Bono

For other uses, see Bono (disambiguation).
"Paul Hewson" redirects here. For the New Zealand musician and songwriter of the same name, see Dragon (band).

Bono
Bono performing on the Joshua Tree Tour 2017 in Indianapolis
Born
Paul David Hewson

(1960-05-10) 10 May 1960 (age 64)
Dublin, Ireland
Other namesBono Vox
EducationMount Temple Comprehensive School
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
  • activist
  • businessman
OrganizationOne Campaign
Spouse
​
(m. 1982)​
Children4, including Eve and Elijah Hewson
AwardsFull list
Musical career
OriginDublin, Ireland
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • harmonica
Years active1976–present
Labels
Member ofU2
Signature

Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960), known by the nickname Bono (/ˈbɒnoʊ/ BON-oh), is an Irish singer-songwriter and activist.[1] He is the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band U2.

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, he attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where in 1976 he began dating his future wife, Alison Stewart, as well as forming, with schoolmates, the band that became U2.[2][3] Bono soon established himself as a passionate frontman for the band through his expressive vocal style and grandiose gestures and songwriting. His lyrics frequently include social and political themes, and religious imagery inspired by his Christian beliefs.[4][5] During U2's early years, Bono's lyrics contributed to the group's rebellious and spiritual tone.[4] As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences shared with the other members.[2][4] As a member of U2, Bono has received 22 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aside from his music, Bono is an activist for social justice causes, both through U2 and as an individual. He is particularly active in campaigning to fight extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa, for which he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign, and Product Red.[2][6] In pursuit of these causes, he has participated in benefit concerts and lobbied politicians and heads of state for relief.[6][7][8] Bono has been honoured for his philanthropic efforts.[9][10][11] In 2005, Bono was named one of the Time Persons of the Year. He was granted an honorary knighthood by Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 2007 for "his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work", and was made a Commandeur of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) in 2013.[9][12][13] Bono has also attracted criticism for bypassing African businesses in his activist efforts and for tax avoidance in his personal finances.[14][15]

Outside the band, he has recorded with numerous artists.[16][17][18] He has collaborated with U2 bandmate the Edge on several projects, including: songs for Roy Orbison, Tina Turner, and Martin Garrix; and the soundtracks to the musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and a London stage adaptation of A Clockwork Orange. In business, he invested in the refurbishment of the Clarence Hotel in Dublin, and was managing director and a managing partner of the private equity firm Elevation Partners, which invested in several companies.[19][20][21]

  1. ^ Richardson, Elaina (February 2002). "Bono-Fire". Oprah.com. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Bono on Bono was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Adam Clayton biography – U2 bassist". atU2.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2010.; Moss, Vincent (24 December 2006). "The Unforgettable Sire". Sunday Mirror. Archived from the original on 4 February 2008. Retrieved 19 November 2010.; McIntosh, Elise (3 October 2006). "In Music and Love, U2 Has Staying Power". Staten Island Advance.
  4. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference ATU2comBonoBio was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Stockman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference NationalPrayerBreakfast was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Time1986 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference 05312005RollingStone was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ a b Mellgren, Douglas (24 February 2006). "Bono Among Nobel Peace Prize Nominees". SFGATE. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 14 January 2007.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference Grammy was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference tax shelter was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference 122306BBC was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference time-samaritans was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ "Bono and Bob Geldof increase Africa's problems say charity". NME.COM. 23 November 2007. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  15. ^ Horin, Adele (26 July 2008). "Tax tourists and the crown prince of thieves". The Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference 111393NPR was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference CASH was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ Cite error: The named reference HPRESSBONO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  19. ^ "Billboard.biz". Billboard. 18 May 2012. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference EPPDF was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Cite error: The named reference ClarenceHotel was invoked but never defined (see the help page).