Ed Sheeran just shared his thoughts on the unauthorized use of his voice on the 40th anniversary version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in a since-expired Instagram story. Sheeran revealed that organizers behind the new version of the holiday benefit single didn’t ask his permission to use his vocals on the updated track, and said that he would have declined the offer due to the negative stereotypes surrounding the song.
“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,” Sheeran wrote. “A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward looking one. Love to all x” The 40th anniversary edition of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is set for release on November 25, and mixes vocals from a variety of artists featured on the song over the decades. (Consequence of Sound)