Katz awards Irish rock star and political activist Sir Bob Geldof the Key to the City. (Chris Procaylo, Sun Media)

WINNIPEG - He's helped countless people escape starvation, so it was fitting Sir Bob Geldof picked up the Key to the City in Winnipeg yesterday to symbolize freedom.

The Irish rock star and political activist -- and driving force behind 1985's groundbreaking Live Aid concert for famine relief in Ethiopia -- was in town to receive the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation's 2008 International Award at a gala dinner.

Earlier, Geldof stopped by city hall to reunite with Mayor Sam Katz, whom he first met 35 years ago as a young musician when Katz was a concert promoter.

"I came through Winnipeg in '72 and stayed down the road at the YMCA," said Geldof. "It's amazing to come back to this town ... and remember some of the crap gigs Sam promoted."

Dressed sharply in a black suit, Geldof spoke modestly about the award, often sweeping his hands through his tousled grey hair.

"You're familiar with this fraud syndrome? I'm not sure why I'm here, really. I'm not sure about these things. This isn't false modesty," said Geldof, 54.

The reason for these accolades may be linked to his tireless campaigning for the underdog, which includes famine, poverty and debt relief.

Live Aid was inspired by Band Aid, Geldof's charity ensemble which raised more than $250 million for famine victims with the song Do They Know It's Christmas?

Then came the Live 8 benefit concerts to pressure world leaders to drop the debt of poor countries.

And according to Geldof, ex-frontman of The Boomtown Rats, his contribution was all down to the music.

"It could not have happened without rock 'n' roll. It was only through the rhetoric of rock 'n' roll that I understood the possibility of change."