Critics of Band Aid’s 1984 charity single are ‘woke do-gooders’ who should ‘get out and do something’ themselves, the promoter of Live Aid has said.

Harvey Goldsmith, 78, hit back after Ed Sheeran joined a growing list of people criticising the song Do They Know It’s Christmas? for ‘perpetuating damaging stereotypes’ about Africa.

Band Aid’s 1984 single raised money to relieve famine in Ethiopia and was rebooted by Sheeran and others in 2014 to help tackle the Ebola crisis.

The megastar’s words from that recording have been reused for a 40th anniversary mix which blends various versions of the charity single together.

Sheeran said on Instagram that had he been asked for permission to use his vocals again, he would have ‘politely declined’.

Goldsmith told Times Radio: ‘All these busybodies and woke people and do-gooders who know everything, let them get out and do something.

‘We wanted to do something to help. It’s as simple as that.

Harvey Goldsmith (pictured) hit back at a growing list of people criticising the song Do They Know It’s Christmas ? for ‘perpetuating damaging stereotypes’ about Africa.
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Harvey Goldsmith (pictured) hit back at a growing list of people criticising the song Do They Know It’s Christmas ? for ‘perpetuating damaging stereotypes’ about Africa.

Sheeran posted on Instagram on Sunday: 'My approval wasn't sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals'
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Sheeran posted on Instagram on Sunday: ‘My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals’

Bob Geldof, who co-wrote the song with Midge Ure, has been defending the charity initiative
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Bob Geldof, who co-wrote the song with Midge Ure, has been defending the charity initiative

‘There is not one penny of overhead ever taken other than the audit fee and some odd legal bills. And we continue to do so. And we do this on a voluntary basis. And in the last two weeks, I’ve written cheques out, or signed cheques for about £300,000.

‘If you talk to the charities that are constantly pitching us for funds to help with their projects, you’ll understand from their point of view what the need is.

‘Governments aren’t doing it… so if these busybodies think it’s wrong, well, good luck to them.’

Sheeran, 33, said his view on Do They Know It’s Christmas? Had been changed by friend and Ghanaian-English rapper Fuse ODG, who pulled out of Band Aid 30 over its lyrics.

He said previously that he was ‘shocked and appalled’ by the line: ‘There is no peace and joy in west Africa this Christmas.’

Directly addressing Sheeran’s opposition, Goldsmith said it was ‘tough’.

Do They Know It's Christmas? was co-written by Midge Ure (left) and Bob Geldof (right) - the pair are seen here at the recording of the Band Aid 30 version in London in November 2014
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Do They Know It’s Christmas? was co-written by Midge Ure (left) and Bob Geldof (right) – the pair are seen here at the recording of the Band Aid 30 version in London in November 2014

Pictured: Sir Bob Geldof (second left), along with other artists recording the first ever Band Aid single, Do They Know It's Christmas
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Pictured: Sir Bob Geldof (second left), along with other artists recording the first ever Band Aid single, Do They Know It’s Christmas

‘Ed Sheeran is entitled to his voice,’ he added. ‘And he’s said his piece, and he’s listened to somebody called Fuse, who personally I’ve never even heard of, who wants to make his point. Good luck to them.’

Band Aid’s first version offered a snapshot of some of the 1980s’ biggest stars, with names including George Michael, Boy George, Spandau Ballet and Banarama all featuring.

A second recording of the track was released in 2004, and featured Noughties favourites such as Busted, Robbie Williams, Daniel Bedingfield, Snow Patrol and The Sugababes.

In 2014, the last version of Band Aid was released, and despite featuring names such as One Direction, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith and Rita Ora, though lyrics were changed to reflect its effort to raise funds for the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

Fuse ODG, who worked with Ed on the track Boa Me, posted a statement claiming the famous song ‘perpetuates damaging stereotypes’.

The artist, who this year released his own track We Know It’s Christmas, penned: ‘Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa.

‘While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.

‘By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership discouraging meaningful engagement.’