Bob Geldof Biography

Irish singer, songwriter, and political activist Bob Geldof was born Robert Frederick Zenon Geldof in 1951 in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. Before rising to prominence in the music industry, Geldof worked a variety of odd jobs, until he was hired to work as a journalist for the music publication The Georgia Straight. The experience led to his interest in a career as a musician, and so in 1975 he founded the Boomtown Rats, a punk-rock group which rose to fame with their 1978 number one hit, “Rat Trap.”

Bob Geldof remained with the Boomtown Rats until 1986, at which time he launched his own solo career. During this time, he became known for his very outspoken, often colorful interviews, in which he expressed very strong views on politics and religion. But it was the charity-driven collaboration, “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” which he co-wrote and produced, that became one of the best-selling singles of all time, bringing Geldof to the national stage. The single, meant to raise funds for famine relief in Ethopia, led to the live “Band Aid” events, and then the “Live Aid” events, and then the Live 8 concert series. Ultimately, Geldof has became most famous for his activism and philanthropic endeavors.

Today, Bob Geldof serves as an advisor to fellow musician Bono’s ONE Campaign. Geldof has been recognized with numerous awards for his charity work, including an honorary Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II, entitling him to use the letter “KBE” after his name. He also received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2005.

Most recently, Geldof announced the reunion of the Boomtown Rats, which began performing again in 2013 starting at that year’s Isle of Wight Festival. The group recently released new material and is expected to continue performing and trouring in the coming years.