Live Aid-er, Boomtown Rat and all round international good egg Bob Geldof has announced five UK dates for autumn 2011 - and tickets are on sale at 10AM today!

Following on from the popularity of his recent single, 'Silly Pretty Thing', and the warm critical reception for the album it came from, 2011's 'How to Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell', Geldof will be playing a short tour in September.

Bob Geldof has taken many breaks from music in his long career but whenever he has returned, the results have always been well received and the September dates will be a chance to hear solo material, some of his latest work and, of course, a selection of The Boomtown Rats classics.

The tour starts at Gateshead's Sage on Wednesday on Wednesday 14th September before moving onto Southport, Croydon and London's Cadogan Hall before the final date at Lincoln's Theatre Royal on 21st September.

Tickets start at £25. This is a rare chance to see one of pop's most enduring and enigmatic performers, so demand is expected to be very high.