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Sir Bob Geldof reveals new version of iconic Christmas song

<p>Sir Bob Geldof has shared the details of the 2024 reprise of the iconic song <em>Do They Know It's Christmas?</em>, revealing why the new version of the song will be the last. </p> <p><em>Do They Know It's Christmas?</em> was first released in 1984, and was sparked by Bob Geldof being disturbed by a news report on the famine in Ethiopia. </p> <p>He enlisted big names such as Bono, Boy George, Sting and George Michael to join in on the song to raise awareness and money for the famine.</p> <p>"I was sickened by it. I mean, that is really it," Geldof told <em>A Current Affair</em>.</p> <p>"I sat down and turned on the TV, and here was this devastating thing that put, you know, my pathetic, puny personal problems in a horrifying perspective."</p> <p>Since then, three more versions of the charity song have been made, in 2004, 2014 and now, in 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of the original track. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CDiYk07FG1Y?si=TwdiduKB5vPX56V7" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Instead of recruiting new artists, this time Bob Geldof has remixed famous renditions from previous versions to combine the greatest voices of our time.</p> <p>Despite each iteration of the song having its own unique charm and voice, Geldof says it will be the last hurrah for the iconic Christmas tune.</p> <p>"I personally think, it's the definitive one and there will be no more," Geldof said.</p> <p>"The world has never been more fragile in my life, and I'm old, and I don't think people can take on board any more horror. They cannot absorb any more, but it's happening."</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

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Return of the Happiest Little Vegemite

<p>In 1954, Trish Cavanagh became a household icon, known as the adorable Happy Little Vegemite. </p> <p>Now, 60 years on, Trish is reprising her role as the original face of the Aussie brand as Vegemite prepares for its 100th birthday. </p> <p>Trish, now 71, was just seven years old when she marched to the beat of the famous <em>Happy Little Vegemite</em> tune in the company's first advertisement, which became a staple of Australian pop culture.</p> <p>Earlier this year, Trish was called upon to march to the tune once more for the brand's centenary, as they planned to remake the original ad for the occasion. </p> <p>Trish revealed the ad "changed my life forever": something she didn't foresee when she first filmed the commercial.</p> <p>"Vegemite has been and continues to play a huge role in my life, and I am so thrilled to be passing the baton to the next generation of Happy Little Vegemite kids," she said.</p> <p>While the remake heavily features the new generation of Happy Little Vegemites and brand new footage, to uphold the legacy, it also features a few clips from the original.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q8DzjLy1YzE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Trish's lead role, back when television was still in black and white, made way for hundreds more Vegemite kids to take centre stage in catchy campaigns.</p> <p>"These children today don't realise what a big event this is for them, and I hope in the years to come they look back with pride," she said.</p> <p>"To be in the remake of the original Vegemite ad for the 100th birthday is something very special. Get ready for the ride, kids – I think it will be a long one."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Vegemite</em></p>

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