Bob Geldof

Bob Geldof

Birth : 1951-10-05, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland

History

Robert Frederick Zenon "Bob" Geldof, KBE, (born 5 October 1951) is an Irish singer, songwriter, author, occasional actor and political activist. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Irish rock band The Boomtown Rats in the late 1970s and early 1980s alongside the punk rock movement. The band had hits with his compositions "Rat Trap" and "I Don't Like Mondays". He co-wrote "Do They Know It's Christmas?", one of the best-selling singles of all time. He starred as Pink in Pink Floyd's 1982 film Pink Floyd The Wall. Geldof is widely recognised for his activism, especially anti-poverty efforts concerning Africa. In 1984 he and Midge Ure founded the charity supergroup Band Aid to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. They went on to organise the charity super-concert Live Aid the following year and the Live 8 concerts in 2005. Geldof currently serves as an adviser to the ONE Campaign, founded by fellow Irish humanitarian Bono. A single father, Geldof has also been outspoken for the fathers' rights movement. Geldof has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II, and is a recipient of the Man of Peace title which recognises individuals who have made "an outstanding contribution to international social justice and peace", among numerous other awards and nominations. Description above from the Wikipedia article Bob Geldof, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Profile

Bob Geldof
Bob Geldof

Movies

Quintessentially Irish
Self
A celebration of all things Irish, from sweeping landscapes to traditions and quirky sense of humor.
The Greatest Night in Pop
Self (archive footage)
In 1985, 46 music icons, including Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder, came together for the most star-studded recording session in history. This is the untold story of the legendary global pop song “We Are the World” — which very nearly didn’t happen.
ABBA V Queen
Self (archive footage)
Interviews from band members, producers and others comparing two iconic bands - ABBA and Queen.
Doug and the Slugs and Me
Self
A POV documentary following filmmaker Teresa Alfeld's journey uncovering the story of her childhood best friend's dad, Doug Bennett, leader of the legendary 1980s Canadian party band Doug and the Slugs.
Citizens Of Boomtown: The Story of the Boomtown Rats
Himself
The story of The Boomtown Rats, who fought a conservative Ireland, broke through the UK punk scene, scored global No 1 hits and revolutionised the world with Bob Geldof’s Live Aid.
The Quiet One
Self
Featuring never-before-seen home movies and photographs, musician Bill Wyman opens up his vast personal archives to share stories and memories of his three-decade stint as bassist of the Rolling Stones.
Postcards from the 48%
This is a film made by the some of the 48% who voted Remain. The film is of the 48% and for the 48%. It is their story, feelings and reasons for remain, made totally from their perspective.
Jazz Open Stuttgart 2017 - Festival of World Stars and Child Prodigies
Self
Electric Burma: The Concert for Aung San Suu Kyi - Words I Never Said
Bono and others in a major Dublin, city wide event in honor of revered human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi.
London's Burning
Bob Geldof
A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats
Writer
A biography of the poet W. B. Yeats and his contribution to the Irish independence movement as a Protestant nationalist.
A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats
Himself
A biography of the poet W. B. Yeats and his contribution to the Irish independence movement as a Protestant nationalist.
Stranded: The Saints and the Birth of Punk
Self
The 1970s punk rock movement: New York had the Ramones, London had the Sex Pistols, Australia had the Saints. Stranded takes a look at the role four musicians from suburban Brisbane played in the explosion of one of the all time greatest musical movements. Featuring interviews with the members of the band, including its leaders Ed Kuepper and Chris Bailey, as well as the likes of Sir Bob geldof, former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra and Buzzcocks guitarist Steve Diggle, Stranded examines how the oppresive and conservative government of Joh Bjelke-Peterson in the 1970s helped act as a catalyst for the rise of punk rock in Australia, and how as a result The Saints went on to be one of the most influential bands in the country.
Bob Geldof - Berlin Live
Singer
Irish Rock at the BBC
A whistle-stop tour of rock from over the water, taking in some of the finest Irish rock offerings from the early 70s to the present day, as captured on a variety of BBC shows from The Old Grey Whistle Test and Top of the Pops to Later... with Jools Holland.
The Irish Rock Story: A Tale of Two Cities
Self
This musical celebration charts the lives and careers of some of the biggest selling acts in Irish rock, punk and pop from Van Morrison and Thin Lizzy to The Undertones and U2. From the pioneers of the showbands touring in the late 50s through to the modern day, the film examines their lineage and connections and how the hardcore, rocking sound of Belfast merged with the more melodic, folky Dublin tradition to form what we now recognise as Irish rock and pop.
Bob Geldof: The Moment
Himself
Bob Geldof grew up listening to the radio on the outskirts of Dublin, where his loneliness and resentment of prescribed drudgery manifested itself in an all-consuming desire to escape. It was an almost quintessential rock-star story — rebellion, transgression, fame, drugs, escapades, fading glory. That is, until he turned on the news one late-October evening in 1984 and saw a short story about a famine that moved him and changed his life. The next year, Mr. Geldof was in the Sahel region of Africa, overseeing distribution of the $140 million he and his fellow musicians ultimately helped to raise in one of the largest charity efforts ever organized.
Nichts als die Wahrheit - 30 Jahre Die Toten Hosen
Germany's most popular punk rock band "Die Toten Hosen" ("The dead pants") celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2012. In his film "Nichts als die Wahrheit - 30 Jahre Die Toten Hosen" ("Nothing but the truth - 30 years Die Toten Hosen"), established documentary filmmaker Eric Friedler succeeds at presenting an interior view of a band that evolved from an enfant terrible to a pop culture icon and whose work mirrors German history. Friedler takes the audience on a two-hour long roller coaster ride about success and failures.
Bad Girl
George
Louise simultaneously discovers that she is pregnant and that her mother is seriously ill. Happiness and guilt, euphoria and sadness, filial love and love, period. She'll need a good nine months to cope with all this.
Jools Holland: My Life in Music
Himself
Jools Holland takes us on a journey of his life that has made him the doyen of the music scene.
Ghost Blues: The Story of Rory Gallagher
Self
Ghost Blues follows the life and career of Rory Gallagher from his upbringing in Cork, his early days with a showband, the brief success of Taste and then his legendary solo career leading up to his health problems in later life and tragic death at the age of just 47. There are archive interviews, both audio and visual, with Rory and contributions from many of his friends and admirers including his brother Donal, Bob Geldof, The Edge, Cameron Crowe, Slash, Johnny Marr, James Dean Bradfield, Ronnie Drew, Bill Wyman, Martin Carthy, band members Ted McKenna and Gerry McAvoy and many more.
Starsuckers
Starsuckers is the most controversial documentary of the year, and was released in British cinemas in November 2009 to critical acclaim. It's a darkly humourous and shocking exposé of the celebrity obsessed media, that uncovers the real reasons behind our addiction to fame and blows the lid on the corporations and individuals who profit from it.
Moderne slaveri
There's 27 million slaves in the world today. We find them in the sex industry, as child soldiers, as unpaid housekeepers and in production and as shop workers. We have all a responsibility for this.
8
Himself
8 shorts centered around 8 themes directed by 8 famous film directors involved and sharing their opinion on progress, on the set-backs and the challenges our planet faces today.
The Pink Floyd Story: Which One's Pink?
Himself
Forty years after Britain's foremost 'underground' band released their debut album, 'Piper At The Gates Of Dawn', Pink Floyd remain one of the biggest brand names and best-loved bands in the world. This film features extended archive footage alongside original interviews with David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Nick Mason, and traces the journey of a band that has only ever had five members, three of whom have lead the band at different stages of its evolution. BBC Program
I Am Bob
Bob
On his way to a Make Poverty History gig in Scotland, Bob Geldof is accidentally stranded by an incompetent chauffeur in a run-down motel in Northern England. To his horror, he discovers a lookalike contest is taking place, and no-one will believe he is the real Bob Geldof. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, he discovers he may not be the only Bob Geldof in the room... Written by Linda Boulie
Best Ever Spitting Image
Self
A documentary about Spitting Image (1984) and the impact it had, including clips of the most memorable moments and contributions from many of the cast, crew and some of celebrities portrayed on the show.
Sketches of Frank Gehry
Himself
First and foremost, Frank Gehry is an artist. Described as a young child as having golden hands, Frank begins his creation through sketch. Forming thought into substantive sculpture, the marriage of art and architechure is brought to life. Join director Sydney Pollack on a journey into the world and work of the most important architect of our Age.
The World's Greatest Gigs
A countdown of the 20 greatest gigs of all-time as chosen by a panel of pundits, promoters and performers.
Live 8
Himself
On 2 July 2005 an estimated 3 billion people came together in the fight against extreme poverty. LIVE 8 - 10 concerts featuring over 1000 musicians from across the globe - asked people not for their money, but for their voice.
20 Years Ago Today - Live Aid
Himself
This concert film was created for the London premiére launch of Live Aid on dvd in November 2004. It contains selected highlights of the marathon fundraising concert that took place across two continents with worldwide TV coverage on july 13, 1985. The event was never re-broadcast and never available until the release of the Live Aid 4-dvd set almost 20 years later. The 52-minute premiére version allows you to relive the experience that was Live Aid with songs and excerpts from more than 40 live performances from the event
Live Aid Against All Odds
Himself
Documentary which traces the story of Live Aid from its humble beginnings, a pop tune cobbled together in the back seat of a taxi, to the eve of the biggest televised event ever. Artists from the time tell the story of the day that music rocked the world. Organiser Bob Geldof recalls how after 12 weeks of manic preparation, the big day finally arrived.
Stuck in the Middle
Himself
Novelist, broadcaster and former Art Of Noise member Paul Morley presents an overview of an evocative and sometimes cringe-inducing era of British pop music. Fifteen videos, band biographies and a new 5.1 sound mix make a must have package for a serious collector.
The Boomtown Rats: Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1978
New York Doll
A recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, Arthur "Killer" Kane, of the rock band The New York Dolls, is given a chance at reuniting with his band after 30 years.
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball ?
Himself
The Secret Policeman benefit shows for Amnesty International brought together comedy grand masters - from Python and Beyond the Fringe - and performers then relatively unknown, like Rowan Atkinson. Narrated by Dawn French, the programme includes interviews with many of the comedians and musicians who took part: John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Sting, Lenny Henry and many more. The shows and their stars had a huge effect on modern British comedy. There are few comics today whose careers have not been heavily influenced by the anarchic and surreal humour of these events.
Live Aid
Writer
4 × DVD, The broadcast of the biggest benefit concert in history, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. This entry is for the compilation box set released in 2004.
Live Aid
Self
4 × DVD, The broadcast of the biggest benefit concert in history, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. This entry is for the compilation box set released in 2004.
The Secret Policeman's Ball: The Music Edition
Himself
Compilation of all the best musical performances from Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball series. All the brilliant moments from the original Secret Policeman's Ball can be seen on this specially produced deluxe edition DVD. Featuring the day's finest talents, in the form of the Who's Pete Townshend, classical guitarist John Williams, Sting, Eric Clapton, Seal, Morrissey, this moment in musical history is truely deserving of DVD presentation.
The Old Fools
Narrator
A clear-eyed look at the inevitability of our demise, based on Philip Larkin’s poem of the same name.
There's Only One Paul McCartney
An affectionate portrait of the man and the musician in a week that sees the ex-Beatie playing at the Buckingham Palace concert. With contributions from Bono, Mike Myers , Dustin Hoffman , Meryl Streep , Cilia Black, Bob Geldof , Dale Winton , Travis and Richard Branson
Rat
Music
After a night of drinking Guiness at the local watering hole, an ordinary, working-class, family man in Dublin's life is turned upside-down when he wakes up as a rat.
Spice World
Bob
World famous pop group the Spice Girls zip around London in their luxurious double decker tour bus having various adventures and performing for their fans.
Diana & Me
Self
Australian Diana Spencer wins a competition in a women's magazine, and as a prize gets a trip for two to London, where she wants to meet her idol and namesake, Princess Diana. She goes there with her fiance, Mark, but during the garden party the Princess plans to attend, things get mixed up and Aussie Diana gets arrested with Paparazzi photographer Rob. Diana really wants to meet the Princess and follows Rob as he searches for Princess Di to take some photos.
Smashie and Nicey, the End of an Era
Himself
A mockumentary, rockumentary featuring the spoof radio DJ's from Harry Enfield's sketch shows. Telling of their rise to fame, their influence on music history and fall from grace in a parody of real life radio presenters.
Bob Geldof - Geldof goes Goondiwindi
Producer
Bob Geldof - Geldof goes Goondiwindi
Sänger
The Return of Spinal Tap
Self (extended version)
Spinal Tap is back in a whole new feature-length rockumentary. Go behind the scenes and find out where the somewhat-less-than-fab three (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer) are now -- and where it all began in Squatney, England. Also, catch up with director Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner), ex-Polymer marketing whiz Artie Fufkin (Paul Shaffer), and Jeanine (June Chadwick), who now owns a shop specializing in itchy Irish clothing.
Pavarotti & Friends
Himself
Pavarotti & Friends
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
Himself
A live concert in tribute to Freddie Mercury, former lead singer of Queen. Mercury died of AIDS and so some of the proceeds of this concert went to AIDS research. Features performers such as Metallica, Def Leppard, Elton John, Axl Rose, Extreme, George Michael, and many others. Performers alternate between doing their own hits, covering Queen songs, or jamming with the surviving members of Queen.
Bernard and the Genie
Himself
Bernard Bottle, a mild mannered art buyer, is fired by his greedy boss, abandoned by his girlfriend and discovers a genie in an old bottle. The genie immediately embraces the modern world and helps Bernard on the side.
Coast to Coast
Himself - Scruffy Person (uncredited)
Two guys meet, one American, a deserter from the US army, one Brit, and they are drawn together by their mutual love of Soul music. Neither being gainfully employed they decide to start a mobile disco service for fellow soul lovers, which leads them to buy an ice cream van, and the adventure begins. Before long they find themselves on the run from the bad guys and the police.
The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball
Himself
When the British Amnesty shows finally resumed in 1987 after a six-year hiatus, the show format was retooled in an effort to take advantage of the growing number of rock musicians supporting Amnesty. Instead of the live show being primarily a comedy show with a few musical cameos, the event made a point of giving equal emphasis to the comedy and the music.
Max Headroom's Giant Christmas Turkey
Himself
An extra long special where "computer-generated" host from the future Max Headroom sings humorous holiday songs and interviews guests, along with a couple odd skits. Produced as part of the HBO talk show spin-off of the BBC science fiction series.
The Comic Relief Utterly Utterly Rude Video Live
In April 1986, inspired by the previous summer's bombastic Live Aid event and the success of Amnesty's first four Secret Policeman's Ball shows, the UK's alternative comedy scene (and a few of the old guard) put on a fund-raising comedy revue at The Shaftesbury Theatre, London. The show's took place on 4-6 April, a recording was broadcast by the BBC on 25 April.
An Audience with Billy Connolly
Self - Audience Member (uncredited)
Billy Connolly delivers his special brand of stand-up comedy and abrasive humour in front of a celebrity audience.
Live Aid
Scenario Writer
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"
Live Aid
Self
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"
Number One
Harry 'Flash' Gordon
A down on his luck Irishman in London decides to play snooker for money.
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song
We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song is a documentary which examines how the song was written, how producer Quincy Jones and songwriters Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie persuaded some of the most popular performers in America to donate their services to the project, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the marathon recording session that produced the single.
Pink Floyd: The Wall
Pink
A troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
Himself
Following the success of the 1979 show and the financial benefits accruing to Amnesty from the spin-off movie, TV special and record albums – Cleese, Lewis and Walker planned the next show to be a more spectacular event. Cleese focused on broadening the comedic talent to be presented at the show. In addition to the Amnesty show stalwarts drawn from the Oxbridge/Monty Python/Beyond The Fringe orbit, he invited newcomers such as Rowan Atkinson’s colleagues from the BBC TV show Not the Nine O'Clock News including Pamela Stephenson and Griff Rhys Jones; comedian Victoria Wood and regional comic Jasper Carrott. Lewis secured a return appearance by Billy Connolly and a debut appearance by "alternative" comedian Alexei Sayle who Lewis had recently discovered and was managing. Building on the success of Pete Townshend's 1979 appearance Lewis recruited other rock musicians to perform at the 1981 show including Sting, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Donovan and Bob Geldof.
The Other Side of the Wall
A behind-the-scenes look at Roger Waters and Alan Parker’s 1982 film, “The Wall”
Punk in London
Self
A visual record of London punk life in the late '70s, filled with never-before-seen live concert footage and commentary from the Clash, the Jam, X-Ray Spex and the Electric Chairs.
The Boomtown Rats Live in Japan 1980
The Boomtown Rats Live in Japan, Tokyo 1980
'Do They Know It's Christmas?' - The Story Of The Official Band Aid Video
Himself
A 30-minute video featuring documentary footage shot at the November 1984 recording session of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'. It includes interviews with the charity supergroup's recording artists and musicians, as well as the completed promotional video.