This video of George Michael suggesting a change that transformed ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ had people awestruck

This Christmas Day will mark the 8th anniversary of the premature and desperately sad death of George Michael, awesome singer / songwriter and all round top bloke.

Appreciation of his talents has undoubtedly grown since his passing and the following video which has been doing the rounds on Twitter, shows just how instrumental he was in lifting the 1984 charity Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas to the next level.

Here he is being tutored in the recording studio by Band Aid founders Bob Geldof and Midge Ure on how best to sing his line of the song. We witness in real time the moment the inspiration hits, and it’s truly magical stuff. Thanks to Put The Telly On for sharing on Twitter.

I’m pleased someone captured this, George Michael epically improving the whole of Do They Know It’s Christmas? just by going up an octave. Incredible. “But say a prayer..” #BandAid pic.twitter.com/SZHnaUHeZf

— Put The Telly On (@putthetellyon) December 1, 2024

Spine-tingling.

1.

The talent was insane. He stood head and shoulders above most in that room

— Mike Poole (@mikejpoole) December 1, 2024

2.

Love this. He went up a third, from the original C, to an E, so there was more emphasis on the But, then creating a descending melody E-D-C rather than the original less melodic C-C-C.

— Mark Warburton (@MarkMusicWarb) December 2, 2024

3.

I’m in awe of this man who gave all of his profits of last Christmas to go to Band aid what a guy. Very sadly missed.

— Beverley Peachey (@PeacheyBev94091) December 1, 2024

4.

The fact Midge and Bob were trying to tell him how to sing it! Even at half strength he could still knock the socks off their combined
singing ability. George was in a league all of his own ❤️

— Safi (@Safi05915727) December 1, 2024

5.

It was really striking. He knew what he was doing and clearly thought about what he was doing. I also enjoyed the way he had to stand back because his voice was more powerful.

— Pygar . (@Pygar668177) December 1, 2024

6.

Never seen this before! He knew how to make it better. Only 21 years old, with three number one singles that year. He was a genius musician, and such a beautiful man.

— Emma Scutt (@emmylouscutt) December 2, 2024

7.

Not an octave. What he does is actually much better than that. Going up an octave wouldn’t have changed the melody, only the pitch. He makes it a much more interesting melody by going up a third and then descending back down.

— Evan O’Quigley (@EvanOQuigley) December 3, 2024

8.

George Michael giving all the cool kids a lesson in their craft and a reminder of his genius. https://t.co/xLrDWfyAD0

— Jill O’Halloran (@JillOHalloran1) December 2, 2024

9.

“I’ll do that if you want.”

Yes George Michael, definitely improve the song dramatically, cheers. https://t.co/QMQkVmYIgz

— Rob Power (@mrrobpower) December 1, 2024

10.

Outrageous. Sublime. https://t.co/Hy9gOeMFEl

— Becky Scarrott (@BecksScarrott) December 2, 2024

11.

Midge Ure and Geldof trying to tell GEORGE MICHAEL how to sing. He ignores them and absolutely smashes it https://t.co/Lq8ucti925

— Memorial Device (@memorialdevice) December 1, 2024

The clip is part of the rather brilliant documentary The Making of Do They Know It’s Christmas and the great news is that it’s on iPlayer so you can watch it now!

Source @putthetellyon