The Tragic Story of Peaches Geldof
I’m always struck when I hear about the passing of a young person. The first assumption I make about their cause of death is that it was either drug-related or a consequence of untreated mental illness. Sometimes this rush to judgement is wrong, but too many times it’s correct.
This past weekend my wife took me to see the hit movie, Bohemian Rhapsody, the unwavering story of Freddie Mercury, a petit Indian boy from the outskirts of London, turned International rock star legend. The film begins and ends with scenes at the 1985, worldwide, music event, LivAid, to raise money for the relief of African famine. LivAid was produced by singer-songwriter and political activist, Bob Geldof. Geldof is featured in Bohemian Rhapsody by way of an old interview, recorded on the day of the event. At the time Geldof was 34 years old.
Despite the electricity Bohemian Rhapsody delivered, seeing Geldof in this 20-second clip, gave me a sudden feeling of despair. Why this sudden feeling? Peaches, that’s why!
Peaches Honeyblossom Geldof-Cohen was Bob’s 25-year-old daughter, who died of a heroin overdose in 2014. Peaches was a columnist, television personality, model and drug addict. At the time of her death, she was married to her second husband and had two children.
I think what struck me so hard about seeing Geldof, preserved in 1985, pre Peaches, is knowing what he doesn’t — the future. It’s like seeing a newspaper from September 10TH, there’s an undeniable sense of forthcoming doom and powerlessness.
Geldof is featured promoting the concert of the century, oblivious to his future daughter’s existence. Peaches was born 4 years later in 1989. Even more chilling is the same daughter would die, unnecessarily just 25 short years later, leaving behind children of her own.
My heartbreak is not for Peaches, it’s for her father. I am naturally more sensitive to the threat of losing a daughter because I have a daughter, a teenager, no less. I think about her safety all the time, and I share these stories with her because I want her to know it’s dangerous out there.
Many who read this are painfully aware of the dire consequences associated with untreated addiction, so I won’t explore the mechanics thereof.
More than anything, The Tragic Story of Peaches Geldof is a cautionary tale for people who are still using drugs and alcohol, and a good reminder for the rest of us who have found recovery.
