Intrinsic has claimed Sir Bob Geldof simply overran his speaking slot at the Old Mutual-owned intermediaries’ conference following reports he lambasted advisers and was booted off stage.
Lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, Sir Bob Geldof once sang “Tell me why I don't like Mondays?” but according to reports in the weekend press and on social media at the Intrinsic Financial Services conference at the Sofitel hotel near Heathrow, Sir Bob instead decided to tell the audience of advisers why he didn’t like them.
Yesterday (12 March) the Sunday Mirror, The Sun and Mail on Sunday reported Sir Bob was ranting that nobody had faith in financial advisers or other City people plus he was critical of Brexit.
He is reported by advisers at the conference as saying city executives are all paid too much.
Alan Lazenby, a planning consultant from Leeds, posted on Facebook: “Just left the Intrinsic conference after listening to Sir Bob Geldof talk s*** about Brexit.”
But a spokesperson on behalf of Intrinsic said: “Sir Bob was invited to cover a wide range of topics including philanthropy, global politics and the role of business in society.
“His speech covered the societal impact of the European Union Referendum vote and related themes, such as a loss of trust in experts.
“He himself commented how he has used the same adviser for over 30 years. Sir Bob was scheduled to speak until 5pm and having overrun was politely asked to conclude so the conference could end on time.”
Ahead of the European Union referendum vote, Sir Bob took on Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s flotilla of Brexit-backing fishing boats sailing up the Thames as part of his campaign to convince voters to back Brexit.
Remain supporters, including rock star philanthropist Sir Bob Geldof and Rachel Johnson, blasted out the song "In With the In Crowd" from a large on-board sound system.
Sir Bob, who founded the charity supergroup Band Aid and organised Live Aid, addressed Mr Farage over a PA system as his boat, the Sarpedon, pulled alongside the one carrying the Ukip leader.
emma.hughes@ft.com
