Songs and stories from Bob Geldof

MUSICIAN and activist Bob Geldof will visit Australia next month, with Tweed Heads hosting his only regional show on April 3.

An Evening with Bob Geldof: Songs and Stories from an Extraordinary Life promises tales and tunes – personal moments within the broader cultural context that shaped his life.

From his teenage years in Dublin to his groundbreaking music career and tireless activism, Geldof will share his passion for justice and reveal the man behind the headlines.

Geldof fronted the late ’70s and 80s punk rock band the Boomtown Rats. The 1979 mega hit I Don’t Like Mondays was universal and persistent in the soundtrack of ’80s and ’90s teens, despite its dark themes of a senselessly tragic US school shooting the band encountered on tour.

Co-writing charity project Band Aid’s anthem Do They Know It’s Christmas? with friend and musician Midge Ure of Ultravox, the track featured almost all of the most successful music artists of the generation, and became the UK’s 1984 Christmas number one, and the best-selling British pop single ever at that time.

Band Aid evolved into Live Aid in 1985 – the first international multi-site, real-time, two-day concert broadcast across the globe that raised an estimated 150 million pounds for famine-stricken Ethiopia.

In the wake of the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, arguably one of the world’s most high-profile charitable events, Geldof has spoken widely on its legacy and the enormous work still to be done.

Colloquially and incorrectly called Sir Bob, Geldof received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1986 for the achievement. He was the first UK artist to be knighted, although as an Irish citizen, the moniker is ceremonial only, and he is referred to as Bob Geldof KBE.

Candid, charismatic and dry-humoured, Geldof is known for his passionate views and abiding devotion to his activism.

The night of music, anecdotes, and insights will appeal to fans of all generations interested in global justice and poverty alleviation.

A VIP package includes an A Reserve seat, a tour gift and souvenir VIP lanyard, a once-in-a-lifetime meet and greet, and a photo opportunity with the man himself.

For information and tickets, head to twintowns.com.au/events/bob-geldof