[Cherie]

Some of the comments in this thread so Bob Geldof wanted to do use his contacts and his profile to raise money to stop an deadly disease, and he is demonised for it? Yes it is a bunch of celebs singing, but in the main a bunch of celebs who really don't need any extra publicity right now, Bono, Ed Sheeran, ID actually got out of their beds on a gloomy November afternoon to come together to record the song, yes we all give to charity in some way shape or form, but do we get off our arses to actually do anything, I don't, so I can't say I am in a position to criticise people who do whatever their status in life, and as for people dragging Peaches into the debate...really, people grief in different ways, maybe this is Bob's way, by throwing himself into a project? Buy the song don't buy the song, we are lucky we have a choice.

[Josy]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I completely agree. I literally cannot stand Geldof, and he's only getting worse over time. Also, this is what he had to say of Adele for not playing along with his little celeb circle-wank:



... Yes Bob. She's raising a family. Awful, isn't it? Who does she think she is?? Maybe she should spend a little less time raising her family and a little more time inflating her own ego to the point of overblown messiah complex, until said family ends up so miserable that they end up killing themselves with a massive heroin overdose. Like a PROPER celebrity family, goshdarnit!!

Disgusting comment.

[Josy]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Some of the comments in this thread so Bob Geldof wanted to do use his contacts and his profile to raise money to stop an deadly disease, and he is demonised for it? Yes it is a bunch of celebs singing, but in the main a bunch of celebs who really don't need any extra publicity right now, Bono, Ed Sheeran, ID actually got out of their beds on a gloomy November afternoon to come together to record the song, yes we all give to charity in some way shape or form, but do we get off our arses to actually do anything, I don't, so I can't say I am in a position to criticise people who do whatever their status in life, and as for people dragging Peaches into the debate...really, people grief in different ways, maybe this is Bob's way, by throwing himself into a project? Buy the song don't buy the song, we are lucky we have a choice.

Great post Cherie.

[joeysteele]

Well anyone who can get this Chancellor to forego the tax on a project is doing pretty good for me.

I do,I admit find Bob Geldof annoying at times but I think from all I have heard from the time,as I wasn't born then, that the first 'Band Aid' record and concert was an amazing project that not only raised massive funds but was greatly entertaining for the masses too.

This project now I also agree with him on, no one really knows for sure where ebola will get to or how bad it could get.
Music is a major way to reach masses of people and despite all that has so far been done,it is still a possible threat worldwide.
So all the help and projects that can be done to raise more funding can only be a welcome and good thing.

I won't really go into his Daughter,as a Parent, he will be tormented likely at what happened to her,going through all sorts of emotions.

He can come across as arrogant and demanding but he clearly believes in some causes so sets out to do what he can.
He does seem to have the knack of being able to bring musicians into his projects such as this with ease.
So well done to him and I am glad it is being so strongly supported too.

It is easy to criticise those who organise and plan projects to help with causes or emergencies that arise at any time but as someone said, buy the recording and support it or choose to avoid the whole process,that is everyones right to do.

I doubt I could ever organise and set up something like this that will bring in loads of voluntary funding for anything and although I don't greatly care for Bob Geldof,I will always give him credit for his efforts on this and other things he has done in the past too.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Jeez what a rotten thing to say

Yes. It is rotten. I'm not saying the man isn't in horrendous pain over the death of his daughter - you only have to look at him to know that.

But, anyone who believes that Peaches' heroin problem - and her mother's heroin problem, for that matter - was not at least partly (in reality, largely) a product of Mr Geldof's narcissism is not being pragmatic. It's obvious and typical. The children of SO MANY celebrities grow up to have serious personal issues. Are we supposed to simply put that down to coincidence? It isn't. And Bob's comments to Adele prove this. He sneeringly and sarcastically suggested that she was being irresponsible for putting "her family, don't you know" ahead of what the thinks is an all-important celebrity crusade. This confirms what anyone who has observed Band Aid over the last few decades must already suspect: that Mr Geldof has put his status, his celebrity, and his crusades in Africa ahead of his family and that there have been tragic consequences.

Ignore it if you please, call me disgusting for saying so if you will (I must have forgotten that he still has his "recently deceased family member" invincibility status buff active and is therefore immune to criticism for at least 5 years) but let it be known that I refuse to be patronized by a raging ****ing hypocrite. Or an entire group of them with microphones, for that matter.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by joeysteele

He does seem to have the knack of being able to bring musicians into his projects such as this with ease.

Have you read about what happened with Adele, Joey? He contacted her for this and she politely declined and made a separate (large) donation... so he went to the press shaming her for it, making her out to be irresponsible and selfish.

That is his "knack" - guilting people into doing these things for him by slandering their public image by painting them as uncaring and uncharitable if they don't immediately jump at the chance to be a part of his "projects". We could all have the same "knack", if we cared to be bullying *******s. Could we not?

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Some of the comments in this thread so Bob Geldof wanted to do use his contacts and his profile to raise money to stop an deadly disease, and he is demonised for it? Yes it is a bunch of celebs singing, but in the main a bunch of celebs who really don't need any extra publicity right now, Bono, Ed Sheeran, ID actually got out of their beds on a gloomy November afternoon to come together to record the song, yes we all give to charity in some way shape or form, but do we get off our arses to actually do anything, I don't, so I can't say I am in a position to criticise people who do whatever their status in life, and as for people dragging Peaches into the debate...really, people grief in different ways, maybe this is Bob's way, by throwing himself into a project? Buy the song don't buy the song, we are lucky we have a choice.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Have you read about what happened with Adele, Joey? He contacted her for this and she politely declined and made a separate (large) donation... so he went to the press shaming her for it, making her out to be irresponsible and selfish.

That is his "knack" - guilting people into doing these things for him by slandering their public image by painting them as uncaring and uncharitable if they don't immediately jump at the chance to be a part of his "projects". We could all have the same "knack", if we cared to be bullying *******s. Could we not?

Have you not read Marsh's post on this and followed up with a simple google search to confirm if this malicious report that you are spreading is true?

http://news.sky.com/story/1374910/bo...-aid-song-snub

Bob Geldof has told Sky News that reports Adele snubbed the recording of the new Band Aid 30 single are "complete nonsense".

It had been claimed that the singer had been approached about appearing on Do They Know It's Christmas? alongside a host of other huge music stars but was a no-show.

Geldof said rumours he had phoned her 100 times were totally untrue: "I didn't call Adele at all because I don't have her number.

"There is no snub. I am only aware of this this morning, it's nonsense. Complete nonsense."

Geldof also used some colourful language to express his opinion about those who have criticised Band Aid's legacy and the musicians involved.

[Niamh.]

I'm actually astounded that people are getting so up in arms about a person wanting to do something for charity, I swear you can't do right for doing wrong sometimes

TS I'm seriously not going to get into a debate with you on whether Bob Geldof was responsible for his ex wife and daughters drug addiction, it's revolting how you can come to that conclusion when you don't have a clue about his personal life. And anyway how could anyone be blamed for another adults poor choices?

[Crimson Dynamo]

Its the fact that not only do we give hundreds of millions to Africa but we have also done more this year than any nation to help with money, supplies and people. Its 3 small african countries that have no proper sweage system, are backward and superstitious and have poor infrastructure.

This assuaging ones concious vanity project is misguided and patronising

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Its the fact that not only do we give hundreds of millions to Africa but we have also done more this year than any nation to help with money, supplies and people. Its 3 small african countries that have no proper sweage system, are backward and superstitious and have poor infrastructure.

This assuaging ones concious vanity project is misguided and patronising

so don't buy the single if you're that cynical

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I'm actually astounded that people are getting so up in arms about a person wanting to do something for charity, I swear you can't do right for doing wrong sometimes

TS I'm seriously not going to get into a debate with you on whether Bob Geldof was responsible for his ex wife and daughters drug addiction, it's revolting how you can come to that conclusion when you don't have a clue about his personal life. And anyway how could anyone be blamed for another adults poor choices?

I have plenty of admiration for charitable people and have done charitable work myself. It winds me up when people pretend to be altruistic when in fact they are all about vanity and pride.

Whether or not he can in fact "save Africa with his buddies" remains to be seen. Seems unlikely, but whatever. Maybe it will help, and at least that would be a positive side-effect of his constant self promotion. But let's not pretend he is a philanthropist. He is a narcissist, and his quest has little to do with anyone but himself.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Have you not read Marsh's post on this and followed up with a simple google search to confirm if this malicious report that you are spreading is true?

http://news.sky.com/story/1374910/bo...-aid-song-snub

Bob Geldof has told Sky News that reports Adele snubbed the recording of the new Band Aid 30 single are "complete nonsense".

It had been claimed that the singer had been approached about appearing on Do They Know It's Christmas? alongside a host of other huge music stars but was a no-show.

Geldof said rumours he had phoned her 100 times were totally untrue: "I didn't call Adele at all because I don't have her number.

"There is no snub. I am only aware of this this morning, it's nonsense. Complete nonsense."

Geldof also used some colourful language to express his opinion about those who have criticised Band Aid's legacy and the musicians involved.

Oh sorry, I didn't realise that Marsh said that Google said that Bob Geldof said that Bob Geldof didn't say he had a problem with Adele not taking part. If Bob Geldof said that Bob Geldof is nice then I guess he must be. Because Bob Geldof also said that Bob Geldof always tells the truth.

Infallible.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Oh sorry, I didn't realise that Marsh said that Google said that Bob Geldof said that Bob Geldof didn't say he had a problem with Adele not taking part. If Bob Geldof said that Bob Geldof is nice then I guess he must be. Because Bob Geldof also said that Bob Geldof always tells the truth.

Infallible.

Excuse me? I have put in a link from a reputable source! yes of course Bob Geldof might have lied but there is no proof to say he did unless you have a link confirming that it happened? can you link to your source please?

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I have plenty of admiration for charitable people and have done charitable work myself. It winds me up when people pretend to be altruistic when in fact they are all about vanity and pride.

Whether or not he can in fact "save Africa with his buddies" remains to be seen. Seems unlikely, but whatever. Maybe it will help, and at least that would be a positive side-effect of his constant self promotion. But let's not pretend he is a philanthropist. He is a narcissist, and his quest has little to do with anyone but himself.

says you?

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Excuse me? I have put in a link from a reputable source! yes of course Bob Geldof might have lied but there is no proof to say he did unless you have a link confirming that it happened? can you link to your source please?

My point is that your entire evidence for Bob Geldof not having underhand methods is that Bod Geldof says that Bob Geldof doesn't have underhand methods. His methods are obvious. I never claimed that he "called her 100 times", I pointed out that he made flippant comments about her being "too busy with family to attend" (his obvious implication being that she should of course place his Ebola crusade in a place of prime importance). If you want evidence that he believes that his crusade is indeed of supreme importance, or that he is likely to use shaming and guilt tactics to gain compliance... I can give you a first hand source. Simply watch Sunday nights x factor.

If you want evidence that it works simply reread this thread where 90% of people wish him deemed beyond criticism because he duz charity and savez Africinz so he is nice.

He's never once included an African musician in one of these videos. He's never once attempted to include anyone from any of the Africa-based organisations that are working every day to help their countries. He very clearly wants his own face and brand plastered all over this charade every time he does it, despite COUNTLESS African scholars pointing out that these things all too often are making things worse. He does this for selfish reasons and because he gets off on feeling like a superhero, and because it's sustained him for three decades.

I don't think that's OK. And I don't think that those of us who don't think it's OK should be shouted down as disgusting or uncharitable for not supporting his masterbatory acts of mass "charity".

Plus... He's not going to cure ****ing Ebola.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

so don't buy the single if you're that cynical

Thats is factual and not cynicism.

Geldof is using mawkisk misguided popularism to misinform and exploit

[Nedusa]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

My point is that your entire evidence for Bob Geldof not having underhand methods is that Bod Geldof says that Bob Geldof doesn't have underhand methods. His methods are obvious. I never claimed that he "called her 100 times", I pointed out that he made flippant comments about her being "too busy with family to attend" (his obvious implication being that she should of course place his Ebola crusade in a place of prime importance). If you want evidence that he believes that his crusade is indeed of supreme importance, or that he is likely to use shaming and guilt tactics to gain compliance... I can give you a first hand source. Simply watch Sunday nights x factor.

If you want evidence that it works simply reread this thread where 90% of people wish him deemed beyond criticism because he duz charity and savez Africinz so he is nice.

He's never once included an African musician in one of these videos. He's never once attempted to include anyone from any of the Africa-based organisations that are working every day to help their countries. He very clearly wants his own face and brand plastered all over this charade every time he does it, despite COUNTLESS African scholars pointing out that these things all too often are making things worse. He does this for selfish reasons and because he gets off on feeling like a superhero, and because it's sustained him for three decades.

I don't think that's OK. And I don't think that those of us who don't think it's OK should be shouted down as disgusting or uncharitable for not supporting his masterbatory acts of mass "charity".

Plus... He's not going to cure ****ing Ebola.

Wow......the gloves are certainly coming off now.

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I'm actually astounded that people are getting so up in arms about a person wanting to do something for charity, I swear you can't do right for doing wrong sometimes

TS I'm seriously not going to get into a debate with you on whether Bob Geldof was responsible for his ex wife and daughters drug addiction, it's revolting how you can come to that conclusion when you don't have a clue about his personal life. And anyway how could anyone be blamed for another adults poor choices?

He's not doing it for charity though, it's a vanity project. If he had truly altruistic intentions he wouldn't put himself front and center of it all, making himself out to be a Saint when in fact he's profiting heavily by raising his own profile. If he really wanted to help he could have just highlighted the charities and make an appeal to raise donations instead.

Charity singles are cynical things and it's not really charity if the person doing it is also benefiting from it, it's why I refuse to support them. Even if I did I can't support a song that's so patronising and ignorant.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

My point is that your entire evidence for Bob Geldof not having underhand methods is that Bod Geldof says that Bob Geldof doesn't have underhand methods. His methods are obvious. I never claimed that he "called her 100 times", I pointed out that he made flippant comments about her being "too busy with family to attend" (his obvious implication being that she should of course place his Ebola crusade in a place of prime importance). If you want evidence that he believes that his crusade is indeed of supreme importance, or that he is likely to use shaming and guilt tactics to gain compliance... I can give you a first hand source. Simply watch Sunday nights x factor.

If you want evidence that it works simply reread this thread where 90% of people wish him deemed beyond criticism because he duz charity and savez Africinz so he is nice.

He's never once included an African musician in one of these videos. He's never once attempted to include anyone from any of the Africa-based organisations that are working every day to help their countries. He very clearly wants his own face and brand plastered all over this charade every time he does it, despite COUNTLESS African scholars pointing out that these things all too often are making things worse. He does this for selfish reasons and because he gets off on feeling like a superhero, and because it's sustained him for three decades.

I don't think that's OK. And I don't think that those of us who don't think it's OK should be shouted down as disgusting or uncharitable for not supporting his masterbatory acts of mass "charity".

Plus... He's not going to cure ****ing Ebola.

I never claimed you said he called her "100 times", you said

"Have you read about what happened with Adele, Joey? He contacted her for this and she politely declined and made a separate (large) donation... so he went to the press shaming her for it, making her out to be irresponsible and selfish"

so presumably you have a link to where you read it but so far have failed to post it

I watched Sunday nights Xfactor and would argue that he was trying to shock people out of their apathy and it's not on our doorstep attitude.

I've not heard any African Scholars say that donating towards hospitals, equipment, education in fighting Ebola is going to make things worse, again a link would be appreciated.

and finally

No he is not going to cure Ebola, but he is trying to do something to help cure it and I for one don't have a problem with that

[Liam-]

If he wants to work on a project to help him through the loss of his daughter and make money for a good cause at the same time, then good on him.. but i won't buy the single because I refuse to give money towards anything with that mans name plastered all over it, Instead of buying the single and inflating his ego even more so than it already is, I'd rather give money straight to the cause, or some other charity that i have more knowledge of where the money is going to go.

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Its the fact that not only do we give hundreds of millions to Africa but we have also done more this year than any nation to help with money, supplies and people. Its 3 small african countries that have no proper sweage system, are backward and superstitious and have poor infrastructure.

This assuaging ones concious vanity project is misguided and patronising

The 'causal' points you are making to seemingly justify your argument against Bob Geldorf's latest charity efforts, are some of the very issues which he is hoping to address with the proceeds of his efforts.

The Great Fire which decimated London in 1666, the Black Death which decimated Europe in 1348 and the 1918 'Spanish' Flue Epidemic which killed millions of people, all had 'causes'. 'Causes' which - had they been correctly addressed at the time - would have prevented a great percentage of the catastrophic results of such disasters.

This is all that Geldorf is trying to do - address the causes of the virus in order to prevent its spread, and reduce its devastating effects.

It may well be true, that "we give hundreds of millions to Africa" and that "we have also done more this year than any nation to help with money, supplies and people." - but it is obviously not enough, because not only is the epidemic still spreading, but the atrocious environmental conditions which facilitate the eruption and spread of Ebola are - as you, yourself point out - still largely unchanged.

This being so, how can anyone legitimately criticise this poor guy for at least trying to address this world threatening problem?

As for this being his 'vanity project' - what a load of baloney.

If Bob was the self-seeking egotist he is being made out to be on here, then he would be on every chat show, every comedy panel show, in the CBB house and in the Jungle as a 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here'.

Geldorf is a thoroughly decent, caring and sincere human being who is a very private person in real life, and like Bono, Midge Ure and others, he utilises his still valid celebrity status - not for his own benefit in the ways mentioned above - but fot the benefit of millions of other human beings who sadly live pathetically, dreadful existences in sub-human conditions.

What's more, the sooner this terrible virus is conquered, the safer every last one of us will be, because, in a world of jet travel, it is ludicrous to smugly believe that it is only "3 small african countries" so distance precludes any threat to us.

And finally, not only have we all the great good fortune to have enough in our pocket to buy the record if we want to, we are also able to simply not buy it if we don't want to, and that's all there is to it really, isn't it?

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

He's not doing it for charity though, it's a vanity project. If he had truly altruistic intentions he wouldn't put himself front and center of it all, making himself out to be a Saint when in fact he's profiting heavily by raising his own profile. If he really wanted to help he could have just highlighted the charities and make an appeal to raise donations instead.

Charity singles are cynical things and it's not really charity if the person doing it is also benefiting from it, it's why I refuse to support them. Even if I did I can't support a song that's so patronising and ignorant.

Exactly. I think when people are looking at Geldof and not understanding that he has, at least, many and varied motives when he makes his "impassioned speeches" they can't possibly be taking into account the amount of money he has made from Band Aud. He would be penniless by now with out it (he was never particularly talented) but instead, he still has an absolutely gargantuan profile. He has exploited African nations to do this. The fact that he has accidentally done some good in the process - maybe - does not absolve him of this. The man is a vulture.

Which leads me into what I said before about African scholars suggesting he makes things worse:

He has these fundraising campaigns seeking to raise money to ease the symptoms of the huge political problems in many parts of Africa. In doing so, he bolsters the world's negative perceptions of "dusty, poor" Africa and in the process worsens those political problems and as a knock on effect, deepens the issues that he's raising money to remedy. He wants to SAVE poor old Africa, he has absolutely no interest in EMPOWERING African people, and as such, he is a part of the problem. He is part of the very reason that African health infrastructure has not been able to contain Ebola. He's been a part of that problem since the early 80s. Good old bob.

[Kizzy]

Right so now he is responsible for ebola?... wow.

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Exactly. I think when people are looking at Geldof and not understanding that he has, at least, many and varied motives when he makes his "impassioned speeches" they can't possibly be taking into account the amount of money he has made from Band Aud. He would be penniless by now with out it (he was never particularly talented) but instead, he still has an absolutely gargantuan profile. He has exploited African nations to do this. The fact that he has accidentally done some good in the process - maybe - does not absolve him of this. The man is a vulture.

Which leads me into what I said before about African scholars suggesting he makes things worse:

He has these fundraising campaigns seeking to raise money to ease the symptoms of the huge political problems in many parts of Africa. In doing so, he bolsters the world's negative perceptions of "dusty, poor" Africa and in the process worsens those political problems and as a knock on effect, deepens the issues that he's raising money to remedy. He wants to SAVE poor old Africa, he has absolutely no interest in EMPOWERING African people, and as such, he is a part of the problem. He is part of the very reason that African health infrastructure has not been able to contain Ebola. He's been a part of that problem since the early 80s. Good old bob.

I always read your posts with relish T.S. because you 'know your onions', but I'm lost here with your views on this to be honest.

Is there any proof that Geldorf has made money from Band Aid over the past 30 years, and that he'd have been 'skint' without it?

I read somewhere once that he'd made a lot of money during the 'Boomtown Rats' heyday, and that he'd invested it wisely - including in property.

I don't understand your view that he is a 'vulture' either T.S. - how?

Finally, why do you maintain that his efforts have actually exacerbated the problems in Africa?

These are genuine questions because I have the polar opposite view of Geldorf as a person, what he is trying to achieve, and his motives for doing so - and I am therefore baffled.