MimeRifle
10-05-2011, 08:17 AM
Bob Geldof turns 60 today. An artist and activist, former leader of the band The Boomtown Rats he later co-wrote the song "Do They Know it's Christmas", performed by the all-star arrangement called Band Aid - the proceeds benefited famine relief in Africa. This started an enormous groundswell of support for the cause and Geldof later organized the first Live Aid concert for the same purpose.
Artists and other celebrities who become active in political/humanitarian causes are often controversial, and it can turn off the casual fan. I for one have a ton of respect for someone who can effectively use fame as a pulpit to help others. Right on, Bob!!
You may also remember Bob as the character "Pink" in the movie Pink Floyd's The Wall - he's the one that totally creeped you out by shaving his eyebrows off and floating in the pool... you may not know that character was an homage to founding Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett, the original singer and primary songwriter in the band. One very ironic day in 1975, while Pink Floyd was recording "Shine on You Crazy Diamond", a song about Barrett, at Abbey Road studio in London, Syd visited the studio uninvited and unannounced. He had shaved all his hair, including his eyebrows. It was the last time most of the people associated with the band ever saw Syd in person.
Happy October 5 to Bob - and all you fine Legends out there (who may also have a birthday!)
Artists and other celebrities who become active in political/humanitarian causes are often controversial, and it can turn off the casual fan. I for one have a ton of respect for someone who can effectively use fame as a pulpit to help others. Right on, Bob!!
You may also remember Bob as the character "Pink" in the movie Pink Floyd's The Wall - he's the one that totally creeped you out by shaving his eyebrows off and floating in the pool... you may not know that character was an homage to founding Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett, the original singer and primary songwriter in the band. One very ironic day in 1975, while Pink Floyd was recording "Shine on You Crazy Diamond", a song about Barrett, at Abbey Road studio in London, Syd visited the studio uninvited and unannounced. He had shaved all his hair, including his eyebrows. It was the last time most of the people associated with the band ever saw Syd in person.
Happy October 5 to Bob - and all you fine Legends out there (who may also have a birthday!)