Bob Geldof to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sky Arts Awards 2025

Sky today announces that Bob Geldof will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Sky Arts Awards, recognising his extraordinary influence as a musician and cultural figure. He will also take to the stage with The Boomtown Rats for an unmissable performance.

Rising to fame as the outspoken frontman of The Boomtown Rats, Bob became one of the defining voices of the 1970s punk era before going on to co-create Band Aid and the historic Live Aid concerts, which reshaped the relationship between music and global activism. With a career spanning music, business and philanthropy, he remains one of the most iconic cultural figures of his generation.  

Phil Edgar-Jones OBE, Executive Director, Unscripted Originals, Sky said: “The Sky Arts Awards are all about shining a light on the breadth of creativity, talent and ambition that make’s the UK and Ireland’s arts scene so extraordinary. Honouring Bob Geldof feels especially fitting, not only for his contribution to music but for the way he’s harnessed creativity to change the world.” 

This year’s ceremony is as jam-packed as ever with a range of performances from the worlds of music, poetry and dance. Soul singer Nyah Grace, poet Vanessa Kisuule and rock vocalist Ailis MacKay will take to the stage to open the show. The Royal Ballet and Opera will unite for Wayne McGregor’s “Morgan”, performed by Francesca Hayward and Cesar Corrales with soprano Soraya Mafi. Other highlights include saxophone and spoken word from Soweto Kinch with hip hop dance by Kofi Mingo, and a finale from the legendary ska and pop band Madness to see out the night. Further special guests will be announced on the night. 

The Sky Arts Awards will air on 16 September, hosted by Bill Bailey. Tune in for an unforgettable night on Sky Arts, Freeview and streaming service NOW 

For more information, contact Lucy.Butterfield@sky.uk