11/29/2004

in

Band Aid members want to make sure everyone knows it's Christmas this year.

Angelica Marden

A remake of the melancholy Christmas tune, Do They Know It's Christmas, released as a charity single by many of Britain's top bands, has sold 95,000 copies on its first day of release.It is expected to open at the number one slot on the British charts and stay there at least until Christmas.  
  
The Band Aid lineup features Sir Paul McCartney, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Robbie Williams, Dido and Jamelia among other top British acts.  
  
Band Aid 20 is easily the biggest release since Elton John's Candle in the Wind tribute to Princess Diana. It should be a million-seller if it captures the public's imagination like the original.  
  
In 1984, 3.5 million copies sold in England as people bought multiple copies to give to family and friends.  
  
"If the same happens this year, sales could exceed two million," said a spokesperson for HMV record store in London.  
  
All proceeds from the sale of the single will go to famine relief in Africa.