There's only so long Reets can do smart.
She was spotted arriving at Manchester train station just hours later today - proving how busy she is.
Good work.
Flynet
You look different!
1:17 pm
See One Direction boys in the studio
Deep breaths everyone - One Direction have just shared a moving moment from inside the Band Aid studio.
The snap shows Niall playing guitar, as Liam is snapped behind him at the piano - giving a clue as to what role they'll play in the collaboration.
And it's a good one.
We wonder where Harry, Zayn and Louis were at this point?
1:45 pm
Adele WON'T be part of Band Aid 30
Our man on the ground has confirmed that Adele WON'T be performing in the supergroup.
Which will no doubt cause outrage and devastation among fans.
The singer was rumoured to be part of the final line-up, but she's the only one not to appear at the studios - and it seems it was only ever a hopeful rumour.
*sob*
The group parts have now been finished, with solos almost there - and the only singer yet to arrive is Sam Smith.
Hurry up Sam - they might yet make their 4pm dealdine.
Noo
2:02 pm
Emeli Sande: "Bob gave a really touching speech before we started"
Emeli Sande has revealed Sir Bob gave the group a moving speech before they began recording the new single.
"Bob gave a really touching speech before we started singing so I think that really got everybody in the mind- frame that we needed to be in to remind us it's fun but we're here for a really serious reason," she said.
She added: "It was him expressing how passionate he was about this cause and how it's so unnecessary that so many people should be dying."
The 27-year-old said the contributors "sounded like a really powerful choir" and revealed it took about five takes to record the chorus.
Rex
"Moving"
2:13 pm
And the last to arrive is - Sam Smith
We knew he would be making a late arrival, but we all breathed a sigh of relief nonetheless when Sam arrived today.
As the final touches are made to the collaboration, Sam will record his solo to add to the rest and it looks to be nearly complete.
He arrived with a huge smile for the patient crowd - so we'll forgive his tardiness.
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2:24 pm
Olly Murs is still giddy with excitement
Olly Murs has poked his head out of the studio window to say a big hello to fans as he carries on work on the new hit.
And they all look very pleased to see him.
The singer tweeted his excitement too, writing: "#BandAid30 recording in progress."
#BandAid30 recording in progress pic.twitter.com/dszFQRzjuh
— Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) November 15, 2014
2:34 pm
Sam Smith worried his voice won't FIT
Say WHAT?
Sam Smith has expressed worries he won't fit in to the new collaboration - which we simply don't udnerstand.
"I'm actually a bit nervous because the song might be in a really bad key," he said.
"But it's not about how my voice sounds in terms of whether it's suitable for me. It's quite an easy song to sing, I should be OK."
He added: "I'm very excited to do something for the cause and that is the main thing for me.
"I really want to draw the focus in on that."
2:38 pm
Niall Horan says it was a "privilege" to be asked
Niall Horan stopped to chat outside Band Aid today, saying it was a "privilege" to be asked by Sir Bob.
"It's huge to be involved and get invited by Sir Bob, to do this is just insane. It's a privilege," he told photographers.
He added: "Hopefully it gets to number one, and raises a lot of money for a really worthy cause."
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3:20 pm
Harry Styles is one of few words
Mr Styles didn't need to write gushing messages about his day today - he only needed two.
"Band Aid".
It says it all - and we're willing to guess that marks the end of recording - not long before the official pictures are released now.
Band Aid.
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) November 15, 2014
4:19 pm
Olly and Harry are having a blast
Olly Murs and Harry Styles look very thrilled to be recording together for Band Aid.
The old pals posed for a selfie together looking rather mischievous and Olly shared it on Twitter along with the caption: "Been hanging out with this lad @Harry_Styles."
We love it when these two get together.
Been hanging out with this lad @Harry_Styles pic.twitter.com/H9gS6HI94p
— Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) November 15, 2014
4:47 pm
Paloma is excited
Paloma Faith has showed her support for the charity single by taking part and tweeting about the project.
The sultry songstress posted about the Band Aid app on Twitter yesterday, writing: "You can go behind the scenes at BandAid30 tomorrow - get the BandApp NOW and help fight Ebola."
She's certainly doing her bit!
You can go behind the scenes at #BandAid30 tomorrow - get the BandApp NOW and help fight Ebola. http://t.co/J2iKRtcTp7
— Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) November 14, 2014
5:09 pm
Harry Styles: "It's not too hectic"
Harry Styles has spoken about being involved in the recording with his One Direction band mates.
The teen pin-up will have been warming up his vocal chords ahead of the studio session and revealed it wasn't too hectic with so many performers taking part in the charity project.
He said: "It's good because everyone is coming together for the same thing, there is one focus, one goal. It tends to not be too hectic."
5:56 pm
VAT to be waived
Bob Geldof revealed George Osborne called him this morning to reveal he would waive VAT on the BandAid single.
The move means 100 per cent of the money raised by the song will go to charity.
Geldof told The Sunday's Mirror's showbiz editor Simon Boyle: "I spoke to the Chancellor about five minutes ago and he agreed to forgo the VAT on the record."
PA
Bob Geldof arrives for the recording of the Band Aid 30 single
6:01 pm
Ellie G stuck on broken down train
Ellie Goulding was furious after she left the studio to meet friends, but ended up stuck on a broken down train.
The Burn star tweeted to Virgin Trains : "I had just one thing to get to and now I won't make it. All this train had to do was get me there. Cheers."
Now that's a "burn"...
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Ellie Goulding
6:29 pm
Paloma almost had to turned down Band Aid
PALOMA Faith admitted she had almost turned down the chance to appear on the record after admitting she had been hospitalised last week on a drip after feeling run down.
She told The Sunday Mirror's showbiz editor Simon Boyle: “When he phoned me directly, he was like ‘This is really important’, and quite a lot of people who’ve done it are right in the middle of things.
“But I was in hospital last week and I said, ‘Oh I don’t know’, but he stopped me and said, ‘Paloma, you don’t realise how important this is - this is so, so important.’
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Paloma Faith attends to record the Band Aid 30 single
“And it just made me think, ‘God he’s right, what am I thinking!’.” She added: “I think it’s a credit to Bob the way he always manages to pull it out the bag - it’s really amazing, and he’s very good at it.
“It’s really important - our generation is a little bit too quiet for my liking, I don’t feel like we’ve got the balls really to say what we think.”
6:30 pm
Jake Bugg had to pull out
Rocker Jake Bugg was desperate to attend, but was forced to pull out after forgetting he had a gig in Rio de Janeiro yesterday.
Sir Bob revealed the scheduling error and quipped that the Lightning Bolt star is a “Doofus”.
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Jake Bugg had to pull out
6:59 pm
One Direction nailed it!
Bob told stars this morning: “Today you join Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd and all those other people who at one time have done something for Band Aid.”
He later told The Sunday Mirror's showbiz editor Simon Boyle: “That pulls them back to say ‘How did I get here?’. They think, 'Jesus I’ve got to do this now, but this is the thing that rallies the country and that helps to stop this filthy disease'.
“One Direction nailed it. They sound great. It’s a very moody track this time. The producer, Paul Hepworth, said to them try and whisper into it and they had never whispered so much, but they were really good."
We're just waiting on the official image of all the stars together and should have it in the next hour!
One Direction at Band Aid
7:03 pm
All of the stars taking part today
While we're waiting patiently for the official snap from today - here's a video about the recording.
A host of acts led by boy band heart-throbs One Direction and U2 lead singer Bono came together to record "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" - 30 years after the original was released.
Many stars were not even born when the Live Aid record raised millions to tackle the plight of victims during the Ethiopian Famine in 1984.
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7:48 pm
First pictures
The photographs are here!
We haven't seen this many stars in one room since the Oscars and One Direction certainly seem to be having a great time.
They were joined by Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, Paloma Faith and a whole host of stars at the studios in London today.
Looking at how close former flames Ed and Ellie Goulding are, there must have been a lot of love in the room.
8:47 pm
A memorable day for all
It's been a memorable day for all of the artists who took part in Band Aid 30 from One Direction and Ed Sheeran to Bono and Chris Martin.
Boomtown Rats frontman Sir Bob said: “It very much reminds me of 30 years ago. Everyone’s bleary, pop singers, as George Osborne said, are not very good in the morning.”
One Direction star Niall Horan, who is seen in the official snaps having a blast with band mate Harry Styles, told The Mirror: “It’s huge to be involved.
“Hopefully it goes to number one and raises a lot of money for a really worthy cause.”
Here's everything you need to know about today's recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
Stars including 1D, Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith, Bono, Chris Martin and Rita Ora all took part at Sarm Studios in London today.
Many of the singers were not even born when the original record raised millions in 1984.
The song has been re-recorded twice in 1989 and 2004 and this year is the 30th anniversary.
The lyrics to the Christmas hit have been changed to reflect the Ebola crisis in West Africa.
One Direction accidentally joined in on the female part as the group was split into parts.
It will be released on Monday and the video will debut on The X Factor tomorrow night.
The song will cost 99p to download or £4 to buy on CD and George Osborne pledged to waive VAT on Band Aid 30.
