Pop star, poet, open-plan politician, living saint, devil's advocate, freelance genius, natural irritant, ubiquitous celebrity, media mogul, big-mouthed, gobshite. Who the hell does Bob Geldof think he is?

"In my head," says Bob Geldof, who spends a great deal of his time in there, "music is what I do. I know people are surprised when I say that. In fact, certain generations will probably be shocked that I make music at all.

"But music is central to who I think I am. I physically need to do it and I think I'm ok at it. I'm good at Bob Geldof type songs."