“Most people get into bands for three very simple rock and roll reasons: to get laid, to get fame, and to get rich.” Bob Geldof

As an author, political activist and internationally-renowned co-founder of the hugely successful Band Aid and Live Aid famine relief initiatives, it’s hard to believe that Bob Geldof was once ‘merely’ the lead singer of legendary Irish band The Boomtown Rats. Joseph O’Connor described Tales of Boomtown Glory, a collection of the complete lyrics from The Boomtown Rats and Geldof’s solo albums, as “great Irish short stories. I’m not sure you can exclude these from the canon of Irish literature at the end of the 20th century.” Tales of Boomtown Glory includes an introduction and 25 song stories written by Geldof, plus unreleased material from his notebooks and background stories to the songs.

Despite describing himself simply as ‘a musician’, Geldof has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize eight times; received the Nobel Man of Peace Award from Mikhail Gorbachev; was awarded the North-South human rights medal and The EU Gold Medal amongst other awards. His TV and Music awards include Ivor Novellos, Brits, a BASCA Treble Clef, BAFTAs and The Royal Society, Peabody and Royal Geographical Society Awards.

Bob Geldof is in conversation with Niall Stokes , editor of popular music and politics magazine, Hot Press.

Telling Tales of Boomtown Glory with Bob Geldof