Bob Geldof is an Irish singer-songwriter and political activist who gained fame as the lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, with hits like "Rat Trap" and "I Don't Like Mondays." He is also known for his charity work, particularly for famine relief in Ethiopia, which led him to organize Band Aid and the concerts Live Aid and Live 8. Geldof is an adviser to the ONE Campaign and a member of the Africa Progress Panel, advocating for equitable development in Africa. In 1986, Elizabeth II granted an honorary knighthood (KBE) to Geldof as recognition for his charitable endeavors in Africa. n addition to numerous other awards and nominations, Geldof was bestowed with the Man of Peace title, which acknowledges those who have made exceptional contributions to global social justice and peace. He also received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2005.
Bob Geldof is an Irish singer, songwriter, and political activist who led the Boomtown Rats and wrote hits like "Rat Trap" and "I Don't Like Mondays". He also organized Band Aid, Live Aid, and Live 8 and co-wrote "Do They Know It's Christmas?".
Bob Geldof was born on October 5th, 1951, in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, to parents Robert and Evelyn Geldof. His given name was Robert Frederick Zenon Geldof. He is Irish when it comes to his nationality and his ethnicity is Mixed. His paternal grandfather, Zenon Geldof, was a Belgian immigrant and a hotel chef while his paternal grandmother, Amelia Falk, was a British Jew from London of German-Jewish descent. Tragedy struck at a young age when he lost his mother to a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of six. Geldof faced further difficulties during his childhood when his classmates frequently bullied him due to his middle name, Zenon, and his poor rugby skills. Despite these challenges, Geldof attended Blackrock College before moving on to various odd jobs. He eventually secured a position as a music journalist for the Canadian weekly newspaper, The Georgia Straight, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Additionally, he hosted the children's program 'Switchback' for a brief period on the CBC.
Bob Geldof formed the punk rock group called 'Boomtown Rats' upon returning to Ireland in 1975. The band gained significant recognition in the UK with their first No. 1 single, "Rat Trap" in 1978. The band's second UK No. 1 single "I Don't Like Mondays", released in 1979, gained international attention, although it courted controversy as it was written in the aftermath of Brenda Ann Spencer's attempted massacre at an elementary school in San Diego, California.
In the year 1980, The Boomtown Rats released their album 'Mondo Bongo', with the single 'Up All Night' becoming a massive hit in the U.S. During the time, he gained widespread attention for his outspokenness, famously attacking the Catholic Church and Irish politicians during the Boomtown Rats' first appearance on "The Late Late Show" in Ireland, holding them responsible for various issues in the country. In the year 1986, he left the Boomtown Rats and started his solo career, producing hit singles such as "This Is The World Calling" and "The Great Song of Indifference". That same year, his autobiography "Is That It?" was released, becoming a best-seller in the UK.
He then occasionally performed with other artists, including a memorable partnership at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. He also briefly worked as a DJ for XFM Radio in 1998 but received criticism for announcing the death of Ian Dury, which turned out to be false. From 2000, he focused on campaigning for debt relief in developing countries and has not released any new music since his 2001 album, "Sex, Age & Death".
In 2002, he was listed among the 100 Greatest Britons in a public poll, despite not being British. Following the Live 8 concert, he released a box set of his solo albums in 2005 and toured afterward, but with mixed success. In 2006, he arrived at a concert venue in Milan to find that only 45 people had shown up, and he refused to perform. He later played a free concert for MTV Italy in Naples, which was well attended.
Bob Geldof, an Irish singer-songwriter, announced his engagement to French actress Jeanne Marine on 1 May 2014, after being in a relationship with her for 18 years. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in France on 28 April 2015. The happily married couple is enjoying their present life happily. They currently reside in Battersea, South London. Before marrying Jeanne Marine, Geldof was married to Paula Yates from June 1986 to 1996. Yates was a rock journalist, and later became the presenter of the music show The Tube which ran from 1982 to 1987. The couple had three daughters - Fifi Trixiebelle, Peaches Geldof, and Pixie Geldof. In 2014, Geldof lost his second daughter Peaches, at the age of 25, due to a heroin overdose. In 1995, Yates left Geldof for Michael Hutchence, the lead singer of INXS. With Michael, the couple had a child together, Tiger Lily Hutchence in July 1996. Geldof and Yates divorced in May 1996. After Michael's suicide in 1997 and Paula's death a few years later in 2000, Bob Geldof became the legal guardian of Tiger Lily and later adopted her.
Bob Geldof has an estimated net worth of around $170 million as of 2023. He has earned almost $250 million from his music career, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. He has also been on both the UK and US number-one charts. In addition, he has donated $150 million in the last 28 years, making him known for his philanthropic work. His main source of wealth is the music industry. In 2012, he was worth £32 million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. Geldof's salary is over $15 million, and his monthly income is more than $1 million. Despite being known as a singer and songwriter, he is also a best-selling author and a well-known activist. He has written revolutionary songs and has been ready to participate in a revolution. Geldof is recognized as one of the best Irish musicians of all time and has made significant contributions to music, literature, and activism. He is living a lavish lifestyle from his career earnings.
Bob Geldof stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and weighs around 85 kg. He has a lean and tall build. His hair color has turned to grey with age and he has striking blue eyes that are often described as his most distinctive feature. Despite being in his 70s, he has managed to maintain his physique and looks quite fit and healthy. He has always emphasized the importance of staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle, often promoting physical activity and exercise in his public appearances.
After leaving school, Geldof began his journalism career, writing for music magazines such as New Musical Express and Melody Maker. However, his desire for something new led him to move away from London and seek new opportunities. He found a teaching position in Spain, where he was able to teach English without needing any formal teaching credentials. Following his time in Spain, Geldof decided to try his luck in Canada. In Canada, he started out as a reporter and later became a music editor for Vancouver's underground newspaper, the Georgia Strait. This role allowed him to gain recognition and establish himself as a minor local celebrity. Although he had found success in Canada, Geldof was an illegal immigrant and needed to return to Ireland to obtain a proper visa. Despite this setback, his time in Canada helped shape his future career and inspire his activism, as he saw firsthand the social issues faced by marginalized communities.
Bob Geldof is renowned not only for his music but also for his activism, particularly his efforts to combat poverty in Africa. In 1984, he and Midge Ure established 'Band-Aid,' a charity group aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The next year, they organized the widely acclaimed charity super concert, 'Live Aid,' and later in 2005, the 'Live 8 Concerts.' Geldof currently advises the ONE Campaign, which he co-founded alongside fellow activist, Bono. He is also a member of the Africa Progress Panel (APP), a group of ten notable individuals who advocate for fair and sustainable development in Africa.
Bob Geldof was recognized for his charitable efforts in Africa and was granted an honorary knighthood (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. Despite being an Irish citizen, he is frequently referred to as "Sir Bob" due to the honorary award. Geldof received the award for his work in raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, which included the establishment of the charity group Band-Aid and the organization of the Live Aid benefit concerts. While Geldof is not entitled to use the title "Sir" in the formal sense, he is widely referred to as such due to the honor he received from the Queen. Geldof's philanthropic work has not only earned him a knighthood but also numerous other awards and titles, including the Man of Peace title and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
During his high school years, Bob Geldof experienced bullying due to his poor rugby skills and his middle name, Zenon. In his autobiography "Is That It?", Geldof recounts how his classmates would tease and taunt him, making fun of his name and athletic abilities. Despite the bullying, Geldof persisted and went on to become a successful musician and activist, using his platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for various causes. The experiences of being bullied in his youth may have shaped Geldof's perspective on social issues, fueling his desire to fight for marginalized communities and promote equality. In interviews, Geldof has spoken about the importance of standing up against bullying and discrimination, emphasizing the need for greater empathy and understanding in society. Overall, his experiences in high school demonstrate the lasting impact of bullying and the resilience of those who are able to overcome it.
Bob Geldof took on the lead role of 'Pink' in the 1982 British musical psychological drama film, "Pink Floyd - The Wall". The movie was based on Pink Floyd's 1979 album of the same name and was directed by Alan Parker, with the screenplay written by Pink Floyd's vocalist and bassist, Roger Waters. In the film, Geldof portrayed the troubled rock star 'Pink' who experiences a psychological breakdown after his father's death. As a result, he constructs a symbolic wall around himself to protect against the world, leading to his eventual descent into madness. Geldof's performance in the film was praised for his portrayal of the character's emotional journey and his ability to bring the album's themes to life on the big screen. The film was a critical and commercial success and remains a cult classic to this day.