Following reports last week that there were plans to re-release the charity record 'Do They Know It's Christmas', it is now looking increasingly likely that the song will, in fact, be re-recorded by contemporary artists.
According to latest reports Coldplay's Chris Martin, The Darkness' Justin Hawkins and Travis' Fran Healy have already told the original Band Aid coordinators - Bob Geldof and Midge Ure - that they are ready to take part. Word is Geldof and Ure are now talking to Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Blur, Jamelia and Dido about the project.
Organisers hope a re-release, or re-recording, of the track will help to raise millions to help the victims of Africa's latest famine crisis. The success of the single is no doubt assured - the Sun reports that bookies already have the track listed as odds-on favourite to be the UK's Christmas number one this year.
Midge Ure told reporters yesterday: "It's definitely going to happen. I'm very excited. This project is not just about raising money. It's about putting the focus back on Africa and the problem of famine which has not gone away. The line-up proves that this country is brimming with talent and the big names approached seem very keen. Chris Martin actually contacted me. He reminds me of a young Bono. The great thing is we have real musicians in proper bands. Things are really snowballing. What's frightening though is most of them were in nappies first time around!"