Dayo Ade Olusola | Entertainment News | July 21, 2025
Rock legend Sir Bob Geldof surprised passengers on a Ryanair flight from Venice to Bristol last Friday by flying economy despite his reported net worth of £111 million ($150 million).
The 73-year-old Boomtown Rats frontman, famed for organising the 1985 Live Aid charity concert, was spotted at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport shortly before departure.
A fellow passenger and travel content creator, Jay Curtis, described Geldof as incognito, wearing sunglasses and enjoying a coffee and croissant after passing through security.
“He was happy to join the long Ryanair check-in queue and didn’t pay for early boarding,” Curtis told the Bristol Post. “He didn’t even pay to fast-track security or anything, and didn’t moan — he was just with everybody else.”
Curtis managed to take a selfie with Geldof, who told him, “I don’t spend money on luxury travel.”
The musician’s flight came days after he and his band performed at Italy’s Pordenone Blues Festival, a free concert marking 50 years since Live Aid.
Live Aid remains one of the largest charity concerts in history, organised by Geldof to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief.
Earlier in July, the Live Aid 40th Anniversary Gala was held with fellow musicians Midge Ure and Sir Brian May in attendance.
Geldof’s choice to fly Ryanair highlights his image as both an eco-conscious individual and a man of the people.
He is not alone in eschewing luxury travel; actors like Tom Holland have also been spotted on commercial flights during personal trips.
Rainn Wilson from The Office has spoken publicly about flying economy due to his climate change concerns.
The late Robin Williams was similarly known for flying commercial and expecting no preferential treatment.
In 2024, actor Will Ferrell made headlines when he flew economy on an Aer Lingus flight from London to Dublin.
A passenger on that flight shared on social media: “On my London to Dublin @AerLingus flight this evening I was beside Will Ferrell… in a s**t unreserved seat.”
Geldof’s low-key travel underscores his commitment to environmental values and humility, even as a celebrated figure in the music world.
