Born:
October 05, 1954
in
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Best Known For:
Band Aid.
Early-life:
Born Robert Frederick Xenon Geldof on October 5, 1954, in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. His mother died of a brain haemorrhage when he was seven. His father, a travelling salesman, was away a lot, so he learned to be independent. After an unimpressive school career, he organised local CND and anti-apartheid groups, and worked with the needy while making ends meet as a labourer, slaughterman, and in a factory. He then went travelling, and in Canada bluffed his way into running an underground music magazine.
Career:
On returning to Dublin, Geldof formed the Boomtown Rats. The band moved to London in the mid-1970s, and a string of hits followed, including I Don't Like Mondays, Rat Trap, and She's So Modern. By 1984 Geldof was busy organising charity single Do They Know It's Christmas? and, a year later, the massive concert Live Aid, inspired by news reports showing millions starving in Ethiopia. He was awarded an honorary knighthood for his charity work and his autobiography became a best-seller. Since then, he has continued to record, and remains a dedicated campaigner for various issues. He has also worked as a radio DJ, and in 1992 established Channel 4 series The Big Breakfast.
Quote:
'I'm sure I'm very difficult to live with because of my make-up and personality.'
Trivia:
In 2013, Geldof was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.