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Geldof, the lead singer with the rock band Boomtown Rats who raised more than $120 million for famine relief in Africa with the Band Aid, Live Aid and Sport Aid events in the 1980s, will speak at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8, on Alumni Lawn as the central event of Senior Day. He will be awarded the Nichols-Chancellor Medal and a cash prize of $100,000. The GlobalVU Luncheon will follow from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Stevenson Center Terrace, with food from around the world and live music. The address by Geldof and will be webcast live and archived for later viewing. Links will be posted at www.vanderbilt.edu.
So youre wanting the back story on Bob Geldofs visit to Vanderbilt? The celebrity demands? The flights from the paparazzi? The trashed hotel rooms?
Okay, nothing like that happened. They dont call him Sir Bob Geldof for nothing - from all reports he was the most gracious, down-to-earth and intellectually engaged rockstar Ive ever almost met.
He arrived in town Wednesday evening and dined at Sunset Grill. Was psyched to hear The Commodores were playing The PARTY, but arrived a bit too late and knackered to catch the show. Thursday of course he spoke to us. Before taking the stage he personally thanked each of the students who had just delivered prayers and remarks and commented on what he liked and respected about what they each said. Next came his speech, which we all know rocked.
And then things got fun. Geldof and manager wanted to see some sites in our fair city before jetting back to London. Had never been here! Imagine that. Who better to take them than unabashed rock-and-roll fantatic Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Mike Schoenfeld.
So Schoenfeld, Geldof and his manager pile in the car for a quick drive around. Start off where we all start off with out of town guests, The Parthenon, which draws incredulous jokes and then admiration from the Boomtown Rat. Head next to Music Row, which continues to be not what anyone pictures - no wandering troubadours, mostly a bunch of offices. But then they happen upon RCAs Studio B.
Studio B! Elvis recorded there! Geldof wants in.
Usually you need tickets for Studio B. But usually youre not with Bob Geldof. Schoenfeld opens the door - makes some intros and in they go. Geldof and manager are TICKLED PINK. Soaking it all up, taking it all in. Mugging for the camera, taking photos like tourists, digging the vibe, admiring the old school equipment. Then Geldof sees the piano - the one Jerry Lee Lewis and others played on - and starts playing. Oh Yes He Did.
Around this time, a real tour group comes in, and some take a look through the studio window. Hey isnt that Well he looks like a rockstar Wait a minute thats Bob Geldof!
More pictures. Autographs. Aspiring musicians offering Geldof their CDs. Piano playing. Grins all around. Wow.
Highlight of the trip, Geldof said. That and talking to us, of course.
Phew. I do loves me a celebrity story (even when its secondhand)."