He talked with host Jian Gomeshi about African aid, LiveAid, Live8, his new album, the sudden death of his sister and a brief story about his father and a broken-back Bono hobbling to the pub together.

If you, like me, had never really paid much attention to Sir Bob Geldof other than as Bono’s “African charity buddy” I’d strongly encourage you to watch/listen to the hour long interview.

Link to iTunes podcast video

Something to watch over the Christmas break while you wait for U2 to get back out on the road after opening their presents.

Alas, the European leg of U2360 2010 comes to and end. All roads lead to Rome, they say, even for The Claw. The band treat the Italian crowd to Bad with bits of All I Want is You. Fun detail of the day: early in the show, Bono’s leather pants rip and he ties a sweater around himself to cover up the hole. Meanwhile, the audience put on a spectacle of their own – check out the video above for their colourful choreography!

Setlist

Return of the Stingray Guitar
Beautiful Day
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
Mysterious Ways
Elevation
Until the end of the world
I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
Bad
Mercy
In a little while
Miss Sarajevo
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I’ll go crazy if I don’t go crazy tonight
Sunday bloody sunday
MLK
Walk on
One
Where the streets have no name
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me
With or without you
Moment of Surrender

Setlist details at u2gigs.com

Dave Fanning champions U2 singer Bono in RTE’s search for ‘Ireland’s Greatest’. Bono is the only popculture hero left in the competition. He is up against Irish leaders, politicians and historical figures Michael Collins, Mary Robinson, John Hume and James Connolly. Fanning’s portrait was broadcast on the 27th of September. The final decision will be made by public vote.

Fast-talking Fanning has recently published his autobiography entitled ‘The Thing is’ which details the unique story of his role in the launch of U2 and his ongoing friendship with the band, delving into their humble beginnings and rise to fame. Fanning joined Irish DJ (and frontman of Something Happens) Tom Dunne in the Newstalk studios today to talk about his book (U2 content starts 9 minutes into the interview).

Video of Bono’s speech about their Belgian crew. (Brussels I)