As the single states, "this record features the cream of pop music talent" and included both Bono and Adam Clayton along with the following: Phil Collins; Bob Geldof, Simon Crowe, Peter Briquette, Johnny Fingers (Boomtown Rats); Steve Norman, Tony Hadley, Martin Kemp, John Keeble, Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet); Midge Ure, Chriss Cross (Ultravox); Paul Young; John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran); Glenn Gregory, Martin Ware (Heaven 17); Marilyn; Jody Watley; Keren, Sarah, Siobhan (Bananarama); Paul Weller; Peter Blake; James Taylor; Robert Bell, Dennis Thomas (Kool and the Gang); George Michael (Wham); Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt (Status Quo); David Bowie; Paul McCartney; Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood); Sting; Jon Moss, Boy George (Culture Club).

One song was recorded by the assembled musicians.  This song was Do They Know It's Christmas.  The b-side was the instrumental track of the main song, with wishes of holiday greetings from many of the participants, including Bono.

The song was released in December 1984 in both 7" and 12" vinyl formats.  In November of 1985 the song was re-released in many areas with a slightly different track listing.  Finally in 1992, the song was re-released again on CD in Japan.

• A 20th anniversary recording of the song was done.  Bono was the only vocalist from the original version who appeared on vocals on this new version.  It was released as a single in 2004.