Coldplay, Travis and the Darkness for Band Aid III

| 20 October 2004

Following reports last week that original Band Aiders Bob Geldof and Midge Ure were planning to re-release the charity record 'Do They Know It's Christmas', a host of contemorary artists are now in the frame.

Word on the street is that Coldplay's Chris Martin, The Darkness' Justin Hawkins and Travis' Fran Healy are all game and that Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Blur, Jamelia and Dido are also being considered.

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!"

Let's just hope Gwyneth takes responsible action to prevent Chris growing a mullet for the video, although the image of Damon Albarn and Noel Gallagher crooning arm in arm would more than compensate...