Bob Geldof Announced as Keynote Speaker for SXSW 2011

Bob Geldof has been announced as the Keynote Speaker and Showcase Performer at this year's SXSW music festival taking place in Austin, Texas, March 11-19.

The legendary Irish musician, who has been called "one of Ireland's greatest lyricists ever," will be on hand for SXSW's 25th Anniversary celebrations to share tunes from his latest record, 'How to Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell,' and reflect on his prolific career.

Fittingly, the musician and social activist will speak on March 17, which just so happens to be St. Patrick's Day.

Using music to "to talk about things. To articulate change and its desirability," Geldof has been applauded for his humanitarian efforts, including co-writing the iconic 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' charity single -- one of the biggest selling records of all time -- and launching the largest global concert ever seen with Live Aid, which will be the topic of an upcoming TV movie. No surprise, he is highly regarded by Bono for his "charity to justice" work, and is an inspiration to musicians and fans worldwide.