The Chancellor was instrumental in getting the G8 countries to agree a debt relief package at Gleneagles in 2005 for some of the world’s poorest countries.

As the politicians met in Scotland, Bob and U2 frontman Bono organised the Live8 concerts, which formed part of the Make Poverty History campaign.

Professor Christopher Edwards, vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, said: "The university is delighted that Gordon Brown has accepted our invitation to receive an honorary degree."

F**king Bob - Mar 05
Bob Geldof has told Tony Blair to swear at George Bush. Bob shocked visitors to the launch of the Prime Minister’s Commission for Africa by launching in to an expletive ridden tirade about third world debt. "Tony and Gordon have to prepare to ring up George and say, ’Do this, George, do this one thing for me, it’s going to cost you f**k all, do it for me," he ranted. Tony Blair got on to the podium later to say that he agreed with the sentiments of Geldof’s statements even if the wording did make him wince.

A pint of bitter - Mar 05
Bob Geldof takes a dig at The Clash. In a recent interview Bob Geldof chose to launch in to one of his well known colourful rants - this time aimed at punk icons The Clash. Bob complained that the band had overshadowed his own attempt at success with The Boomtown Rats. "All that Hey right, the revolution tripe drove me mad. F**k off you c**t. Joe and Mick wanted to be Mick and Keith plain as f**king day yet we were frozen out." He went on to have a dig at the iconic bands songs as well, "I’d say ninety nine persent of the music was s**t and I was right. It hasn’t survived." Unlike your own, eh Bob?

Make Poverty History - Feb 05
Bob Geldof appears at yet another aid event. Saint Bob appeared at the Make Poverty History event in London alongside Nelson Mandela, Jamelia, June Sarpong and many others. See pictures here

Mr bloody Africa - Jan 05
Bob Geldof is sick of his African connections. Political activist Bob Geldof has told press that he is "sick of being Mr bloody Africa." He went on to complain that "Africa bores me profoundly," and that he and U2 frontman Bono get more press for their work with Africa than for their music (we hate to ask Bob but when was the last time you did anything musical other than rehashing flippin’ Band Aid?). The full rant can be read in the Radio Times.that’s right kids, not The Guardian, nor the NME, the Radio Times. You rebel Bob.

January 05
Geldof’s achievement Bob Geldof is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Brits. Bob, who began his career in 80s band The Boomtown Rats is to be awarded the highest Brits honour - a Lifetime Achievement award - for once collecting an award for his musical career rather than his campaigning one. The award coincides with the re-release of all six Boomtown Rats albums.

Brother Teresa! - 18/06/03
Chelsea resident Bob Geldorf reckons his musical credibility is down the pan, thanks to his ’brother Teresa’ image.

Many supporters of Bob’s commitment to charity are not really into the music that he likes to make today, however Bob says he doesn’t mind.

He said ’By now, I can do very well without those who only knew me from Live Aid. As long as my albums satisfy me and the critics, I’m happy.’

Sir Bob and Bono visit Blair - 21/05/03
Rock stars Sir Bob Geldof and Bono had breakfast talks on Africa with Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street.

Sir Bob and Bono attended the one hour meeting with Mr Blair and international development secretary Baroness Amos in the hope to urge world leaders to unite in the fight against the Aids epidemic.