BOB GELDOF - GELDOF BRINGS BAND AID TO AMERICA

SIR BOB GELDOF has already ensured staggering profits for the BAND AID 20 charity single - by securing a major distribution deal with an American record label.

The former BOOMTOWN RAT has signed a contract with DEF JAM RECORDS to ensure the CD hits US shops and UK shops on the same day (29NOV04) and he's estimated this move could raise more than $54 million (GBP30 million) for the impoverished and starving Darfur region of Sudan.

He says, "It's fantastic that we're releasing it in the US as it will hopefully raise loads of money. We've got names like (PAUL) McCARTNEY, CHRIS MARTIN, DIDO and RADIOHEAD involved and they're all there. It also helps having MADONNA involved introducing the video."