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Bob Geldof Facts & Worksheets

Bob Geldof is an Irish musician, philanthropist, political activist, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in the 1970s as part of the band Boomtown Rats.

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Bob Geldof is an Irish musician, philanthropist, political activist, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in the 1970s as part of the band Boomtown Rats.

See the fact file below for more information on Bob Geldof, or you can download our 22-page Bob Geldof worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE

  • Robert Frederick Zenon Geldof was born on October 5, 1951, in Dún Laoghaire, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. He was the second of five children in a Catholic family. His father, Robert Geldof, worked as a chauffeur, and his mother, Evelyn Geldof, was a housewife.  
  • Geldof attended Blackrock College, a prestigious private school in Dublin. However, he often clashed with the strict disciplinary environment and rebelled against authority, foreshadowing his later rebellious nature.  
  • Geldof’s interest in music developed during his teenage years. He taught himself how to play the guitar and formed his first band, The Lasers. 
  • This early exposure to music ignited his passion for performing and would eventually lead him to form The Boomtown Rats.
  • In addition to music, Geldof had a keen interest in the arts.
  • He attended drama classes and was involved in theater productions during his school years. This exposure to the arts nurtured his creativity and provided a platform for self-expression.
  • Geldof grew up during a period of social and political turmoil in Ireland. The civil rights movement, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s all played a role in shaping his worldview and fueling his desire for social change.
  • The civil rights movement in the United States, particularly the activism of Martin Luther King Jr., had a significant impact on Geldof. 
  • The struggle for equality and justice resonated with him and influenced his commitment to fighting injustice and inequality throughout his life.        

MUSIC CAREER

  • Geldof’s musical journey began with The Boomtown Rats, a band he formed in 1975. With his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, Geldof became the driving force behind the band’s success.
  • The Boomtown Rats achieved commercial success and critical acclaim with hits like “Rat Trap” and “I Don’t Like Mondays.” Their music not only entertained audiences but also tackled social and political issues, reflecting Geldof’s desire to use his platform for more than just entertainment.
  • In 1984, Geldof’s life took a dramatic turn when he saw the devastating images of the Ethiopian famine on television. Deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed, he decided to take action. 
  • Inspired by the power of music to unite people, Geldof co-wrote the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” with Midge Ure, the lead singer of Ultravox. The song was recorded by an ensemble of renowned British and Irish musicians under the name Band Aid. Released in December 1984, the single aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
  • “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” became an unprecedented success, topping the charts in multiple countries and generating substantial donations. 
  • The song not only showcased Geldof’s talent as a songwriter but also marked the beginning of his transformation into a humanitarian activist. 
  • Encouraged by the impact of Band Aid, Geldof set his sights on organizing a massive benefit concert to further support famine relief efforts.
  • The result was Live Aid, a groundbreaking event held on July 13, 1985, at Wembley Stadium in London.
  • Simultaneously taking place in London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s John F. Kennedy Stadium, Live Aid featured an unparalleled lineup of musical acts, including Queen, U2, Elton John, Madonna, and David Bowie, among others. 
  • The concert was broadcast to a global audience estimated at 1.9 billion people, making it one of the largest television broadcasts in history.

PHILANTHROPY

  • Live Aid not only raised an immense amount of money for famine relief but also brought worldwide attention to the cause. 
  • Geldof’s unwavering commitment and organizational skills were instrumental in the success of the event. 
  • His passionate plea for action resonated with millions, inspiring them to contribute to the fight against poverty and hunger.
  • In recognition of his humanitarian work, Geldof was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986, becoming Sir Bob Geldof. 
  • The honor acknowledged his significant contributions to the betterment of society and elevated his status as a prominent advocate for global change. 
  • Geldof’s philanthropic efforts did not end with Live Aid, as he continued championing causes close to his heart.
  • In the years following Live Aid, Geldof organized several other charitable events, such as Sport Aid in 1986 and Fashion Aid in 1987. These initiatives sought to use the power of sports and fashion to raise funds and awareness for various humanitarian causes.
  • Geldof’s ability to rally celebrities, public figures, and ordinary individuals demonstrated his capacity to mobilize support on a grand scale.
  • Geldof’s dedication to Africa’s development and welfare led him to co-found DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) in 2002. DATA aimed to advocate for increased international assistance, fair trade practices, debt relief, and improved healthcare in Africa. 
  • The organization played a significant role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the continent and engaging world leaders on these issues.

OTHER ENDEAVORS

  • In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Geldof has ventured into other areas, including business and writing. 
  • He co-founded the television production company Planet 24, which produced popular shows such as “The Big Breakfast” and “The Word.” 
  • Geldof’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to explore digital media, as he co-founded the online travel company Deckchair.com and the social networking site Groupcall.
  • Geldof is also an accomplished author. In 1986, he published his autobiography, “Is That It?” which provided insights into his personal life, musical career, and activism. 
  • He has also authored books on world affairs and politics, showcasing his intellectual engagement and desire to share his perspectives on global issues.
  • Geldof has been involved in politics beyond his activism. In 2005, he considered running for the leadership of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) but eventually decided against it.
  • He has also been vocal about environmental issues and climate change. He has supported initiatives promoting sustainable development and renewable energy sources.
  • In recent years, Geldof has returned to the music scene. In 2013, The Boomtown Rats reunited and released a new album, “Back to Boomtown: Classic Rats Hits.” They have since been performing live shows.
  • Continued Activism: Even in his 70s, Geldof remains dedicated to activism and humanitarian causes. He continues to raise awareness and advocate for issues such as poverty, social justice, and human rights.

PERSONAL LIFE

  • Throughout his life, Geldof has faced personal challenges and tragedies, including the deaths of his former wife, Paula Yates, and their daughter Peaches Geldof. 
  • Despite these hardships, he has remained dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Geldof’s ability to combine his musical talents with his commitment to humanitarian causes has left an indelible mark, inspiring others to use their platforms for the greater good.
  • In summary, Bob Geldof is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to music, philanthropy, activism, and entrepreneurship. 
  • His work as the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats catapulted him to fame, but his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes truly sets him apart. His legacy as a musician, philanthropist, and activist will continue to inspire generations to come.

Bob Geldof Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Bob Geldof across 22 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Bob Geldof. Bob Geldof is an Irish musician, philanthropist, political activist, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in the 1970s as part of the band Boomtown Rats.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Bob Geldof Facts
  2. All About Bob
  3. Molding a Career
  4. “This is the World Calling”
  5. “Banana Republic”
  6. “Love Like a Rocket”
  7. “The Great Song of Indifference”
  8. A New Band
  9. Bob’s Maxims
  10. Making a Good Song
  11. Making a Difference

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Bob Geldof?

Bob Geldof is an Irish singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. He was born on October 5, 1951, in Dublin, Ireland. Geldof gained international fame as the lead singer of the Irish rock band The Boomtown Rats during the late 1970s and 1980s. He is also known for his humanitarian work, particularly his efforts to combat poverty and hunger in Africa.

What is Bob Geldof’s involvement in the Band Aid and Live Aid initiatives?

In 1984, Bob Geldof founded the Band Aid charity supergroup to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The group recorded the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and released it as a single, with proceeds going toward famine relief efforts. The success of the song inspired the Live Aid concert, a massive dual-venue benefit concert held in London and Philadelphia on July 13, 1985. Geldof co-organized the event, which featured some of the biggest names in the music industry, and aimed to raise funds to alleviate the Ethiopian famine. Live Aid raised millions of dollars and remains one of the most significant charitable efforts in music history.

What other philanthropic work has Bob Geldof been involved in?

Beyond Band Aid and Live Aid, Bob Geldof has been actively involved in various humanitarian efforts. He has traveled to Africa numerous times and campaigned for increased aid and awareness to address poverty, famine, and disease in the region. Geldof co-founded the charity organization “Live 8” in 2005, which aimed to pressure G8 leaders to increase aid to Africa and address issues related to global poverty.

What are some of Bob Geldof’s musical achievements?

As the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof achieved success with several hit singles, including “I Don’t Like Mondays” and “Rat Trap.” The Boomtown Rats were one of the leading new wave/punk rock bands in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Geldof’s musical contributions earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Has Bob Geldof been involved in any other ventures or activities?

In addition to his music and humanitarian work, Bob Geldof has had a diverse career. He has been a successful author, television presenter, and actor. Geldof has also been an active public speaker on various topics, including politics, economics, and social issues. He continues to be an influential figure in both the music industry and the realm of humanitarian efforts.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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