Last year the Christmas No.1 grabbed my attention a little more than it has done previously, mainly due to the fact that Rage Against The Machine probably got more ‘pop’ exposure than they did back in the day, although my dad still doesn’t know who they are and still doesn’t like it.

But who really cares who plays the song and what’s at No.1? No one really. As long as all the pennies are going to a worthy cause then hooray for dreadful nonsensical Christmas songs (Bob Geldof himself admits his Band Aid song “Do They Know It’s Christmas” is possibly one of the “…worst songs in history”).

With this in mind, Kingston label This Is Not Revolution Rock asked a few musicians to contribute their time and effort to a Christmas single of their own. To be released on December 20th – and therefore not in the running for the Christmas #1 (see earlier point re: no one cares) – the single is a cover of that terrible Band Aid hit ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, which isn’t that terrible…is it? BeatCast knocked up the music video to the song, which was recorded for free at a local university, and rehearsed for a couple of hours prior to the recording (on a day when snowfall was treacherous and more sensible people might’ve given up the idea completely).

All proceeds for the single go to Shelter, the outstanding housing and homelessness charity, whose work is made even more difficult in the winter months. So, to quote the words Bob didn’t actually say on live television, ‘Go on, give us yer firkin’ money’. BUY THE SINGLE HERE.

The is available on digital download via iTunes from 20th December, to find out more jump on over to This Is Not Revolution Rock…

…oh, and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

This Is Not Revolution Rock // Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Full line-up

Drums: Chris Rouse (Hold Your Horse Is)

Bass guitar: Andy Tickell (Tellison)

Guitars: Thom Ashworth (Our Lost Infantry), Del Noble (mistakes. in. animation)

Keys: Matt Phelps (Our Lost Infantry)

Vocals: Alan Welsh (Tangled Hair), Robin Pearson (Hold Your Horse Is), Dan Frau (Anison), Matt Emery (Stagecoach), Katie Malco (solo), and all those listed playing instruments.

This Is Not Revolution Rock – Do They Know It’s Christmas? will be released on digital download via iTunes on the 20th December. All proceeds go to Shelter.

BUY THE SINGLE HERE

Direct/Camera/Edit by Matt Francis