The recent announcement of the new version of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ to celebrate its 40th anniversary reminded me about the 12-inch version of the original single that I own.
It’s in great condition and has never actually been played – I bought it alongside a copy of the 7-inch (long since lost) because I wanted a larger version of Peter Blake’s iconic cover art.
I also have some memorabilia from Live Aid which celebrates its 40th anniversary soon.
The concert had a huge impact on me – I vividly remember that, watching on television, I was eating a Mars Bar at the showstopping moment when David Bowie cut short his set to introduce the famine footage using ‘Drive’ by The Cars as its soundtrack.
Like many, I was shattered by what I saw. I didn’t eat another Mars Bar for well over ten years because of the memory of that moment. (Which was immediately followed by Bob Geldof’s legendary ‘Give us the f*****g money!’ rant).
The following day, I bought the official Live Aid poster – costing £1 – from the local newsagent and it has been framed on the wall of every home I have lived in since.
Christmas staple: Do They Know It’s Christmas? is played on loop at this time of year – but is the original vinyl worth anything?
Consequently, I think it is a little sun damaged and probably worth much but I don’t think I would ever part with it as it captures that ‘moment in time’.
I also bought that week’s special ‘Live Aid’ edition of ‘Smash Hits’ magazine and, as an additional souvenir of the day, a Live Aid commemorative First Day cover issued by the Post Office in our neighbouring Island, Guernsey.
Both items, also pictured, are in great condition.
I’m sure that all of these items were bought in their hundreds of thousands 40 years ago and so probably have little value.
However, as I was a teenager in the 80s, Band Aid, Live Aid and all the bands involved, represent a special part of my life and I would be interested to know what you think of my little collection. Mandy, Jersey.
Dan Hatfield, our resident valuation expert, replies: Live Aid, even now, the name alone conjures up images of mullets, headbands, and Freddie Mercury absolutely stealing the show at Wembley.
But lately, the 40th anniversary has whipped up some controversy.
Ed Sheeran is apparently fuming that his 2014 vocals are being used for the 2024 version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? – I’m steering well clear of that debate (I know my limits), but let’s rewind to where it all started: 1984.
Feed the world: Bob Geldof and Midge Ure wanted to tackle the famine in Ethiopia
This was the year Bob Geldof and Midge Ure gave us Do They Know It’s Christmas?, a single they wrote not for profit, but to tackle the harrowing famine in Ethiopia.
In a move that no doubt delighted the tabloids and definitely delighted the public they assembled Band Aid – essentially pop royalty, from George Michael to David Bowie. The world had never seen anything like it.
When the record hit the charts in December, it went straight to number one and stayed there for five weeks.
It sold a staggering million copies in its first week – an achievement only toppled 13 years later by Elton John’s Candle in the Wind, released after the untimely death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
By the end of 1984, Do They Know It’s Christmas? had sold 3million copies and raised £8million.
Not bad for something thrown together in one legendary recording session and a number that Bob Geldof, in his wildest dreams couldn’t have imaged they would achieve.
Now when something as iconic as this comes along people often assume that memorabilia linked to it must be worth its weight in gold. Which brings us neatly to your treasure trove of Band Aid and Live Aid keepsakes.
First up, your pristine 12-inch single. It’s in great nick, you say, and hasn’t even been played (a rare feat for vinyl).
However, here’s the rub: with millions of copies produced, the market is absolutely swimming in them.
A quick eBay trawl turns up plenty of similar listings, so there isn’t exactly a bidding war for these, indeed supply massively outstrips demand.
Realistically, you’re looking at a top-end value of £10. Not quite life changing, but still respectable when you think about just how many were made.
Now let’s talk about your Live Aid poster. Faded? Yes. Fantastic? Also yes.
And while I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy over your idyllic Jersey location, I do see how it’s taken a toll on the poor thing.
Original Live Aid posters don’t crop up all that often, so even in its sun-faded state, yours could fetch somewhere in the ballpark of £80 to £100.
Had it been in mint condition, that figure would’ve been even higher. Not bad for something you’ve enjoyed looking at all these years.
As for your commemorative cover and Smash Hits magazine, I’m afraid they’re less impressive value wise – perhaps £10 for the magazine and a few quid for the cover.
Small collection: How much is the First Day Cover, copy of Smash Hits and Live Aid poster worth?
They’re lovely pieces of pop history but, alas, not ones that will yield you life changing, or even day improving money.
Now, you might see a modest bump in these values with the release of the new version of the single, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for dramatic rises.
The Band Aid legacy may endure, but the sheer volume of memorabilia from the era keeps the prices grounded.
You will always find exceptions, memorabilia that is signed for example, as I outlined in last week’s column on The Beatles, can and often do command huge figures.
That said, your collection’s real value isn’t just in monetary value, It’s in the memories, joy, and connection you feel to this pivotal moment in music history. And that, as they say, is priceless.
Keep enjoying your wonderful items – and maybe give that poster a spot in the shade so it lasts for another 39 years.