Thought I would post this here since Brian does play on it, although to be honest he is so far down on the mix he might as well have not bothered in my opinion. No solo's either. link
In a way all his musical life was a waste. Instead of finding answers to the crucial questions: Are we alone? Is there a god? What was in the beginning?
Being the TV guest of Morgan Freeman could have been the apex of his career (and the most dull moment of Through the Wormhole).
I was expecting an uplifting solo from him, to brighten up what is one hell of a maudlin song, but no. I couldn't even detect the slightest hint of guitar on the recording. As everyone has so far said, he may as well have not bothered.
Same with Roger being hyped on the last Band Aid record and the video showing him playing the drums....then the finished mix is just programmed e-drums.
Still, (and I hate to sound cynical), but after failed attempts with Cliff Richard, Dappy and Children In Need this decade, Brian will most likely meet his goal, and equal Roger as the only living artist to feature on a No 1 single in the last 5 consecutive decades.
This is not about being featured prominent on the song.
It's a charity single.
Just the fact that Brian is one of the artists that contributed will result in more people buying the single wich will result in more money for the victems and their relatives.
Brian did the right thing.
As with all of these things, and given Cowell's involvement, the music is secondary to the singers and the profiles they have which, ultimately, generates the sales figures and attendant revenue. Musically it has no value whatsoever but the sentiment and reason behind it is of far greater worth.