Sir Bob Geldof

Humanitarian, Pop Star, Businessman and Broadcaster

Bob Geldof is probably best known for organizing the 1985 Live Aid benefit for starving African children, inspired by a 1984 BBC documentary about famine in Ethiopia. When he learned about the ongoing tragedy he flew to Africa to observe the situation first hand, then returned to England and gathered numerous British pop stars together to record a charity single under the name Band Aid; that song, "Do They Know It's Christmas," became the best-selling U.K. single of all time, and inspired a similar 1985 U.S. single "We Are The World."

Bob is phenomenally well informed, not just about Africa but also about Washington politics. In his provocative presentations he inspires audiences as he talks about achieving success drawing upon his own personal experiences and the lessons learned from Live Aid.

Born in 1954 in Dublin, Ireland, Bob pursued a career in journalism before forming the rock group Boomtown Rats in 1975 and relocating to London. The Boomtown Rats became a well-known punk/new-wave act in Britain from 1977 until their break up in 1986, though American success largely eluded them.

During the summer of 1985 Bob helped plan the intercontinental charity event Live Aid, a pair of simultaneous all-star charity concerts held in London and Philadelphia on July 13, 1985. The proceeds and other donations amounted to millions of dollars, which was used to feed starving Africans. Bob was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his efforts. His autobiography went on to become a best-seller in Britain.

Bob has since set up a TV production company, Planet 24, which produced landmark shows such as Channel 4’s ‘The Big Breakfast’. In 1999 he sold Planet 24 to TV giant Carlton Communications. He has also been involved in a number of other business ventures. He works relentlessly for the poor and is a leading spokesman for the Drop the Debt campaign to relieve the debts of the world’s most economically challenged countries.

In 2003 Bob returned to Ethiopia with UNICEF, for the first time since his landmark visit to the drought-stricken country 20 years ago, once again he generated significant media interest as he debated openly with government officials, members of the diplomatic community and other key humanitarian players from around the world.

Bob Geldof is a thought-provoking and influential speaker. He is highly sought after by organisations eager to benefit from his inspirational presentations and direct approach to global problems.