Sir Bob Geldof

A global visionary, musician, activist, and philanthropist known for his remarkable achievements and tireless efforts in driving positive change, with his unparalleled charisma and captivating storytelling abilities, Sir Bob Geldof has been engaging audiences worldwide for decades, addressing critical issues and inspiring individuals to make a difference.

He is not just well informed about African famines and aid organisations, but also about British and American politics, global communications and business issues.

Sir Bob is, in his own words, “an unreasonable pain in the arse”. This is a good thing, he says, because it's a prerequisite for any true entrepreneur. As the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw once said: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world, while the unreasonable man persists in adapting the world to him”.

This, in essence, is the entrepreneurial method: solve a problem you find intolerable, and you will probably end up with a product or service that others are willing to pay for. Apply the same principle to social problems and, potentially, you can save the world.

Sir Bob Geldof is one of Ireland's most successful exports and is known throughout the world for his many talents and passions. Starting his career as a successful musician, actor and songwriter, he has gone on to both inspire a generation and make prolific social changes as a philanthropist and political activist. An inspiring and influential public speaker, he speaks on a range of topics and uses his vast personal experiences to both provoke and motivate his audience.

Shooting to fame as the lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof was a major player in the 70s punk rock movement and enjoyed over a decade of hits between 1975 and 1986, including "Rat Trap", "I Don't Like Mondays" and "Up All Night". After leaving the band, he launched a successful solo career, published his best-selling autobiography, "Is That It?" and worked as a radio DJ, journalist and television presenter.

In 1984 Geldof was watching the news one night when he was horrified by a report on the famine in Ethiopia. As we all now know he got on the phone. The result was the all-star band aid and the song he co-wrote with Midge Ure – "Do They Know it's Christmas?", which went on to sell over three million copies and become the biggest selling song in the UK.

Six months later, on July 13, 1985, came Live Aid – "the biggest and greatest event in pop history". $200 million was raised for the starving and the dying in Ethiopia. Geldof established and continues to be the chairman of the Band Aid trust, which operates in eight African countries.

Following a further two decades of determined charity work and activism, Geldof went on to organise the Live 8 concerts. Part of the Make Poverty History campaign, the Live 8 project consisted of 6 concerts across the world and aimed to raise awareness of the plight in Africa, including poverty, hunger, government debt and the AIDs epidemic.

Geldof currently serves as an adviser to the One Campaign, co-founded by fellow Irish rock singer and activist Bono, and was a member of the Africa Progress Panel. He was a member of prime minister Blair's Commission For Africa and is currently Founder and Chair of the 8 Miles private equity fund for investment in Africa.

Bob Geldof has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 8 times, more than any living nominee, and was honoured with a knighthood by HM Queen Elizabeth II; received the Nobel Man of Peace award from Mikhail Gorbachev; was awarded The North-South human rights award in Portugal; and awarded the medal of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France.

Additionally, Geldof has received numerous TV and music awards including The Ivor Novello Awards, The BRIT Awards, BAFTAs and The Royal Society, Peabody and Royal Geographical Society awards.

Sir Bob is internationally recognised as a leading authority on world politics, international and current affairs, music, humanitarian issues, philanthropy, poverty, human rights and Africa.

Sir Bob Geldof’s motivational keynote presentations are highly provocative, uplifting and inspiring. He motivates audiences through his own personal experiences and the lessons learned from producing the Live Aid concert.

He is one of the highest ranked and most authoritative corporate speakers, conference keynote producers and after dinner speakers on the circuit. Sir Bob is an influential and inspiring speaker, highly entertaining and with great insight into the socio-political and upliftment arenas as well as leadership, communications, marketing in the global village, motivation and self-development.

By having Bob Geldof as the keynote speaker at your event, you can expect the following benefits:

Unforgettable Inspiration — Bob's presence on stage is electric, and his words resonate deeply with audiences of all backgrounds. Through his compelling personal anecdotes, he offers unique perspectives on leadership, social responsibility, and driving meaningful change. Bob's unwavering commitment to making a difference serves as a powerful catalyst for audience members to take action and create a better world.

Valuable Insights — Bob Geldof's extensive experience as a renowned musician, political activist, and humanitarian provides him with a wealth of insights across a wide range of topics. He can discuss leadership strategies, social entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and navigating complex global issues, captivating your audience with thought-provoking ideas and practical takeaways.

Global Influence — Sir Bob's international acclaim and influence give your event a truly global perspective. He has worked with world leaders, collaborated with influential figures, and spearheaded numerous humanitarian initiatives. Having Bob Geldof share his experiences and interactions with global influencers will provide your audience with a unique and invaluable perspective on navigating today's interconnected world.

Uniting Purpose and Profit — Bob Geldof possesses a profound understanding of the intersection between purpose-driven initiatives and business success. He can inspire your audience to embrace social responsibility, highlighting the powerful role corporations play in driving positive change and making a meaningful impact on society.

Lasting Impressions — Beyond his captivating presence on stage, Bob Geldof leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Attendees will not only be inspired but also feel compelled to take action, transforming your event into a catalyst for change within your organisation and the wider community.

Sir Bob Geldof’s primary keynote speech topics include:
• Leadership
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Making a difference
• Renewables and sustainables – A greener future
• Branding and communications
• A changing world – The Boomtown Rats to Live 8
• Motivation
• Anecdotal on his own life and lived experiences

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Clients often ask about purchasing books for giveaways and delegate packs. Below you’ll find a selection of products by Sir Bob Geldof. Click the images to view on Amazon's website. For bulk orders, please speak with your Booking Agent.