Join the nearly 100,000 fans who piled into the SoCal stadium last October, and catch the band's groundbreaking set on DVD or Blu-ray (out June 3). Bonus: Check out how Bono and the boys put the crazy thing together.
Just a reminder...
Monday, May 31, 2010
U2 in Must List
'Rolling Stone' Updates '500 Greatest Songs' List
Rolling Stone updated its list of 500 Greatest Songs and included eight U2 songs,being the fifth artists with so many songs in the list following The Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. The U2 songs included are:
One
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
With or Without You
Moment of Surrender
Pride
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Beautiful Day
New Years Day
source:www.rollingstone.com/
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Bono's bad back could cost U2 millions
Huge sums of money, plus bragging rights as the most popular live act of all time, rest on the speed of a certain 50-year-old’s recovery, writes BRIAN BOYD
NOW THAT U2’S North American tour has been postponed because of Bono’s back surgery, it’s time for all involved to start totting up the cost. “U2’s daily tour overhead spend is $750,000 [€950,000],” says an Irish music-tour insider. “Bono’s back has put them out of action for two months. They’re insured for show postponement, but that’s not the full story. The set-up costs of the three Claws they use was phenomenal. They don’t need this, their insurance company doesn’t need this and the global touring economy doesn’t need this. It’s not just the show day; it’s the three of four days before setting up the stadium, one day stripping it down after, the 200 trucks, the drivers, the security, the merchandising people, the drinks and food people, the programme sellers, costume, make-up and hundreds of other people. U2 would have over 100 permanent touring personnel and an extra 200-300 working personnel at each local venue. It’s the hotels, the flights, the food vouchers. It’s like a small country coming to a standstill.”
Arthur Fogel, chief executive of U2’s concert promoter, Live Nation, says of the 360° tour postponement: “There’s no question this is monumental.”
A million tickets had been sold for the band’s North American leg, in July and August, now put off to allow Bono to recuperate from his back surgery in Munich last week after injuring himself during rehearsals. The band are looking at 2011 for the rescheduled dates.
Of severe annoyance to the band is the fact that there was also a high-profile Glastonbury Festival appearance (their first) at the end of June – their spot has now been taken by Gorillaz – for which the band had written a song.
The European leg of the tour, from August until October, is still officially on, but it will depend on the singer’s recuperation. The emergency surgery was needed “to avoid further paralysis”, said doctors after Bono developed severe compression of the sciatic nerve, along with a ligament tear and a herniated disc.
“He won’t want reminding that he just turned 50 last month,” says a source. “He has been throwing himself around stages for over 30 years. He’s up there as the frontman for two and a half hours a night, and he’s not one to do things by half measures. This is a very serious injury and sounds like it could be the result of cumulative damage. How things play out will be interesting. This is showbiz – hundreds of millions of dollars rest upon a 50-year-old man’s back disc.”
All focus now will be on whether the singer is fit for the European tour. (There are no Irish shows this time around.) Bono may not climb up speaker stacks any more (something that always concerned other band members), but he still flings himself around a fair bit. As the focal point for 80,000 people each night, a certain degree of showmanship is required. People close to him say there is no way he will appear on stage without being able to give it “the full-on Bono treatment”.
The band train hard before going the road, but in the months off between legs of the tour they can let themselves go a bit. This back injury was caused by Bono trying to get himself into shape for two months of touring after several months off.
What is particularly frustrating for the band is that this tour is perhaps their most significant ever. They’ve never spent as much money assembling a stage configuration as they have on the Claw, and they were prepared to go substantially into the red on the tour before seeing any profit.
With their latest album not selling as well as it could have, the tour has exceeded expectations. It was the most profitable tour of last year, but in this, its second year, it was supposed to resolve a long dispute over who is the most popular live rock band of all time.
U2’s Vertigo tour (2005-2006) sits in second place as the highest-grossing music tour. Just ahead of it lies The Rolling Stones’ Bigger Bang tour (2005-2007), which grossed $558 million. The Stones, though, played a lot more dates than U2. So far, the 3600 tour has grossed $311 million. Without Bono’s back injury it would have easily grabbed the prize.
Guinness World Records (and bragging rights) will have to wait. But for the still intensely competitive Bono, having U2 make another piece of music history will be motivation enough to accelerate the recuperation process. For a few months, though, there is a line on U2’s horizon.
sourcewww.irishtimes.com
Kids told U2 can set fashion trend
POP legend Bono and his wife Ali Hewson are gearing up to take the shops by storm this Christmas -- with a limited edition T-shirt depicting a child's vision of Dublin.
The U2 frontman and Ms Hewson are teaming up with Brown Thomas to launch the T-shirt, which will be exclusive to the store's adult fashion range, in November.
Brown Thomas launched a competition yesterday in a bid to find the winning picture that will eventually be placed on the garment.
They have asked 34 children, aged five and six years and in Junior and Senior Infants at St Edna's National School, in Whitefriar Street, in Dublin, to draw pictures inspired by their local community.
These resulting masterpieces will be showcased in an exhibition on Level 2 in Brown Thomas, Dublin, until Monday, June 14.
Customers will have a chance to vote for their favourite and the winning design will be styled by EDUN into a T-shirt and sold at Brown Thomas.
The fashion label, which was launched in 2005 by Ali and Bono, was founded on the premise that trade for aid is a way to create jobs and alleviate poverty. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to St Enda's National School.
- Patricia McDonagh (Irish Independent)
source:www.independent.ie
The U2 frontman and Ms Hewson are teaming up with Brown Thomas to launch the T-shirt, which will be exclusive to the store's adult fashion range, in November.
Brown Thomas launched a competition yesterday in a bid to find the winning picture that will eventually be placed on the garment.
They have asked 34 children, aged five and six years and in Junior and Senior Infants at St Edna's National School, in Whitefriar Street, in Dublin, to draw pictures inspired by their local community.
These resulting masterpieces will be showcased in an exhibition on Level 2 in Brown Thomas, Dublin, until Monday, June 14.
Customers will have a chance to vote for their favourite and the winning design will be styled by EDUN into a T-shirt and sold at Brown Thomas.
The fashion label, which was launched in 2005 by Ali and Bono, was founded on the premise that trade for aid is a way to create jobs and alleviate poverty. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to St Enda's National School.
- Patricia McDonagh (Irish Independent)
source:www.independent.ie
Friday, May 28, 2010
Just Rumours?
U2. Chile net has published that the multinational producer Time For Fun (T4F) has contacted Live Nation to take the 360° Tour to South America, more specifically to Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru in 2011.
Possible dates would be:
Beginnings of February: Japan and South Korea
End of February: Australia and New Zealand
March: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru
April-May: Mexico, USA, Canada
Bono 'played through pain' for years with U2
According to IrishCentral.com :
"He (Bono)played through pain on many previous occasions with this back problem" said a band insider.
It got so bad that on several previous occasions the U2 front man was almost forced to cancel concerts because of the pain he was experiencing.
"There was no single incident, just a series of debilitating episodes with back pain, especially affecting the sciatic nerve," continued the band insider.
"It finally caught up with him.”
Through the years Bono had tried every sort of remedy but nothing worked on a long-term basis.
Now after major surgery, he has finally been forced to rest and try and resolve the problem once and for all.
"He played through pain for so long that they thought he could do it forever. That has not been the case," said the insider.
"He could be out a long time."
source:www.irishcentral.co
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Word from The Edge
U2.com talked to Edge and he sent a message to the fans...
Like the rest of the band, last week Edge had his bags half-packed and was thinking about setting out on the next leg of the tour. In the space of a few days everyone's plans have changed. ..
"We were working on a lot of new songs so I'm already back at work on song-writing and working on stuff for the next U2 record. We are intending to play some new songs live, which is something we've always planned to do and never got around to doing, for various reasons. So we're really excited about the idea of playing a couple of these new tunes in front of a U2 crowd and that'll give us a huge insight into how they're working, and make changes in the experience ... the arrangement, the tempos, whatever. The ultimate proving ground of a tune is playing it live, so we have the benefit of playing a few of them ahead of recording them, which is gonna be great. When we do get back out there, we'll be absolutely in top condition and raring to go, so that's our focus now."
With a great sense of humour, as usual, Edge leaves us with a sense that things will go on all right (provided Bono
follows doc´s instructions...Chain him to the bed if needed, Edge!!!!)
follows doc´s instructions...Chain him to the bed if needed, Edge!!!!)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bono Discharged from Hospital
U2.com tells us:
Bono has now been discharged from Ludwig Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital in Munich where he underwent emergency surgery on Friday, following a back injury. In order to fully recover, he is under doctor's orders to start a rehabilitation program and to recuperate for at least eight weeks.
Dr Muller Wohlfahrt confirmed, 'Bono suffered severe compression of the sciatic nerve. On review of his MRI scan, I realized there was a serious tear in the ligament and a herniated disc, and that conservative treatment would not suffice. I recommended Bono have emergency spine surgery with Professor Tonn at Munich's LMU University Hospital on Friday.'
Professor Tonn, who carried out the operation, added, 'Bono was referred to me by Dr Muller Wohlfahrt late last week with a sudden onset disease. He was already in severe pain with partial paralysis in the lower leg. The ligament surrounding the disc had an 8mm tear and during surgery we discovered fragments of the disc had traveled into the spinal canal. This surgery was the only course of treatment for full recovery and to avoid further paralysis. Bono is now much better, with complete recovery of his motor deficit. The prognosis is excellent but to obtain a sustainable result, he must now enter a period of rehabilitation'.
Dr Muller Wohlfahrt continued, 'We are treating Bono as we would treat any of our athletes and while the surgery has gone very well, the coming weeks are crucial for a return to full health. In the next days, he will start a light rehabilitation program, with increasing intensity over the next 8 weeks. In our experience, this is the minimum time.'
As a consequence, Paul Mc Guinness said, 'Our biggest and I believe best tour has been interrupted and we're all devastated. For a performer who lives to be on stage, this is more than a blow. He feels robbed of the chance to do what he does best and feels like he has badly let down the band and their audience. Which is of course nonsense. His concerns about more than a million ticket buyers whose plans have been turned upside down, we all share, but the most important thing right now is that Bono make a full recovery. We're working as fast as we can with Live Nation to reschedule these dates.'
Paul McGuinness has confirmed the postponement of 16 shows on the U2360° Tour from Salt Lake City on June 3rd, through to New Jersey's Meadowlands Stadium on July 19th. Tour Promoters Live Nation are now rescheduling those dates.
This was followed by an announcement by Live Nation :
Tour promoters Live Nation have confirmed that the 16 U2360° shows from Salt Lake City on June 3rd, through to New Jersey's Meadowlands Stadium on July 19th, will be rescheduled for 2011.
U2 tour producer/promoter Arthur Fogel, CEO of Live Nation Global Touring, said, 'Although we understand the disappointment to U2 fans, first and foremost comes the recovery of Bono.'
Additional details on rescheduled dates will follow shortly and fans are encouraged to hold on to their tickets. We'll have all the information on U2.com as soon as it's confirmed.
U2 appearance in Glastonbury was cancelled too:
Following news of Bono's recuperation period from surgery, Glastonbury Festival have confirmed that the band won't be able to perform their headline slot next month. Bono and Michael Eavis ofGlastonbury spoke by phone this morning.
Said Bono: 'I'm heartbroken. We really wanted to be there to do something really special - we even wrote a song especially for the Festival.'
Said Michael Eavis: 'It was obvious from our telephone conversation that U2 are hugely disappointed. Clearly, they were looking forward to playing the Pyramid Stage as much as we were looking forward to watching them. At this point, we have no comment to make about possible replacements for U2's Friday night slot. Instead, we would simply like to send Bono our very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.'
source: www.u2.com/www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Bono has now been discharged from Ludwig Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital in Munich where he underwent emergency surgery on Friday, following a back injury. In order to fully recover, he is under doctor's orders to start a rehabilitation program and to recuperate for at least eight weeks.
Dr Muller Wohlfahrt confirmed, 'Bono suffered severe compression of the sciatic nerve. On review of his MRI scan, I realized there was a serious tear in the ligament and a herniated disc, and that conservative treatment would not suffice. I recommended Bono have emergency spine surgery with Professor Tonn at Munich's LMU University Hospital on Friday.'
Professor Tonn, who carried out the operation, added, 'Bono was referred to me by Dr Muller Wohlfahrt late last week with a sudden onset disease. He was already in severe pain with partial paralysis in the lower leg. The ligament surrounding the disc had an 8mm tear and during surgery we discovered fragments of the disc had traveled into the spinal canal. This surgery was the only course of treatment for full recovery and to avoid further paralysis. Bono is now much better, with complete recovery of his motor deficit. The prognosis is excellent but to obtain a sustainable result, he must now enter a period of rehabilitation'.
Dr Muller Wohlfahrt continued, 'We are treating Bono as we would treat any of our athletes and while the surgery has gone very well, the coming weeks are crucial for a return to full health. In the next days, he will start a light rehabilitation program, with increasing intensity over the next 8 weeks. In our experience, this is the minimum time.'
As a consequence, Paul Mc Guinness said, 'Our biggest and I believe best tour has been interrupted and we're all devastated. For a performer who lives to be on stage, this is more than a blow. He feels robbed of the chance to do what he does best and feels like he has badly let down the band and their audience. Which is of course nonsense. His concerns about more than a million ticket buyers whose plans have been turned upside down, we all share, but the most important thing right now is that Bono make a full recovery. We're working as fast as we can with Live Nation to reschedule these dates.'
Paul McGuinness has confirmed the postponement of 16 shows on the U2360° Tour from Salt Lake City on June 3rd, through to New Jersey's Meadowlands Stadium on July 19th. Tour Promoters Live Nation are now rescheduling those dates.
This was followed by an announcement by Live Nation :
Tour promoters Live Nation have confirmed that the 16 U2360° shows from Salt Lake City on June 3rd, through to New Jersey's Meadowlands Stadium on July 19th, will be rescheduled for 2011.
U2 tour producer/promoter Arthur Fogel, CEO of Live Nation Global Touring, said, 'Although we understand the disappointment to U2 fans, first and foremost comes the recovery of Bono.'
Additional details on rescheduled dates will follow shortly and fans are encouraged to hold on to their tickets. We'll have all the information on U2.com as soon as it's confirmed.
U2 appearance in Glastonbury was cancelled too:
Following news of Bono's recuperation period from surgery, Glastonbury Festival have confirmed that the band won't be able to perform their headline slot next month. Bono and Michael Eavis ofGlastonbury spoke by phone this morning.
Said Bono: 'I'm heartbroken. We really wanted to be there to do something really special - we even wrote a song especially for the Festival.'
Said Michael Eavis: 'It was obvious from our telephone conversation that U2 are hugely disappointed. Clearly, they were looking forward to playing the Pyramid Stage as much as we were looking forward to watching them. At this point, we have no comment to make about possible replacements for U2's Friday night slot. Instead, we would simply like to send Bono our very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.'
source: www.u2.com/www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bono Underwent Surgery
U2.com has reported that Bono had to undergo "emergency back surgery for an injury sustained during tour preparation training". He´s been operated in Munich where " He was admitted to a
specialist neuro surgery unit in a Munich hospital, and is under the care of neuro surgeon Prof.
Dr.Jorg Tonn and Dr Muller Wohlfahrt. Bono will spend the next few days there, before returning
home to recuperate".
Paul Mc Guinness gave a statement where he said :
"The band were really looking forward to getting back out on the road until the emergency surgery on Bono's back, which took place in Munich today. We were due to start rehearsals on Tuesday in Salt Lake City and get the show ready for the next leg. There were gonna be some changes and some new material. It's unfortunate that we're inconveniencing fans. We will make plans to reinstate these dates as soon as possible. Obviously, it's been very disruptive for our crew, as well; we have over 400 people converging on Salt Lake City, and some of them have been turned around and told to stay at home until we make our new plan. We hope to get things resolved as soon as possible."
Those who have tickets for the Salt Lake City show are being told that the show has been postponed .U2 fans with tickets to the June 3rd event are encouraged to retain tickets until updated show information can be provided.
source: www.u2.com
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...
Pictures depicting different moments in the U2 galaxy...
From rookie rockers to world activist...a long road has been trodden, boys!!.
source:www.colmhenry.ie/www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse
Slane Castle, Photos by Colm Henry www.colmhenry.ie
Bono at White House with US President Barack Obama (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
source:www.colmhenry.ie/www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Like Father Like Daughter
Arran Evans (a.k.a. Edge´s daughter) is bringing her own brand of creativity to biodegradable children's toys.
The 24-year-old from Monkstown, daughter of U2 guitarist The Edge, is about to introduce the world to 'Mulch Men', toys that eventually disintegrate into garden compost.
The two-inch figurines are made from a biodegradable plastic derived from potato starch which, when children tire of them, can be safely buried in damp soil.
Arran, a final year design student of Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University in south-west London, has already made a name for herself with a designer cotton handbag, Baile Bag.
With her latest project, Arran said she wanted to design something for boys aged between eight and 12.
Her imaginative "green" idea was inspired by a concern that "a lot of toys contain a whole variety of chemicals and there's no way parents can find out what's in them."
She said she hoped that children would fall for her 25 figurines. She has also designed a "landscape" for the 'Mulch Men' to live in.
Once the novelty has worn off, children can bury their 'Mulch Men' in damp soil and, within two weeks, their appearance changes and after about six weeks they disappear.
"The spaceman turns into an alien, the soldier becomes a zombie and the mad scientist mutates into a goblin" said Arran.
Finally, rather than disappearing into a box in the attic, the 'Mulch Men' can simply be thrown on the compost heap.
Course leader Simon Maidment said the brief given to students was to identify a worldwide problem and then try to design a creative and meaningful solution to it.
Smile
"Our dependence on oil-based plastics is clearly a serious issue, but Arran's solution is one that will make a lot of people smile," he said. Arran's designs will be launched at Kingston University's degree show from June 6-11, an event that traditionally attracts top industry players.
Before going to Kingston, where she has won a competition for creating the college's corporate gift, Arran studied at Dublin Institute of Technology and the Art Centre, Los Angeles.
Her design talent is combined with a strong sense of social justice and her Baile tote bags are certified Fair Trade and Fair Labour, and support Kiva.org, the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, which empowers individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.
source:www.independent.ie
.
The Lazarus Effect on TV
The Lazarus Effect , a film by Lance Bangs, Executive Producer Spike Jonze, Presented by (RED) & HBO is on Monday, May 24 on HBO at 9pmET/8c, YouTube at 9.30pm ET and Channel 4 (UK) at 11pm GMT.
AIDS is a preventable and treatable disease yet it has killed more than 20 million people in Africa. If people have access to lifesaving antiretroviral medicine that costs around 40 cents a day, they can live a full life with HIV instead of dying from AIDS. In as few as 40 days, people on ARVs can undergo a remarkable transformation. That transformation is called “The Lazarus Effect.”
source:The Lazarus Effect/my space
U2 Wins Two World Music Awards
On May 18 musicians and recording artists from all over the world congregated in Monte Carlo for the World Music Awards and to honour the best in the world.
U2 won two World Music Awards :World's Best Rock Artist and Best Selling Artist from Ireland .
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Is Spiderman Coming?
The New York Times has published an article on the upcoming(?) Spider musical.
From U2: A Song for Spidey
Reeve Carney
The rock band Carney on Tuesday unveiled a new song by U2, “Boy Falls from the Sky,” an emo-like mix of ballad and hard, aching energy that is intended as a major number in Act II of the coming Broadway mega-musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” Bono and the Edge wrote “Boy” and a dozen more songs for the show, their first Broadway musical, which has suffered production delays because of financial problems but is expected to begin performances in New York this fall.
Reeve Carney, the singer-frontman of the band that bears his name, is set to play Peter Parker and Spider-Man on Broadway, though he did not act in character while performing “Boy” at a luncheon honoring the musical’s director, Julie Taymor. It was the first time that Mr. Carney had performed a U2 song from “Spider-Man” before several hundred Broadway artists and producers; his singing voice sounded both younger and sharper-edged than Bono’s.
In the musical, Peter Parker sings the number after his love interest, Mary Jane, has been abducted and his superpowers are gone. The song was by turns romantic and introspective, with lyrics like “you can change your mind/you can’t change your heart” and “I did not have to move so far/to find myself alone.”
source:www.nytimes.com
The Countdown Has Started
In a few days (fifteen to be exact) the 3rd leg of the 360° starts at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah.The Claw is being under construction as it is shown in the video below.
(video by Gng007,U2.com)
According stage and tour designer, Willie Williams, the gig will start with a new choice of song. He said " the band feels a need to make some changes to keep the shows fresh".
Also details of the DVD Super Deluxe Box Set edition of U2360° At The Rose Bowl which will be released next month appeared on U2.com.
The Set will include: a 32 page hardback book; limited edition 2-disc DVD of U2360° At The Rose Bowl plus 2 hours of bonus material; 1 Blu-ray of U2360° At The Rose Bowl plus 2 hours of bonus material; 1 vinyl 7inch; 3 U2360° guitar picks; the Tour Programme; a limited edition numbered drawing of final stage design; and 5 art prints in an embossed wallet.
U2360° At The Rose Bowl is released in the following formats:
- Single Disc DVD, live concert only
- 2DVD Super Deluxe Box Set (see above)
- Two Disc DVD Deluxe edition
and
- Blu-Ray Single Disc edition each featuring the live concert plus:
Squaring The Circle: Creating U2360° Documentary
U2360° Tour Clips
Bonus Track 'Breathe' (Live At The Rose Bowl)
Berlin Timelapse Video
Videos:
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Animated)
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Live At Barcelona)
The Making Of 'Get On Your Boots' Video
The Making Of 'Magnificent' Video
- Single Disc DVD, live concert only
- 2DVD Super Deluxe Box Set (see above)
- Two Disc DVD Deluxe edition
and
- Blu-Ray Single Disc edition each featuring the live concert plus:
Squaring The Circle: Creating U2360° Documentary
U2360° Tour Clips
Bonus Track 'Breathe' (Live At The Rose Bowl)
Berlin Timelapse Video
Videos:
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Animated)
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Live At Barcelona)
The Making Of 'Get On Your Boots' Video
The Making Of 'Magnificent' Video
More info, click here.
source:www.u2.com/www.u2.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
A look back at Irish rockers U2 over the years - Boston.com
Boston.com has published a photo- restrospective of Bono for his 50th anniversary.
A look back at Irish rockers U2 over the years - Boston.com
A look back at Irish rockers U2 over the years - Boston.com
Saturday, May 15, 2010
2010 FIFA World Cup: United
In a few days Africa will host, for the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup. For some days the world will be looking at South Africa and the country (and the whole continent),in a way will have the opportunity to show their honest, hard working people and the effort they´ve made constructing and refurbishing stadiums, hotels, creating new means of transport , airports (as the new international one in Durban, King Shaka, check it here), overcoming a major energy crisis, in a few words, giving the best in them for the thousands of people from all over the world who will go to this precious country to support their favourite teams.
For a few days, the world will come to a stand still, we will all have the "illusion" that the whole world can be united under the banner of football. Let´s have the illusion for a while that if the world can be united to support a game, we still have the hope that we can be united for bigger issues...Perhaps the message of hope, peace and love is not so far away...You may call me a dreamer...but I´m not the only one!!!!
With U2´s "Magnificent" as background music, Bono gives us the message of this World Cup, "United" in an ESPN commercial.
AWF Extends Build a Well for Bono's Birthday Through Saturday
The African Well Fund began collecting donations for the eighth annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday, a 50-day fundraiser, on March 22 to raise $50,000 to fund a clean water and sanitation project in the Buhera district of Zimbabwe. To give as many fans as possible the opportunity to take part in this fundraiser, and add their birthday wishes to Bono on a card that will be sent to Principle Management, AWF will continue to accept donations through May 15.
To make a donation or learn more about the Zimbabwe clean water and sanitation project African Well Fund is aiming to fund through Build a Well for Bono's Birthday, click here.
The Africa Well Fund 'was formed in 2002 by a group of U2 fans (see AWF Facebook)inspired by the media coverage of Bono's trip to Africa with Secretary of U.S. Treasury, Paul O'Neill. Struck by the enormous difference that a well can make in the life of a village, we were convinced that raising the money to build a well was an easily achievable goal...'
Donations here.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
U2 Marathon on "The Sting"
U2.com has announced:
WBWC presenters Todd Richards and Mary Cipriani boast an encyclopaedic knowledge of the band's music. Their annual 'U2 Marathon' features plenty of rare tracks and surprises - as well as DJ's who know what they're talking about. Good mix.
Listen in now.
If you want to submit your own request email request@wbwc.com ( 'U2 Marathon' in the subject ) or call in on
440-826-7846
.
source: www.u2.com//wbwc.com
WBWC presenters Todd Richards and Mary Cipriani boast an encyclopaedic knowledge of the band's music. Their annual 'U2 Marathon' features plenty of rare tracks and surprises - as well as DJ's who know what they're talking about. Good mix.
Listen in now.
If you want to submit your own request email request@wbwc.com ( 'U2 Marathon' in the subject ) or call in on
440-826-7846.source: www.u2.com//wbwc.com
Bono and Edge in Cannes
Bono and Edge are at Cannes to participate in an event organised by Bono and Wyclef Jean to gather funds for the Haiti earhtquake victims.The event will take place next Monday.
There will also be a premiere trailer of the movie "Killing Bono" for the press.
source:/www.u2miracle.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Where was Bono?
Bono and Ali seen some days ago in New York
The world has celebrated his birthday, but where was the man doing? According to Irish paper The Independent, "Bono celebrated his 50th birthday in New York last night with his number one fan." And who is she? No other than the "sweetest thing": Mrs Ali Hewson.
The newspaper reports that "...Sources say the setting for this most special of meals was Nobu restaurant in Manhattan, part owned by actor Robert De Niro... "
"Traditionally, it's also a few days after his big day that Bono gets around to throwing a party.However, this year it's understood celebrations have been suspended due to the death of broadcaster Gerry Ryan.One friend of the singer said that while plans had been made for a number of Bono's pals to travel over to New York later this week, they were dropped. This was backed up by at least two of the U2 singer's best friends, screenwriter and singer Simon Carmody, and nightclub owner Robbie Fox telling friends they had no plans to travel over.
U2's publicist said Bono would be "taking the next few days off to spend with his family".
The 50-year old has had a hectic week after joining with fellow third world campaigner Bob Geldof to edit a special edition of Toronto's 'Globe and Mail' newspaper on Sunday.
Before leaving the newspaper on Sunday night the U2 star had 'Happy Birthday' sung to him by staff. Bono is at present residing in the US with his family while their family home in Killiney, Dublin, has a major extension built to its rear and roof."
Birthday Celebrations Galore!!!
Two more articles about Mr Hewson´s birthday...
MTV Newsroom has published...
It's a big day in the life of the man born Paul Hewson, who is one of the most famous and iconic rock stars in history. Of course, he's known to the world as Bono, the singer for U2 and a full-time activist. He turns 50 years old today, so we at MTV News wanted to wish him a very happy birthday.
Really, considering how much he has accomplished, it's incredible that Bono is only 50 years old. His band first broke out way back in 1980 with their debut album Boy, which contained their first hit "I Will Follow" (he called himself "Bono Vox" then, which translates to "beautiful voice"). Their sound began as a hybrid of punk rock agitation, New Wave beauty and Eno-esque soundscapes. Over the course of the 1980s, they gradually morphed into one of the biggest bands on the planet, with MTV staples like "New Year's Day," "Pride (In the Name of Love)" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" accosting the charts. In fact, their 1987 album The Joshua Tree is largely considered to be the finest album of the 1980s and one of the best ever made.
The '90s saw U2 expanding outward both sonically and socially. Their triptych of albums — 1991's Achtung Baby, 1993's Zooropa and 1997's Pop — toyed with electronic instruments, dance music, dub, prog rock and all manner of genres in between, all while still maintaining their core identity and knocking out hits like "One" and "Discotheque." All the while, they went on huge stadium-filling tours and worked more and more on charity projects and on worldwide outreach, with Bono leading the way in addressing the AIDS epidemic and third world debt relief.
The past decade has seen the band find their roots again, and they saw their anthemic epics providing the soundtrack to important moments in history (most notably "Beautiful Day," which became an unofficial theme song of survival following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001). They continue to produce incredible music to this day, as their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon delivered a handful more hits and another huge, envelope-pushing tour.
And The Daily Maverick (South Africa)
Bono's first 50 years: the music, the politics, the sunglasses(By Mandy de Waal)
Hard to believe, but Bono’s already burned through his first 50 years on Earth. Don’t let those fresh looks fool you though. Having achieved godlike rock status he’s on to his next job: Saving Africa, ending poverty and the scourge of Aids. (The post of President of the Earth hasn’t been established just yet.)
As Bono turns 50, spare a thought for a man you’ve probably never heard of before. His name is Richard “Dik” Evans. In 1976 together with Paul David Hewson (Bono), Adam Clayton, and his brother David Evans (The Edge) he’d answer a newspaper advert stuck on a bulletin board calling for members for a new rock band. The four would audition, but soon after in a key moment of separating fortunes, Bono and friends would abandon doing cover songs in favour of writing original material and move on to form a group called U2. Dik Evans would choose to leave just before the formation of U2 to join a band called The Virgin Prunes.
The rest of the story is rock history. Dik would fade into obscurity, his only fame by proxy of his brother The Edge. Bono would become an overachieving legend. Not happy with global domination as frontman for one of the greatest bands of all time, or with being arguably one of the biggest singer-songwriters of his time, Bono, like Geldof before him, would put Africa on his list of “things to save”.
When he was 14, Bono suffered a significant trauma when his mother collapsed and later died after suffering a cerebral aneurysm at her father’s funeral. The pain of this loss is evident in many of his songs, including “I will follow” which the group have played on just about every tour, becoming U2’s most frequently played number.
Winner of 22 Grammy Awards, Bono pens most U2 songs which have ranged from the early inspired religious themes, to political statements to the more recent personal and self-deprecating. In 2005 with the rest of U2, Bono was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Three years later Rolling Stone magazine would list him as one of the greatest singers of all time. Having sold more than 150 million albums, U2’s latest are less remarkable than the earlier hit spinners like “The Joshua Tree”, “War” and “Achtung Baby”.
Nowadays Bono’s focus is increasingly geared toward solving the problem of poverty, saving Africa and championing the fight against Aids. Like Sir Bob before him Bono travelled to Ethiopia after 1985’s Live Aid concert and was reborn as a self-styled superhero with the view that “every human life has equal worth".
This has spawned a number of pop-styled Bono movements to end Africa’s woes including “The Campaign to Make Poverty History” and Product (RED). The latter is a consumerist-type fundraising campaign that encourages people to buy, buy, buy designer branded products to raise funds for Aids drugs in impoverished Africa. As Bono once said: "Rock stars always want to do two things. They want to have fun and change the world. If you can do both at the same time you're okay.” Bono has won way too many humanitarian awards to mention here, but the bigger ones include being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.
Thanks to his humanitarian efforts, Bono is now rubbing shoulders with global leaders, speaking at world economic forums and addressing political and economic heavyweights at platforms such as Davos. Nowadays the songwriter with “good voice” is telling world leaders how to be good and save the world.
How will the rock god celebrate his half-century? According to the Irish press, he’ll be having an intimate do with a few close friends in New York. Oh, for a look at that guest list.
source:newsroom.mtv.com//www.thedailymaverick.co.za
MTV Newsroom has published...
Happy Birthday, Bono! (by Kyle Anderson)
It's a big day in the life of the man born Paul Hewson, who is one of the most famous and iconic rock stars in history. Of course, he's known to the world as Bono, the singer for U2 and a full-time activist. He turns 50 years old today, so we at MTV News wanted to wish him a very happy birthday.
Really, considering how much he has accomplished, it's incredible that Bono is only 50 years old. His band first broke out way back in 1980 with their debut album Boy, which contained their first hit "I Will Follow" (he called himself "Bono Vox" then, which translates to "beautiful voice"). Their sound began as a hybrid of punk rock agitation, New Wave beauty and Eno-esque soundscapes. Over the course of the 1980s, they gradually morphed into one of the biggest bands on the planet, with MTV staples like "New Year's Day," "Pride (In the Name of Love)" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" accosting the charts. In fact, their 1987 album The Joshua Tree is largely considered to be the finest album of the 1980s and one of the best ever made.
The '90s saw U2 expanding outward both sonically and socially. Their triptych of albums — 1991's Achtung Baby, 1993's Zooropa and 1997's Pop — toyed with electronic instruments, dance music, dub, prog rock and all manner of genres in between, all while still maintaining their core identity and knocking out hits like "One" and "Discotheque." All the while, they went on huge stadium-filling tours and worked more and more on charity projects and on worldwide outreach, with Bono leading the way in addressing the AIDS epidemic and third world debt relief.
The past decade has seen the band find their roots again, and they saw their anthemic epics providing the soundtrack to important moments in history (most notably "Beautiful Day," which became an unofficial theme song of survival following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001). They continue to produce incredible music to this day, as their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon delivered a handful more hits and another huge, envelope-pushing tour.
And The Daily Maverick (South Africa)
Bono's first 50 years: the music, the politics, the sunglasses(By Mandy de Waal)
Hard to believe, but Bono’s already burned through his first 50 years on Earth. Don’t let those fresh looks fool you though. Having achieved godlike rock status he’s on to his next job: Saving Africa, ending poverty and the scourge of Aids. (The post of President of the Earth hasn’t been established just yet.)
As Bono turns 50, spare a thought for a man you’ve probably never heard of before. His name is Richard “Dik” Evans. In 1976 together with Paul David Hewson (Bono), Adam Clayton, and his brother David Evans (The Edge) he’d answer a newspaper advert stuck on a bulletin board calling for members for a new rock band. The four would audition, but soon after in a key moment of separating fortunes, Bono and friends would abandon doing cover songs in favour of writing original material and move on to form a group called U2. Dik Evans would choose to leave just before the formation of U2 to join a band called The Virgin Prunes.
The rest of the story is rock history. Dik would fade into obscurity, his only fame by proxy of his brother The Edge. Bono would become an overachieving legend. Not happy with global domination as frontman for one of the greatest bands of all time, or with being arguably one of the biggest singer-songwriters of his time, Bono, like Geldof before him, would put Africa on his list of “things to save”.
When he was 14, Bono suffered a significant trauma when his mother collapsed and later died after suffering a cerebral aneurysm at her father’s funeral. The pain of this loss is evident in many of his songs, including “I will follow” which the group have played on just about every tour, becoming U2’s most frequently played number.
Winner of 22 Grammy Awards, Bono pens most U2 songs which have ranged from the early inspired religious themes, to political statements to the more recent personal and self-deprecating. In 2005 with the rest of U2, Bono was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Three years later Rolling Stone magazine would list him as one of the greatest singers of all time. Having sold more than 150 million albums, U2’s latest are less remarkable than the earlier hit spinners like “The Joshua Tree”, “War” and “Achtung Baby”.
Nowadays Bono’s focus is increasingly geared toward solving the problem of poverty, saving Africa and championing the fight against Aids. Like Sir Bob before him Bono travelled to Ethiopia after 1985’s Live Aid concert and was reborn as a self-styled superhero with the view that “every human life has equal worth".
This has spawned a number of pop-styled Bono movements to end Africa’s woes including “The Campaign to Make Poverty History” and Product (RED). The latter is a consumerist-type fundraising campaign that encourages people to buy, buy, buy designer branded products to raise funds for Aids drugs in impoverished Africa. As Bono once said: "Rock stars always want to do two things. They want to have fun and change the world. If you can do both at the same time you're okay.” Bono has won way too many humanitarian awards to mention here, but the bigger ones include being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.
Thanks to his humanitarian efforts, Bono is now rubbing shoulders with global leaders, speaking at world economic forums and addressing political and economic heavyweights at platforms such as Davos. Nowadays the songwriter with “good voice” is telling world leaders how to be good and save the world.
How will the rock god celebrate his half-century? According to the Irish press, he’ll be having an intimate do with a few close friends in New York. Oh, for a look at that guest list.
source:newsroom.mtv.com//www.thedailymaverick.co.za
Bono at 50: The leader we need
And still more B´s b´day bash...The Washington Post has published...
Today, Bono, the U2 singer, global activist and one of the most powerful leaders on the world stage, turns 50. At this important milestone, it is worth briefly taking stock of his journey thus far--a journey of purpose, impact, passion, and humor. It is a path with lessons for leaders from all walks of life.
Let's begin by considering all the roads Bono (who was born Paul David Hewson in Dublin) did NOT take as he has traveled these last five decades. He has never been the CEO of a major company. He has never held public office or scored a big campaign contribution. He did not graduate from an elite university. He did not make most of his considerable wealth in the global equity or debt markets.
So what has Bono been up to that accounts for his enormous influence--influence that extends from the 100,000-seat stadiums that U2 plays to the White House, Vatican, and Downing Street to debt forgiveness and medical aid to Africa? After all, he was not born with cash or connections. His father, Bob Hewson, who was a postal worker, used to tell him not to dream so he would not be disappointed. So how did a curious, restless boy whose mother died when he was 14, leaving him with what he later called a "God-shaped hole" at his core, become a leader who could convince Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Jesse Helms to increase America's aid to Africa more than fourfold, from around $2 billion in 2000 to $8 billion in 2009? Whose Global Fund has committed $19 billion to fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in 144 countries?
Bono's leadership journey has its roots in U2, the Irish band that he and several schoolmates, including Larry Mullen, Jr., David Evans (who later became known as "The Edge"), and Adam Clayton, founded in 1976. The story of U2's success is one of commerce as much as art. At its center is the creation and stewardship of a very powerful brand, a brand that, in the midst of an ongoing perfect storm of turbulence in the music distribution business, is still going strong around the world.
Another important part of U2's success has been the very profitable business model that the four musicians and their savvy manager Paul McGuiness have developed. It is a model that keeps evolving--usually a step or two ahead of the gales of creative destruction buffeting the larger industry--and one that has benefited from a lot of experimentation, ongoing reinvention, and a consistent willingness to challenge industry standards.
But brands and business models are only as good as the product and people behind them. The U2 team, including musicians, management, administrative staff and others, is a vibrant, highly productive organization focused on producing relevant, world-class offerings--from CDs to stadium tours to films--that sell briskly in virtually every market on earth. Worldwide, the band has sold more than 140 million records. Its 2005 "Vertigo" tour grossed $389 million, second only to the Rolling Stones for a single-tour gross.
Leading this enterprise has meant keeping the key team members motivated, engaged and growing--as human beings as well as music makers--for almost 34 years. Growing the organization four gangly teenagers - who in 1979 had to sell one of their instruments in order to buy passage home after a short London tour--to one of the most successful rock bands in history has demanded abiding faith, a steady stream of courage, huge reserves of personal energy, and a disciplined openness to the world as he continues to meet it.
From this solid foundation, Bono has acquired great agency. Not only money for himself and sway with his customers--music fans of all ages, shapes and sizes--but also extraordinary access to other movers and shakers as well as influence on a wide range of issues outside rock music. One of the most compelling aspects of Bono's leadership is how he has chosen to use the authority that has accompanied business success. He has decided, over and over again, to put his artistic, political, strategic, and spiritual muscle to work to alleviate suffering in the world's poorest countries.
He talks a lot about justice as animating his work and spirit. But this is perhaps too abstract a term for what Bono seems to be doing on a daily basis. One of the most important things he does every day is to keep educating himself on the people, economies, and pressing problems of developing countries. Many of the experts, including the developmental economist Jeffrey Sachs, have commented on how thoroughly the singer-turned activist does his homework.
A second, important part of Bono's days is leading a spectrum of organizations like the ONE campaign and RED that each advance his broader mission. This involves coordinating these groups and monitoring their progress. As of late 2009, the Global Fund had helped support antiretroviral treatment for 2.5 million people; helped provide 105 million HIV counseling and testing sessions; and helped finance 4.5 million instances of basic care and support services for orphans and vulnerable children. Bono's leadership also involves selling these organizations and their work to all kinds of stakeholders.
Amidst all this activity, Bono keeps turning his energy to making and distributing music. This is part poetry, part packaging for the band and himself (he once said he had to learn how to be a rock star), part dollars-and-cents, and part competitive drive. His work as a musician is as central to his humanitarian efforts as the money he helps raise or the politicians he wins over for debt relief. At the same time, his activism has become part of the U2 brand, animating the way that millions of people think about the group and their offerings.
Herein lie several lessons. First, all successful organizational leaders--from presidents to police chiefs to CEOs--wield power, often in excess of that granted them by their office. How such individuals decide, explicitly or not, to use this control is a question of grave importance for the world today. The most important problems confronting us now, including a precarious global financial system and an equally vulnerable environmental system, do not come in separate buckets labeled "business" and "public policy." These are challenges that are smashing through older boundaries and helping redefine organizational place and mission.
Second, as Bono seems to understand, these issues demand a new kind of leadership, one based not in aging hierarchies and status systems but in humility, an ardent desire to learn and a respect for the individuals that organizations serve.
Third, individual leaders have to keep getting right with themselves about their own path and impact.
Finally, effective leadership today demands a willingness to stay open, not only to one's own enterprise but also to the teeming global village around it. Bono, like Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago, has not let himself become isolated in an elite atmosphere. He has used his touring and travels as classrooms to help him understand the hopes, dreams and tribulations of his fellow citizens, whom he often calls his brothers and sisters. And he has used this knowledge to light his way, his music and his leadership.
Happy Birthday, Bono.
by Nancy F. Koehn (a historian at the Harvard Business School and author, most recently, of The Story of American Business: From the Pages of the New York Times.)
source:www.washingtonpost.com
Today, Bono, the U2 singer, global activist and one of the most powerful leaders on the world stage, turns 50. At this important milestone, it is worth briefly taking stock of his journey thus far--a journey of purpose, impact, passion, and humor. It is a path with lessons for leaders from all walks of life.
Let's begin by considering all the roads Bono (who was born Paul David Hewson in Dublin) did NOT take as he has traveled these last five decades. He has never been the CEO of a major company. He has never held public office or scored a big campaign contribution. He did not graduate from an elite university. He did not make most of his considerable wealth in the global equity or debt markets.
So what has Bono been up to that accounts for his enormous influence--influence that extends from the 100,000-seat stadiums that U2 plays to the White House, Vatican, and Downing Street to debt forgiveness and medical aid to Africa? After all, he was not born with cash or connections. His father, Bob Hewson, who was a postal worker, used to tell him not to dream so he would not be disappointed. So how did a curious, restless boy whose mother died when he was 14, leaving him with what he later called a "God-shaped hole" at his core, become a leader who could convince Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Jesse Helms to increase America's aid to Africa more than fourfold, from around $2 billion in 2000 to $8 billion in 2009? Whose Global Fund has committed $19 billion to fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in 144 countries?
Bono's leadership journey has its roots in U2, the Irish band that he and several schoolmates, including Larry Mullen, Jr., David Evans (who later became known as "The Edge"), and Adam Clayton, founded in 1976. The story of U2's success is one of commerce as much as art. At its center is the creation and stewardship of a very powerful brand, a brand that, in the midst of an ongoing perfect storm of turbulence in the music distribution business, is still going strong around the world.
Another important part of U2's success has been the very profitable business model that the four musicians and their savvy manager Paul McGuiness have developed. It is a model that keeps evolving--usually a step or two ahead of the gales of creative destruction buffeting the larger industry--and one that has benefited from a lot of experimentation, ongoing reinvention, and a consistent willingness to challenge industry standards.
But brands and business models are only as good as the product and people behind them. The U2 team, including musicians, management, administrative staff and others, is a vibrant, highly productive organization focused on producing relevant, world-class offerings--from CDs to stadium tours to films--that sell briskly in virtually every market on earth. Worldwide, the band has sold more than 140 million records. Its 2005 "Vertigo" tour grossed $389 million, second only to the Rolling Stones for a single-tour gross.
Leading this enterprise has meant keeping the key team members motivated, engaged and growing--as human beings as well as music makers--for almost 34 years. Growing the organization four gangly teenagers - who in 1979 had to sell one of their instruments in order to buy passage home after a short London tour--to one of the most successful rock bands in history has demanded abiding faith, a steady stream of courage, huge reserves of personal energy, and a disciplined openness to the world as he continues to meet it.
From this solid foundation, Bono has acquired great agency. Not only money for himself and sway with his customers--music fans of all ages, shapes and sizes--but also extraordinary access to other movers and shakers as well as influence on a wide range of issues outside rock music. One of the most compelling aspects of Bono's leadership is how he has chosen to use the authority that has accompanied business success. He has decided, over and over again, to put his artistic, political, strategic, and spiritual muscle to work to alleviate suffering in the world's poorest countries.
He talks a lot about justice as animating his work and spirit. But this is perhaps too abstract a term for what Bono seems to be doing on a daily basis. One of the most important things he does every day is to keep educating himself on the people, economies, and pressing problems of developing countries. Many of the experts, including the developmental economist Jeffrey Sachs, have commented on how thoroughly the singer-turned activist does his homework.
A second, important part of Bono's days is leading a spectrum of organizations like the ONE campaign and RED that each advance his broader mission. This involves coordinating these groups and monitoring their progress. As of late 2009, the Global Fund had helped support antiretroviral treatment for 2.5 million people; helped provide 105 million HIV counseling and testing sessions; and helped finance 4.5 million instances of basic care and support services for orphans and vulnerable children. Bono's leadership also involves selling these organizations and their work to all kinds of stakeholders.
Amidst all this activity, Bono keeps turning his energy to making and distributing music. This is part poetry, part packaging for the band and himself (he once said he had to learn how to be a rock star), part dollars-and-cents, and part competitive drive. His work as a musician is as central to his humanitarian efforts as the money he helps raise or the politicians he wins over for debt relief. At the same time, his activism has become part of the U2 brand, animating the way that millions of people think about the group and their offerings.
Herein lie several lessons. First, all successful organizational leaders--from presidents to police chiefs to CEOs--wield power, often in excess of that granted them by their office. How such individuals decide, explicitly or not, to use this control is a question of grave importance for the world today. The most important problems confronting us now, including a precarious global financial system and an equally vulnerable environmental system, do not come in separate buckets labeled "business" and "public policy." These are challenges that are smashing through older boundaries and helping redefine organizational place and mission.
Second, as Bono seems to understand, these issues demand a new kind of leadership, one based not in aging hierarchies and status systems but in humility, an ardent desire to learn and a respect for the individuals that organizations serve.
Third, individual leaders have to keep getting right with themselves about their own path and impact.
Finally, effective leadership today demands a willingness to stay open, not only to one's own enterprise but also to the teeming global village around it. Bono, like Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago, has not let himself become isolated in an elite atmosphere. He has used his touring and travels as classrooms to help him understand the hopes, dreams and tribulations of his fellow citizens, whom he often calls his brothers and sisters. And he has used this knowledge to light his way, his music and his leadership.
Happy Birthday, Bono.
by Nancy F. Koehn (a historian at the Harvard Business School and author, most recently, of The Story of American Business: From the Pages of the New York Times.)
source:www.washingtonpost.com
Bono´s Best Quotes
Celebrations for our fave frontman´s BIG day still go on. Here there are two of them, one is an article on Bono´s best quotes ( from Cleveland.com) and the other a collection of over 200 photos(from HNL.BE) that shows the charismatic singer throughout his long and successful career.
U2 frontman and self-proclaimed celebrity statesman Bono was born Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960. That means he turns 50 today.
Whether or not this event holds cultural significance to you most likely depends upon your own age and your tolerance for overly talkative, occasionally pompous, rock stars. But let's give the leather-clad, sunglasses-loving lead singer of U2 his due. Compared to most rock stars, he's a model world citizen. Instead of a living a life consumed by the excesses of sex, booze and drugs, he keeps busy writing, performing and leading international relief efforts. And he's been married to the same woman for decades.
So, happy birthday Bono. In honor of your 50th, we scoured our files -- and the Worldwide Web -- to find 50 of your best quotes about music, God, politics, fashion, and, of course, yourself. Not surprisingly, it didn't take us that long finish the task.
1. Religion can be the enemy of God. It's often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building.
2. I'm not in a position to be seen as a spokesman for a generation. I mean, how can you be a spokesman of a generation if you've nothing to say, other than 'Help!'
3. To touch is to heal, to hurt is to steal. If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel.
4. I want to play the guitar very badly, and I DO play the guitar very badly.
5. I'm the Imelda Marcos of sunglasses.
6. Teenage kids have no sense of mortality - yours or theirs.
7. We actually aren't able to play other people's songs. The one Stones song we tried to play was Jumpin' Jack Flash. It was really bad. So we started writing our own - it was easier.
8. You put on the leather pants and the pants start telling you what to do.
9. The right to be irresponsible and stupid is something I hold very dear. And luckily it is something I do well.
10. I have electrical storms of a different kind now.
11. Making records is like making hot dogs. You'll probably enjoy them more if you don't see how it's done.
12. To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.
13. Even though I'm a believer, I still find it really hard to be around other believers. They make me nervous, they make me twitch. I sorta watch my back.
14. Perspective is the cure for depression.
15. Whenever I see grace, I'm moved.
16. There's a point where you find yourself tiptoeing as an artist, and then you know that you're in the wrong place.
17. The Clash was the greatest rock band. They wrote the rule book for U2.
18. You know, on a long tour you do hear people saying they miss their pets. I never have. But last night I started really missing my dog. It's very odd, 'cause I don't have a dog.
19. There's no retirement for an artist,its your way of living so theres no end to it.
20. As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both.
21. It's stasis that kills you off in the end, not ambition.
22. Music can change the world because it can change people.
23. Rock 'n' roll is ridiculous. It's absurd. In the past, U2 was trying to duck that. Now we're wrapping our arms around it and giving it a great big kiss.
24. I`m the Fidel Castro of speechifying. We`ve got a few hours, don`t we?
25. Look, I`m sick of Bono and I AM Bono.
26.You have permission to call me anything you want - except sir, all right? Lord of lords, your demigodness, that`ll do.
27. Great music is written by people who are either running toward or away from God.
28. Everyone argues, then we do what I say.
29. Marriage is this grand madness, and I think if people knew that, they would perhaps take it more seriously. The reason why there`s operas and novels and pop tunes written about love is because it`s such an extraordinary thing, not because it`s commonplace...
30. Never trust a man who tells you it`s from the heart, never trust a man smoking a cigar, never trust a cowboy or a man who wears shades.
31. At a certain point, I just felt, you know, God is not looking for alms, God is looking for action.
32. It's not enough to rage against the lie...you've got to replace it with the truth.
33. U2 is sort of song writing by accident really. We don`t really know what we`re doing and when we do, it doesn`t seem to help.
34. I think ABBA have a pure joy to their music and that`s what makes them extraordinary.
35. There`s the country of America, which you have to defend, but there`s also the idea of America. America is more than just a country, it`s an idea. An idea that`s supposed to be contagious.
36. It costs a fortune to look this trashy.
37. Brian Wilson believes in angels. I do too and you only have to listen to the string arrangement of `God Only Knows` for fact and proof of angels.
38. Overcoming my dad telling me that I could never amount to anything is what has made me the megalomaniac that you see today.
39. Don't get me too excited because I use four letter words when I get excited.
40. The less you know, the more you believe.
41. Actually 1978 was a really exciting time for U2. We had just discovered F sharp minor. So we had the fourth chord and we'd only had three up to then.
42. How long, how long must we sing this song?
43. Don't believe in the 60's, the Golden age of Pop. You glorify the past, when the future dries up.
44. I want to run. I want to hide. I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside. I want to reach out and touch the plains, where the streets have no names.
45. To touch is to heal, to hurt is to steal.
46. It's not about politics, or religion, or the economy. It's not about borders, history, trade, oil, water, gas, mineral rights, human rights or animal rights. It's not about global warming, global pandemics, globalization, GDP, NATO or Kyoto.
47. Every Artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief. All kill for inspiration and sing about their grief.
48. It's a beautiful day...Don't let it get away.
49. The heart that hurts is a heart that beats.
50. I still haven't found what I'm looking for.
source:www.cleveland.com
More than 200 Bono´s photos, click here.
source: www.hln.be// pics:u2news.com
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