Soul-singer Adele will not be taking part in Band Aid 30, despite speculation that she would join the celebrity line-up which includes One Direction and Chris Martin. Sir Bob Geldof reportedly reached out to the Someone Like You singer, however fans were quick to note her absence at the Notting Hill studio where the charity single was recorded. Adele is reportedly taking a break from the music industry to focus on raising her two-year-old son Angelo, with long-term love Simon Konecki.
"She's not writing. She's not recording. She doesn’t want to be bothered by anyone," Sir Bob told The Sun. "She won't even pick up the phone to her manager. She's bringing up a family, you know." "Some people just don't want to do it," he added. "Of course they agree with it, but it's not their way of doing something."
Marking the 30th anniversary since the original Band Aid released Do They Know It's Christmas, Band Aid 30 will be singing a slightly altered version of the song with the focus being on raising money to combat the Ebola crisis.
Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran, Bono, Ellie Goulding and Paloma Faith are just some of the stars taking part in the charity single which features new lyrics.
A new line reads: "Where a kiss of love can kill you - And there's death at every tear", while another adds: "Well tonight we're reaching out, and touching you." "No peace and joy this Christmas in West Africa - the only hope they'll have is being alive," the song continues. "Where to comfort is to fear - Where to touch is to be scared. How can they know it's Christmas time at all."
The single has also gained support from the government, with Chancellor of Exchequer George Osbourne taking to Twitter to announce that VAT for the single would be waived to ensure it raises the maximum amount of money. "Just spoke to the remarkable Bob Geldof," tweeted the politician. "Told him we'll waive VAT on #BandAid30 so every penny goes to fight Ebola."