Bono (Paul David Hewson) is a famous singer and leader of the Irish band U2. A leading rock figure, Bono is also active in politics and humanitarian causes, particularly in Africa. A colorful character who knows how to give his voice in all circumstances!
Paul Hewson, aka Bono – cc
Paul David Hewson was born in Dublin on May 10, 1960, into a family of modest means. He lost his mother at the age of 14, and went through a turbulent adolescence marked by rebellion. In the ’70s, Paul joined Lypton Village, a neighborhood band that played music in public spaces. There he met Gavin Friday, and Derrek Rown (Guggy).
A poor guitarist, he nevertheless achieved good results on vocals and decided to push the experiment further. So he answered an ad posted in his school by Larry Mullen Jr. to form the band U2. He then joined The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr and Adam Clayton, and decided to call himself Bono.
The stage name “Bono” comes from a nickname based on “Bono Vox,” in reference to a Dublin-based hearing store. This Latin expression means “good voice”.
Bono becomes the band’s official lyricist, occasionally accompanying his songs on guitar. Before long, Bono and his band were playing on a number of small stages, getting noticed by producers and record companies, and signing their first contract. They recorded their first albums, and enjoyed dazzling success.
Bono – U2start – cc
Bono is a particularly charismatic character, who doesn’t hesitate to shatter his image with the media at every opportunity. His stiff, cigarillo-smoking voice made him one of rock’s finest.
Bono’s vocal timbre is unmistakably unique. With a range that oscillates between baritone and tenor, he can go from a whisper to a scream in an instant. His vocal style is often described as passionate and expressive, with an innate sense of drama that can elevate a simple melody into a spellbinding experience. Songs like “With or Without You” and “One” are perfect examples, where her voice explores nuances of vulnerability and power.
Throughout his career, he has sung alongside some of the greatest names in the business, including Pavarotti, Beyoncé, the Corrs and others. Eclectic choices that allow him to constantly renew himself.
What’s fascinating about Bono is his versatility. Whether in ballads, rock anthems or more experimental pieces, he knows how to adapt his voice to serve the song. U2’s albums have spanned different eras and musical styles, from the early post-punk of “Boy” to the electronic exploration of “Zooropa” and “Pop”.
Bono is not only a singer, he’s also an outstanding performer. His stage presence is electrifying, capable of captivating entire stadiums. He often uses his voice as an instrument in its own right, playing with effects and modulations to create an immersive experience.
Bono is not just an artist, but also an activist who knows that every concert is an opportunity to raise awareness of issues that matter. It’s this combination of musical talent and social commitment that makes him both an admired and sometimes controversial figure. But one thing is certain: when Bono speaks, people listen.
One of his earliest commitments was revealed through the song Sunday Bloody Sunday, in which he strongly condemned the conflicts in Northern Ireland.
He has also been involved in humanitarian causes in Africa, helping to cancel the debt of certain African countries through his “DATA” program. The same goes for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, where Bono is still campaigning for generic drugs to be brought to Africa to treat patients suffering from these deadly viruses.
His participation in numerous charity concerts has made him one of the spearheads of humanitarian and political causes. With every injustice or sensitive issue, Paul Hewson has never hesitated to make his voice heard, using his voice and notoriety to shed light on dramatic situations too often passed over in silence.
Here are a few notable moments when he used the stage as a platform for political causes:
During the “Zoo TV” tour in the 1990s, Bono transformed himself into a satirical character called “The Fly”, using the show to criticize the media and celebrity culture. It was a political statement against media voyeurism and society’s obsession with spectacle.
In 2001, Bono used his “Elevation” tour to mobilize fans around the G8 Summit in Genoa. He encouraged the audience to support the Drop the Debt campaign, which aimed to cancel the debt of poor countries.
Bono and U2 have always taken a stand for peace in Northern Ireland. At an iconic concert in Denver in 1987, a few days after the IRA bombing in Enniskillen, Bono criticized IRA violence on stage, claiming that this action betrayed the ideals of the Irish revolution.
Over the years, Bono has used his concerts to promote the ONE Campaign organization, which fights extreme poverty. He often invites spectators to join the organization and take action.
Although not a “stage” in the traditional sense, Bono used his fame to address world leaders. In 2000, he spoke at the UN, urging nations to relieve the debt of poor countries and fight AIDS.
Over the years, Bono has received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts and achievements in the music world. He was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2005, he was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year, along with Bill and Melinda Gates, for his philanthropic work.
Bono & The Edge: A sort of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman
It may come as a surprise, but Bono is a figure who arouses both admiration and controversy in Ireland. Although he is celebrated as an internationally renowned musician and committed philanthropist, he also remains highly criticized by the Irish.
On the one hand, his band, U2, put Ireland on the world music map and helped forge a modern Irish cultural identity.
On the other hand, Bono is widely criticized for some of his actions and decisions, particularly in relation to tax issues. U2, for example, has come under fire for transferring part of its assets to the Netherlands to benefit from a more favorable tax regime, even though Bono is publicly vocal about the importance of international aid and social justice.
This kind of approach was seen by some as hypocritical and tarnished his public image.
What’s more, the very nature of his activism is also open to debate. While some applaud his use of celebrity to draw attention to important issues such as poverty in Africa, others criticize him for simplifying complex issues or portraying a “white savior” image that can be misinterpreted.
What’s more, his megalomania, coupled with his deep-rooted relationship with religion, make him a controversial figure. Even within the band, his commitment sometimes undermined the unity of U2. The members of the group regularly criticized him for his over-enthusiasm and propensity to go too far.
Fortunately, his commitment never led to the band’s demise, and Bono has come to recognize his excesses over time. A confession he makes in the superb documentary“Bono & The Edge: A sort of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman ” broadcast on Disney +.
