and the dear old BBC, spine surgically removed years ago, apologises profusely.
Did money intended as aid end up killing Africans?
We may never know.
One thing, though, is consolingly clear.
Saint Bob's reputation has not suffered at all; neither has his career.

My suspicion - and I make it clear I have absolutely no evidence for this - is that Geldof's genuine original motive to do good was rapidly consumed by a love for the acclaim and glory that came to him as a direct result and that the enthusiasm provoked caused a quick and effective structure to be erected that did not think through the consequences.

I thought at the time that Band Aid and Live Aid were ghastly musically and dangerous charitably; I felt then and believe now - they detracted from donations to better run established charities and did more for the reputation of celebrities than for the health of the starving and that, due to the superficial involvement of entertainment types, it resulted in vast sums going to the wrong places and the wrong people.

In short, I suspect it killed more than it saved.

But that is only an ill informed personal opinion. Expressed loudly at the time.

What on earth does Geldof DO these days?

Co owns Ten Alps media, having sold Planet 24 to Carlton for around £15 Million. Ten Alps has a turnover of around £80 Million.

www.tenalpsmedia.com/info.php?statid=33

I know that, but I still wonder what he actually does each day. Surely 'overseeing' doesn't take up much of his time?