Nurse William Pooley, who survived ebola, but may not survive Band Aid 30. After hearing his comment, Geldof told The Telegraph: “It’s a pop song, it’s not a doctoral thesis. [Critics] can f*** off.”

Geldof said his critics “were more than welcome to be offended” by him.

“I couldn’t give a toss. Seriously, I’m the wrong guy. The reality behind the pop song – Christmassy, corny, whatever you think about it – the reality behind it is stark,” he said.

“If it’s a pop song that can help ease the pain, the agony, if they can die with a little more dignity then, yeah, I’m there. It’s pretty simple.”