Bono: 'I'm an insufferable jumped-up Jesus' The U2 frontman makes the confession at the TED conference in California

 

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Bono: 'I'm an insufferable jumped-up Jesus' Photo: Bono has described himself as an "insufferable jumped-up Jesus" during a speech about world poverty.

 

The U2 frontman also said that he was a "nerd" as he told the TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in Southern California that he believed technology could eliminate extreme poverty by 2030.

 

"Forget the rock opera," he told the invited crowd. "Forget the bombast. The only thing singing today is the facts. I have truly embraced my inner nerd. Exit the rock star. Enter the evidence-based activist. The factavist."

 

Speaking to the audience, which included Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Bono went on to say that more people with Aids are getting life-saving treatment and that deaths from Malaria have dropped. He also said the child mortality rate has fallen, with 7,256 fewer children dying each day than 10 years ago.

 

He added: "The rate is still too high, but it is mindblowing, heart-stopping stuff. If we get to the Zero Zone, for number crunchers like us, that is the erogenous zone. I am sexually aroused by the collating of data."

 

Bono also joked that his target to end extreme poverty in 2030 isn't as far away as some might think, adding that it was "only three Rolling Stones farewell concerts away". However, the singer was clear to point out that his goal is only achievable if people keep up pressure on governments to invest in technology and research to tackle world poverty.

 

Meanwhile, Bono recently revealed that U2 are working on their 13th album, believed to be titled '10 Reasons To Exist'. However, the singer also said that the album will only be released when it's completely ready.

 

nme.com

I'm relieved to finally see Larry beginning to look his age. I was starting to think he was going to look 25 forever.

Adam has aged best of all, no hair dye, that's the key -_-

No ORDINARY performance: U2 sing acoustically on Jimmy Fallon’s opening night on the ‘Tonight Show’

 

 

 

U2 brought their A game to the opening night of The Tonight Show, where they gave a stunning performance of their new Oscar nominated song ‘Ordinary Love,’ and that’s not all! While with native New Yorker host Jimmy, they discussed his Irish heritage.

 

U2 first performed their newest hit ‘Invisible,’ on the show, before they took the couch, where they discussed Jimmy’s Irish heritage. “We think positively of the potato famine when Jimmy comes into the situation,” said Bono.

 

They then closed the show with an acoustic version of their song, ‘Ordinary Love’ in studio, sitting on the couch next to the former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star Will Smith.

 

 

U2 were originally planning to sing this song only one ever, at the March 2nd Academy Awards, but they have obviously changed their minds.

“It’ll be the only band performance of the song,’ said Bono. “After Mandela died we didn’t think it would be right to release it as a single because it would seem like we were trying to capitalize. So we’re going to do it this once – but it’s a pretty good place to do it.”

 

 

evoke.ie

Lucky students see U2 perform on roof in New York

 

 

IT IS not every day you stumble upon a live performance being staged by one of the world’s greatest rock bands in one of the greatest cities.

 

But that is exactly what happened to sixth-formers at Rivington and Blackrod High School when they took a school trip to the Big Apple.

 

The teenagers were visiting the Rockefeller Center on a school trip to New York as part of their enrichment activities at the same time U2 were staging a concert at “Top of the Rock”, the upper observation deck on top of NBC’s Rockefeller Center.

 

 

U2 were showcasing their recently released single Invisible which was being filmed for the American magazine programme The Tonight Show.

 

Paul Canning, director of sixth form at Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: “The group was visiting the centre and U2 were rehearsing and singing their new single.

 

“There were only 100 in the audience and it only involved one song.

 

“The students braved the bitterly cold conditions to listen to the performance, and were able to see Bono, who spent a few minutes meeting the audience.”

 

He added: “Some of the sixth formers were familiar with the band although others were less so, saying that their dads knew the band.”

 

But Mr Canning said all the students were impressed by the music of the rock band, billed as one of the biggest in the world, and their performance at Top of the Rock is now on YouTube.

 

Some students even managed to get their autographs.

 

Student Luke Skelly, aged 17, said: “U2 — did they used to be big in the 80s?

 

“I think my dad likes them.” :lol:

 

The trip to New York is one of a number of enrichment activities the school provides for pupils to complement their studies.

 

They visited all the major attractions, including the Empire State Building, and had a taste of life in the city.

 

The group also had a moving tour of the 9/11 memorial, which was led by a survivor who told of his recollections of the tragic day.

 

 

boltonnews.uk

Heroes: Matt Nathanson on Bono

 

"Bono doesn't do anything halfway. He'll drive right into a wall to make his point."

 

 

 

Since releasing his debut album, Please, in 1993, Matt Nathanson has established himself as one of the most creative and popular purveyors of modern folk-rock. But the San Francisco-based singer-songwriter didn't grow up spinning The Anthology Of American Folk Music; surprisingly, he spent most of his youth idolizing bands like Kiss and Def Leppard, and he credits four guys from Ireland with opening his ears to other musical sounds and genres.

 

"It was in 1983, and I heard New Year's Day from the War record," Nathanson recalls. "I really liked it, but I didn't commit to the band till I bought Under A Blood Red Sky on cassette. I remember MTV was playing Sunday Bloody Sunday from that Red Rocks show. I think that was the first time I actually saw Bono do his thing, where I became fully aware of his passion and power. I remember watching him and going, 'What the hell is this? This is great!'"

 

A year later, Nathanson bought a copy of U2's The Unforgettable Fire. The band's experimental collaboration with producer Brian Eno sealed the deal for him. "I remember listening to it at Christmas and just losing my mind," he says. "I was tripping on how weird it was, how it resolved itself but satisfied me completely. It seemed like it was beamed down from another planet. And everything Bono was doing – his sound of his voice, his approach to lyrics, the way he just kind of jumped out of the tracks – it really opened me up and got me to start transitioning from metal to other types of music."

 

It's interesting that U2 – and, in particular, Bono – would make such an impression on you when you were a metal-crazed teen.

 

"There was something I got about him pretty quickly. Bono doesn't do anything halfway. He'll drive right into a wall to make his point. He'll be sticking his head out the window while he drives into that wall. [Laughs] Nothing gets in his way. There's a fearlessness about him that drives the whole band. I think that's something to be admired and emulated. It's certainly how I've tried to go about the music I make."

 

"Bono, over the course of U2's history, has been the engine that powers the band. Part of that's the role of being a frontman – you have to go heart to the hoop. It isn't about subtlety. You're not going to command the world stage by fading into the wallpaper. In my view, he's always sort of pushed the evolution of the band.

 

"The other guys are all brilliant and crucial to the success of U2. They're one of those bands you can't picture with any other members. It's all of them or none of them. But I've always been intrigued by and drawn to Bono. He's the guy who seems to drive change in U2. If they're doing to do something new, he's leading the charge."

 

 

 

 

When was the first time you saw them live?

 

"I saw them on The Unforgettable Fire tour, and I was floored by how they connected on an immediate level with the audience even when playing some of their newer, more experimental songs. Bono's need to connect in the early days of U2 was pretty remarkable. It really hooked me. I kind of divide the band into three periods: There was sort of the post-punk passion period, then were was a passion theater period, and next was the full-on theater period we're in now. It doesn't mean there's no passion in it anymore; it just means that the spectacle has overtaken a bit from the bombast.

 

"And I mean 'bombast' in a good way. They grabbed you. But what I think happened somewhere in the '90s was, they realized that they had to pull it together more. They were playing these huge places – one night be incredible and the next was hit-and-miss. There were still incredible moments in their show, but it became more about delivering a consistent experience to people."

 

Bono has always delivered a specific worldview in his lyrics. Did that affect you early on?

 

"When they did The Joshua Tree, that's when they really started to embrace America – and a certain idealized view of America. It was there in their music, their appearance and their whole thing. And you know, as a kid, I didn't know who Cowboy Jack Clement was. I didn't know what happened at Sun Studios. That just wasn't my history. I didn't even know Elvis! [Laughs] But Bono would talk about them in interviews, and I got interested in all of that.

 

"He kind of got raked over the coals for it after a while. I was hanging out with Chris Isaak recently, and we were talking about Sun Studios – he recorded a great record there. Chris is such a fanatic about Scotty Moore and Elvis and all those guys. I told him that what got me to learn about that whole scene was reading interviews with Bono around the Rattle And Hum period. Suddenly, I wanted to learn all about Sun Studios and what went on there.

 

"So, yeah, Bono got lambasted for it, but I think that he and the band were just discovering their influences. They were excited and they wanted to share it. So it cracked things wide open for me. He and the band were the ones that shined that light on what had gone down in American music – for me, anyway."

 

 

 

U2 in 1985: (from left) Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge and Larry Mullen © Neal Preston/Corbis

 

They did get slammed for it – unfairly, I think. To me, it was no different from what The Rolling Stones did in the '60s. They were giving American rhythm & blues to young kids who didn't know what was in their own backyard.

 

"That's right. I totally agree. I mean, it's hard – we certainly don't wanna be told that we don't know what the f***'s happening in the United States. We can be a very prideful bunch – I get that. When five guys from England or four Irish kids are shining a light on your musical history, it's a little strange. But sometimes it takes people from another land to sort of appreciate and celebrate what's going on somewhere else. How many people would've known about Muddy Waters and Elmore James if the Stones hadn't brought them to the forefront?"

 

We use the term "fearless" a lot to describe certain artists. The word is overused, but I think in terms of U2 and Bono, it's a very apt descriptor.

 

"That's right. I think that fearlessness in music is the only thing worth focusing on. As I get older and I dissect what turns me on about music, I find that great artists have to have a bold vision, that willingness to go way out of your comfort zone. That's what yields the best results. The only way to go super-far is to risk falling on your face or eating shit. Bono is the king of that. That's why separating him from the band is important.

 

"Like I said, the band is absolutely necessary - believe me, I could go on for three days about how much I love Adam Clayton. But Bono is the turbo engine that always propels them. Sometimes there's successes in that, and sometimes there's failures. But nobody really remembers the failures. I Was Made For Loving You by Kiss – who cares? I remember Destroyer. Same with U2: Nobody cares that Pop wasn't so big or that Passengers was kind of a weird thing. They know the stuff that really connected, and U2 has a lot more successes than failures. Their fearlessness drives all of that. You have to be willing to lose big to win big."

 

Are there any particular lyrics that Bono wrote that really stick with you?

 

"What I really liked was what he started doing on Achtung Baby. He was introducing these descriptors that weren't these huge, generalized things. They were more Tom Waits-like, more nooks and crannies, but they were still super-powerful. There's a song on that record called The Fly, and it's a shtick, but Bono says, 'Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief, all kill their inspiration and then sing about their grief.' It's like, are you f***ing kidding me? That's genius! He's got a bunch of 'em. They're flippant lines, but they hit you in a Dylan kind of way.

 

"To me, lyrically, with Unforgettable Fire, it was like a painting with words. On Joshua Tree, it was very sensual, and he continued that a bit. But on Achtung Baby, he turned it all on himself in a way. The songs were seemingly not about him, but it was all about him. In my opinion, Pop has some stellar lyrical moments, too.

 

"Part of that comes from probably being a megalomaniac, which, you know, he's a lead singer – that comes with the gig. I don't know what he's like as a person, but you have to consider that he's stayed with the same woman forever, and he's been with the same band since, like, 1976. That says a lot about him as a human being.

 

"More than anything, it's about being true to yourself. Bono's that way, and so is the rest of the band. They'll take themselves apart and put themselves back together, and they're always looking for whatever it is that gets them off. They're never complacent. I think a lot of musicians should look to them and take that spirit to use in their own ways."

 

 

http://www.musicradar.com/

U2 ‘recording’ new album in famous Crouch End studios

 

 

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Bono and The Edge with staff from Spiazzo Bono and The Edge with staff from Spiazzo

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

 

 

Rumours are rife that world famous rock band U2 has descended on Crouch End to record their new album at the iconic Church Studios.

 

The Dublin-based band is believed to be recording at the venue in Crouch Hill, taken over by British producer Paul Epwoth in October.

 

It is thought the foursome are working with Mr Epworth, the co-writer of Adele’s Oscar-winning Bond theme tune, on their 13th studio album, due to be released later this year.

 

Lead singer Bono, guitarist The Edge and drummer Larry Mullen have also been spotted dining at Spiazzo in The Broadway over the last few weeks.

 

According to staff, who could not resist asking the stars to pose for a snap, they have been feasting on T-bone steak, pizza, pasta and enjoying “lots of wine”.

 

Manager Marcel Ritelli said the band members have been causing quite the stir, adding: “It’s been nice and pleasurable to have them here.”

 

Last year residents feared Church Studios was going to be turned into flats after previous owner singer-songwriter David Gray got permission to convert the building into five luxury apartments.

 

But Mr Epwoth, who has also worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Florence and the Machine and Plan B, put a stop to these plans by making an offer on the converted chapel.

 

It is currently undergoing a refurbishment to make it a “viable commercial business”.

 

hamhighbroadway.co.uk

 

Bono Net Worth

 

 

How much is Bono’s Net Worth? $600 Million!

 

Paul Hewson, known professionally as Bono, is a musician, philanthropist, and activist best known for being the frontman of the band U2. Born May 10th, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland, Hewson was raised along with his brother in a suburb of a town called Finglas. During his youth, Hewson received his now famous nickname “Bono” while part of a street gang. Bono’s mother passed away when he was just 14, which inspired a number of U2′s songs. Bono later married Alison Stewart, a girl he had known since their school days. The couple later had four children.

Bono’s largest claim to fame has been the band U2. U2 was formed back in 1976 as a cover band. After one member leaving and a few name changes, the band found success with songs that dealt with social and political subjects. The band has had decades worth of success including 22 Grammy awards, a Golden Globe award, and a 2005 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Outside of U2, Bono is one of the world’s most well-known charitable performers. He has received awards such as the International Presidential Medal of Honor from Chile, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, and the Portuguese Order of Liberty. On March 29th, 2007, he was granted knighthood in a ceremony in his birthplace of Dublin, Ireland.

 

 

Between 2012 and 2013, Bono is estimated to have earned 110 million dollars. As of March, 14th, 2014, Bono has managed a total net worth of over 600 million dollars.

 

networthenvy.com

U2’s Bono Discusses His Faith and Insecurity Over New Album

 

 

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US's Bono

 

 

Recognized worldwide for his raspy voice, Irish accent and humanitarian endeavors, Bono, lead singer of rock band U2, is arguably one of the world's most iconic and respected musicians of today. However, in a recently aired interview with BBC, Bono confessed his surprising insecurity that his Grammy-award winning band may not stay relevant in light of his recent declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.

"We were trying to figure out, 'Why would anyone want another U2 album?' And then we said, 'Well, why would we want one?' There was some unfinished business. We felt like we were on the verge of irrelevance a lot in our lives. How you get through is to make stuff that's relevant to you and you have to make an honest account of what you're going through."

Although a release date for U2's new album has yet to be released, the band's spiritually-minded single "Invisible" has given fans insight into what to expect. Despite the song's success (the song received nearly one million downloads within the first hour of its release) The lyrics--which include the lines "I'm more than you know/A body in a soul/You don't see me but you will/I am not invisible"--Bono fears, won't connect personally to his audience. "If that is relevant to other people, then great; that would be a thrill. But we don't know. I think 'Invisible' is a great song, but I don't know how accessible it is."

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And this uneasiness may not be entirely unfounded. Although U2's lyrics have expressed subtle spiritual themes since their formation in 1978 (most notably "Tomorrow" and "Drowning Man"), Bono has historically shied away from discussing his religious views. Born to a Roman Catholic father and a Protestant mother during the religious feuds of 1960s Ireland, Bono held distaste for organized religion and "avoided religious people" for most of his life. However, he has since changed his tune, partnering up with Christian organizations to promote his campaign against HIV/AIDS. "[bono is] ready to be used by God in whatever ways he can," said Richard Cizik, the Washington-based director for the National Association of Evangelicals, "and if we were all so willing, the world would be a better place."

However, Bono's relationship with Christianity has publically become less pragmatic and increasingly personal. In a 2013 interview with Irish news channel RTE, Bono blatantly expressed his belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

 

"[Who is Christ] is a defining question for a Christian...you're not let off easily by saying a great thinker or philosopher...he went around saying he was the Messiah...he was crucified...because he said he was the son of God. He either was the son of God...or nuts...[and] I find it hard to accept that millions of lives... have felt their lives touched and inspired by some nut. I don't believe it."

 

Later, in an interview with Focus on the Family's Jim Daly, Bono revealed Christianity's future influence on his music. "It's very annoying following this Person of Christ around [chuckling], because He's very demanding of your life."

While only time will determine the success of U2's upcoming album, one thing is certain: Bono says he's prepared to stand his ground: "We'll find out if we're irrelevant. I'm perfectly prepared for people to try and blow us off the stage. We're just not going to make it easy."

 

 

www.gospelherald.com

I thought the new album was all recorded and 'good to go' months ago. Remember they had a wrap party in New York? Obviously it was rubbish and they've gone back to the drawing board....

I think they are right in taking their time, at their age it makes little difference anyway, their fans will still wait for them, they always do ... the delays all add to the anticipation ;)

Bono next to visit Lloyd’s market

 

 

Following visits to Lloyd's from the Queen and Prime Minister David Cameron, No 1 Lime Street will play host to U2 frontman Bono next month, The Insurance Insider has learned.

 

It is understood that Bono's has been secured by Lloyd's chairman John Nelson, whose connections were also instrumental in bringing the UK heads of state and government to the 325-year-old market for morale-boosting events.

 

Sources said that the iconic musician will come to the market in his role as a special ambassador for the UN to coincide with the publication of a new strategy document from Lloyd's that will stress its humanitarian commitment and the role that it can play in supporting infrastructure development in Third World countries.

 

Bono will be received by chairman Nelson, CEO Inga Beale, CFO Luke Savage and the Council of Lloyd's.

 

He will receive a tour of the building and briefly address underwriters on the floor. The Lutine Bell will then be rung in his honour.

 

Bono is also expected to meet with and thank the underwriters who paid out a $17mn contingency claim to U2 after back problems caused the singer to cancel some gigs in 2010.

 

A private sandwich lunch will then be served in the Lloyd's Old Library, with rumours that Bono may perform one or two songs in an unplugged session that will be streamed live on YouTube.

 

A source close to the Corporation, who spoke to The Insurance Insider on condition of anonymity, said: "The 12th floor at Lloyd's is buzzing about the news. Luke [savage] freaked out when he heard. It's going to be a beautiful day.

 

"Obviously, supervision of the market and the provision of Central Services are very important, but celebrity visitors are the cornerstone of what we do here. I think we should try and get Beckham next. He could captain a five-a-side game on the underwriting floor if we move some of those box things."

 

A spokesperson for Lloyd's declined to comment on this story, but could be heard grinning down the phone.

 

Insuranceinsider.com

 

I think this was an April Fool but since it's Bono related it would not surprise me if it was true :P

Edited April 2, 201411 yr by Sydney

It's too boring to be an April Fool. I suspect it's all true.... :rolleyes:

Daily Meditation: Keep Searching

 

 

04/04/2014

 

Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Daily Meditation Mindfulness The Third Metric U2 U2 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Bono U2 Spiritual Development Bono Religion News

 

We all need help maintaining our personal spiritual practice. We hope that these daily meditations, prayers and mindful awareness exercises can be part of bringing spirituality alive in your life.

 

Today's meditation features the timeless U2 hit "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." This song can apply to many things in our lives -- love, happiness, spiritual connection. Whatever it is for you, the tune encourages us to keep going, keep searching.

 

 

 

Errr.....

 

 

:unsure:

A homage to the conceited f**kwittery of Bono :unsure:

 

 

http://things-that-matter.net/2014/04/09/b...-of-the-people/

 

 

:P

Definitely Maybe rock 'n' roll friends: Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and U2's Bono head for the same London nightspot

 

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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/artic...l#ixzz2yhvix8lt

Edited April 12, 201411 yr by Sydney

'We pray to the risen Jesus': U2's Bono reveals he worships with his family on a giant bed :angel:

 

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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/artic...l#ixzz2yt0auv1f

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Do they all sleep together in this giant bed or is it just for praying? :unsure:

Do they all sleep together in this giant bed or is it just for praying? :unsure:

 

How dare you, they are good Oirish Catholics <_<