Geldof dismisses Live Aid reports

Irish rock star Sir Bob Geldof has refuted reports that he has teamed up with U2 lead singer Bono for a repeat of the 1985 Live Aid concerts.

14:02 31 May 2004

Irish rock star Sir Bob Geldof has refuted reports that he has teamed up with U2 lead singer Bono for a repeat of the 1985 Live Aid concerts.

The Sun had earlier run a front page story saying Prime Minister Tony Blair was backing "Live Aid II", to raise money to help ease third world debt.

The event is rumoured to be fronted by Robbie Williams, Oasis, Radiohead and Coldplay amongst others and fronted by Bono.

The 1985 event raised 60 million pounds with simultaneous concerts in Britain and the United States and was watched by 1.4 billion people world-wide.

Geldof, who orchestrated the original concerts to relieve famine in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa, remains adamant that he will not be involved in organising Live Aid II.

"I told the Sun this afternoon it was not true," said Geldof.

"This only serves to undermine the concerted efforts of those concerned with the tragedy of poverty in Africa.

"However, if the Prime Minister wants to organise a Live Aid II, then good luck to him."