James "Midge" Ure was born in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire in Scotland in October 1953 and has had a distinguished career in the music industry. His musical career started with the band Salvation in 1972 but his most notable achievement was as the lead singer for Ultravox. Before Ultravox, he appeared in a number of other bands including Thin Lizzy, Visage, The Rich Kids and Slik during the 1970's and 1980's. The name "Midge" derives from a phonetic reversal of his common first name "Jim".

As lead singer in Ultravox from 1979 to 1985, Ure fronted many concerts and produced a number of best selling albums including Vienna, The Anvil, Quartet and Lament. He eventually decided to go solo and released his own album in 1985 although he also produced the sixth and final Ultravox album 'U-Vox' in 1986.

Ure became involved with Bob Geldof in 1984 and was instrumental in organising the Band Aid concert in 1984 in response to the Ethiopian famine broadcasts by Michael Buerk seen on television. As well as organising the event he co-wrote and produced the best selling single "Do they know its Christmas?"

With further involvement in the Live Aid concert the following year, Ure has maintained a deep and committed involvement in raising public awareness through the use of musicians and concerts. Both concerts raised over £8m with the single selling over 1.4 million copies in the first two weeks after release. He also co-organised the Live 8 charity concert in 1995 aimed at bringing world poverty to the forefront of the G8 political leaders' agendas.

With a long career in the music industry and with considerable charitable works to his credit, he was recognised in 2005 with the Order of the British Empire (OBE). His charity and musical achievements have also gained him further honours including honorary doctorates from the University of Abertay Dundee, Edinburgh University, University of Paisley and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Ure is still active as a trustee of Band Aid, is an ambassador for Save the Children and has also worked on a number of Prince's Trust concerts. He openly admits to being a recovering alcoholic, has been twice married and has released his autobiography "If I Was."

With such a fascinating life, Ure is able to relay to audiences what it is like to be involved in organising global events with a view to changing world opinions and raising money for worthy causes, especially poverty. As befits a singer and songwriter, he is able to relay his thoughts and experiences through inspiring storytelling mixed with emotion and energy.

He talks of what Live 8 means to improving the World, how to reinvent oneself, self motivation and achieving the impossible. With his vast musical network he can also give a unique insight into the entertainment business especially the Band Aid/Live Aid concerts. No one can doubt that Ure has made a tremendous difference to the world in the past 30 years through his personal commitment and energy. His inspirational story is captivating and entertaining.