Clare in Bury
Fantastic song which will always bring a tear to my eye and a smile on my face as the memories of the first time I ever heard this song!

Joanna Wallis/Bolton
I hated each of the versions the first couple of times I heard them, but they don't half grow on you. I do think the lyrics are slightly patronising though, but overall its a very well constructed song.

Meredith Meeker
Great Song for the Holiday Season! One of my alltime favorites, and it was only this past holiday that I heard this for the first time!

Ricjard in London
Band Aid made the world listen not just a country. A song with a message that made a difference.

Philippa Dawson Hampshire
Why is everyone complaining about this song, saying it is bland, and not very good? I think it is brilliant!!! That fact that people are trying to do something to help. Yes the old single was great, and probably better, but it has stopped selling now. This new single is really goin to increase the amount of money going to help these people! If everyone got up and did something like this poverty wouldnt be a problem!!! Thank you Band Aid, your GREAT!!!! Philippa X

tony, maple, ontario (canada)
it's a disgrace to the original version. even bono couldn't save it.

Maria, Łąka-Poland
i think it is just the same as the original version, because the main aim is the same and it is great

suzanne/clitheroe
The new version is very bland but probably accurately reflects the state of music and artists today. The original is so much better and it is much easier to identify each artist singing as there were more voices with individual character around then! The original has very much become a Christmas song and will still be played in future years long after the 2004 version has paled into insignificance. I hate the rapping!!

Shirley Gloucestershire
Yes it's good to "pass the baton" as Bob said on the programme last night but can I just ask that Radio 2 (at least) continues in years to come to play the original version in the run up to Christmas? For those of us who remember the impact this record made it deserves the honour. Every year it sends shivers down my back and makes me feel guilty for all the mince pies etc I consume!

Paul Phillips, Gorseinon, SWANSEA
I`ve got the original on 12 inch vinyl, still in excellent condition. The flipside features some of the artists talking about where, when and why. It will always be the best!

Steven East, Broadstairs
Probably the greatest song of all time. A classic from an era of great music.

Marsha, Derby
I don't think the new one is as good, but everyone bar Richard in Fife seems to have forgotten Band Aid II with the likes of Kylie and Jason in their Stock, Aitken and Waterman days, doing a version...was it in 1989? That version wasn't very different from the original and didn't have the calibre of performers, but I still bought a copy ...it WAS for charidee!

Thomas, Rendsburg, Germany
It was the greatest time in my life, combined with "Live Aid" our generation´s Woodstock – although I remember I was sad Howard Jones wasn´t on the recording of the song …

Wanda / New York City
Can't say I'm a big fun of the new version of the tune. I like the original much better.

hannah taylor wotton-under-edge
i think it is the best song ever and i want the c.d sooooooooooooo much i luv it and im only 10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve Male, Whitstable
I really can't make myself like the 2004 version but it seems the CD-buying public disagrees. For me, the 1984 recording has a distinctly more raw edge to it (despite Bono's insistence that he "really, really hated his interpretation"). I still find myself cringing at the collective "Feed the wo-o-o-o-r-l-d" line, which to me is the most tuneless part of (for me) a forgettable version of a great song. Personal opinion aside, there is no denying the song's impact on the public's imagination. And on it's conscience, which is to be applauded. Me? I bought a compilation Christmas CD with the old version. I guess that those who don't like the new song could always get the old one, safe in the knowledge that it's charity money well spent.

Brian/Cornwall
While I agree with some that this is not as good as the original, I fail to see how anyone can say it is awful and the artists are shallow. ???? I don’t get this comment at all. I think like most tracks you always tend to find the original is best - is this really true or just nostalgic memories? Still, I think both are commendable and don’t deserve a knocking, but it would be a sad world if we were all the same.

Richard - Fife
The original is still the better version by a long shot, but its still for a good cause. Was there a third version with the likes of Bros, Kylie and Cliff Richard?

becky jones, st athan
the new version is really good.its really modern and i really enjoy listening to it.

Holly Carlile, Scarborough
This song has had such an impact, not just on improving the lives of people in Africa, but on raising awareness that such extreme poverty should not be allowed to continue into the 21st century. I pray that the new version can do the same.

Dan/Framingham
Good God!!! What next?!? a new version of the David Bowie-Bing Crosby doing "The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" Christmas Song? Is nothing Sacred

kerry stamp dover
its amazing!!!!!

hollie from torquay
I think that the new song is brilliant! What could there possibly have that's wrong? I mean its a modern version with loads of talent, and its for a good cause! Even if you don't like it you should buy it for the good it will do the thousands of people in poverty!

Peter Jordan, Jersey UK
Hi, I was ten years old when the original single was released, and even then I had a tendency to enjoy placing a needle on a record. I must say, however the original still sounds much more listenable, and find that, given the amount of new talent in the business it seems to be a bit of a let-down. The favourite bits include Bono's controversial original line. Personally, I think the rhythm in the song just doesn't 'roll along' as the original did. There's parts where the singing seem to move 'ahead' of the beat.... Maybe I'm wrong, but as a true follower of good 80's music and style, I'm sticking with the Original. Thank You, Peter Jordan

Melis, Hull
I was so pleased the true DO THEY KNOW IT'S XMAS was on the new CD - please publicise the fact. The Western population could have a great impact on world poverty. If only more people in the West would take up a vegetarian diet, or better still a vegan diet.

Jason Tracy
All I see when I read comments is a lot of has-beens who think NOTHING could possobly be better than the original! Can I remind you that the original was still a very cheezy Christmas song, just like the new one (the video is all you need to look at!) You all also seem to miss the point that a Rap artist could possibly have talent. Dizzy Rascal, although it pains me to say as an 'anti rap', is one of the most talented young artists we have produced. His input is what makes the new version...new! Also note the Radiohead dominated ending with Johnny Greenwood's far better than the Darkness' guitar solo and Thom York's haunting piano throughout. it makes the song! Now all you go home...get out your Bananarama records and have a look at how good change must now feel!!

Sandra from Bolton
I think the original version is much better

Jonathan Harris Birmingham
It's simply awful! It really shows how good the original performance was and how bad and shallow the artists are on this new one. A bad idea badly performed!

Rob in Bushey
I remember the David Bowie voiceover on the 12" single-it just chilled my soul. I was 13 at the time and just thought this was one of the most historic moments in music-and it was in our era!

Shelley from Canada
My most cherished memory of my little brother and I is of the snowy December day in 1984 when we walked home from school together singing as much of the song as we could remember after hearing it only twice. It was the one moment we truly got along together.

Rachel Allen, Norfolk
I was 9 in 1984 and I got the record for Christmas. I played it many times before breakfast and I must have sent my parents mad!!! It is a favourite song of mine and no version has ever come close to the original!

Richard Miles, Newport, South Wales
I definitely think the original was much better. The new one seems to lack the energy of the original. Also, the rapping and extended passage at the end don't really fit in. In order to raise more money for famine relief, the original could have been re-released. I am sure it would have sold millions.

barry kelsey
oh dear...

Gareth, Battle,E.sussex
Although I commend the new version for raising more vital money, I'm afraid it does not have a patch on the original 1984 version. Who out of the 2004 version will still be as well known in 20 years time, compared to the many infamous 1984 cast. On another note I can't believe it is 20 years ago, HELP, where has the time gone. Happy Christmas Everyone !!

Russell Combe: Dunbar
I don't think the new version is better than the original but that is not what matters, what matters is that people buy the single because they would like to help other human beings, not because they like the music or the people who create the music. The music is a token gesture which when mass consumed makes a fundamental statement: That we fortunate and privileged people want to change the life of people far less fortunate or privileged than our selves for the better and that we will do it. The fact that people in the same world as us do not have enough food, water and medicine when we have more than enough is pitiful, embracing, sickening, and sinful. The least we can do is buy a single which although it may have its flaws is the product of free talent and goodwill which can change the world for the better.

Jan Baxter, Leicester
In a word, no. It was never going to have the impact that the first version did, and I personally find it droning and rather yawnsome at the start, even as it builds there's nothing that grabs like the original did. Yep, I'm an old fogey, I bought the original the day it came out and still cherish it. I'll buy this one too of course, because of the reasoning behind it, but it won't get played like the original.

Janet James Prince George British Columbia Canada
Just listening on line to the music debate, I have to say I understand the use of young musicians of today, and the principle of the song and what it is to fund, however the original has so much more substance and depth in the voices of the performers. I also read on line discussions with the performers and was dissapointed by the young male ( can't recall the name must be my age!) comment that he would be doing the line originally done by Bono, because his recording was better, this is not what Band Aid is about. I will however buy the record, and would like to by a copy of the original. Janet

Heather, Dorchester, Dorset
The original version of Band Aid "Do They Know it's Christmas" was the first record I ever bought. It is still a great song.

Steve Russell. Bristol Uk.
I think the worst thing about this whole remake was letting Bono insist on singing the same part again. If I was Bob, I would tell him that the whole issue is not about him. The record would happen whether he is there or not. Some people are too big for their boots. Back in line Bozo...

Julie Baker
It brings back old memories of when i was young, i can see it now.

dave,cardiff
i love it!

Mark/Birmingham
The new version is a bit weak on vocal strength and does not musically know what it wants to be. I'm with "Gandalf's" (sorry Sir Bob) original.

Dave/Andover
The original will stand out for all time, the new version will be forgotten in a year or two,a great cause but did we need the new version, could the millionaires from the orignal not have put there hands in there pockets?

Mike, Oxford
The original and still the best- what Christmas is supposed to be about, not like the 2004 "look at me" version which is complete rubbish!

Glenn Southall, Ankara, Turkey
Big credits to Bob and Midge for putting their time and effort once more into a great cause and having the courage to modernise a Standard, with the introduction of a Rap section the boldest move. That said, the song is truly awful and so insipid that it would not be out of place on a Phil Collins album. It may grow on me...but I hope not.

Alan - Norwich
It's BLAND & awful & i won't be buying it - it doesn't deserve airplay.

Craig Russell Maidstone
May have got away with it if it wasn't for the terrible rapping of dizzie rascal.

Craig Russell
Absolutley terrible. Made even worse by the "rapping" by dizzie rascal.

Allan Stewart, Ware, Herts
Band Aid 20 I'm sorry to say that this is a pale, bland and tuneless imitation of the great original. Maybe this is just a reflection on the state of music as a whole... I for one won't be rushing out to buy this.

Steve Love from Chester
Not a patch on the original! It's cold, no atmosphere, no build up. You can't even hear the Christmas Bells properly! They sound as if they're just going through the motions. And as for that rap moment...what on earth is that about? It just doesn't go. I hope it raises lots of money for a good cause, but as a record it fails. Sorry Midge and Bob.

Richard, Bradford
The original was by far a better record, but I still urge people to go buy it as it's for a good cause

Tinks/Cambridge
I think the new version is diabolical. The original version should never have been touched. Shame on you.

Neil Birmingham
The new version is not a patch on the original, in fact they should have just re-released the original and left it as a classic...