Geldof back on home turf to sing tribute for friend
Bob Geldof on stage with fellow Boomtown Rats Pete Briquette (bass) and Garry Roberts (guitar) at the memorial gig for the late David McHale in Blackrock Rugby Club. Photo: GARY FOX/COLLINS
Monday June 22 2009
Bob Geldof returned to his roots last night to pay tribute to a childhood friend who recently lost his battle with cancer.
The Rats frontman took part in a musical tribute to respected saxophonist David McHale and performed 'Dave', a song he penned about his friend more than a decade ago.
He was joined by former Rats Pete Briquette and Garry Roberts, as well as artists from across the musical spectrum at the Blackrock Rugby Club in south Dublin.
The crowds, which ranged from leather-wearing rockers to children in Leinster jerseys, gave Geldof a rousing reception and a scramble for autographs followed the solo performance.
But a reflective Geldof admitted he was uneasy about returning to places that featured prominently in his youth.
"I'm ambivalent about delving into my childhood," he said.
"It makes me uneasy, not because I see half-remembered faces hidden behind age.
"But the last place I really want to see is this place. It's just too many not-good memories for me."
Geldof, who first met McHale at school at Blackrock College, said of his friend's talent: "He was a fabulous player. He could have played with anyone."
"He played with all the bands around Dublin and then he lived in Germany because he needed to get away from the scene."
McHale died in Frankfurt recently aged 58.
As well as playing saxophone for the Boomtown Rats, McHale was well known on the session circuit and played with Alison Moyet, as well as many others.
Geldof revealed he was inspired to write 'Dave' after McHale's girlfriend died suddenly.
"We had dropped Dave off in London after a tour," he explained. "He had a row with his girlfriend and she took off. Then he found her dead from a five-pound bag of heroin. I wrote this song the next day."
Other musicians attending the gig included Mary Coughlan and former Eurovision winner Johnny Logan. Organiser Paul Ashford said the aim of the night was to raise funds to erect a public bench in Monkstown dedicated to McHale.
- Stephen O'Farrell
