Bono

NAME Paul David Hewson, known professionally as Bono. The name Bono refers to a type of hearing aid and in Latin means "good voice".

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Bono is famous as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band U2. He is also well-known for his activism in human rights and global poverty issues.

BIRTH Bono was born on May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Bono was born to Brendan Robert "Bob" Hewson, a postal worker, and Iris Rankin Hewson. His father was Roman Catholic, and his mother was Protestant.

CHILDHOOD Bono grew up in the suburb of Finglas, Dublin. He experienced tragedy early on when his mother died of a cerebral aneurysm three days after her father's funeral when he was just 14 years old. The U2 songs "I Will Follow", "Tomorrow" and "Iris (Hold Me Close)" all reference her passing.

EDUCATION Bono attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where he met his future U2 bandmates. He did not pursue higher education, choosing instead to focus on his music career.

CAREER RECORD Bono co-founded U2 in 1976. The band achieved global success with albums like The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Bono has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and co-founded the advocacy organization ONE and the (RED) campaign.

APPEARANCE Bono is known for his distinct appearance, often wearing sunglasses due to light sensitivity. He has a prominent jawline and a lean physique.

Bono 2017 By Daniel Hazard - https://u2start.com/photos/view/29157/,

FASHION Bono's fashion style includes a mix of rock star edginess and sophistication. He often wears leather jackets, fitted jeans, and his trademark sunglasses.

CHARACTER Bono is known for his charismatic and passionate personality. He is a driven individual with a strong sense of social justice. The U2 frontman is often described as an intense and complex individual.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Bono has a sharp wit and often uses humor in interviews and public appearances to engage with his audience and make serious points more palatable.

RELATIONSHIPS Bono married Alison Stewart in a Church of Ireland ceremony at All Saints Church in her home area, Raheny on August 31, 1982. They have four children together: Jordan, Eve, Elijah, and John.

Eve is an established actress. Her full name is Memphis Eve Sunny Day Iris Hewson. "I keep asking my parents where the Memphis comes from," she told The Radio Times. "They say, 'you were conceived in Memphis,' or 'It's because you came out with a bunch of hair looking like Elvis.' I don't think they know themselves to be honest."

Eve Hewson in 2016 By The Paparazzi Gamer (TPG) - YouTube: 

Elijah is the lead vocalist and guitarist in the rock band Inhaler.

MONEY AND FAME As of 2024, Bono's estimated net worth is over $700 million. He has amassed wealth through his music career and various business ventures, including investments in technology companies.

FOOD AND DRINK Bono enjoys a variety of foods and is known to appreciate fine dining. He is also a fan of whiskey. 

Bono supports sustainable food practices and has been involved in campaigns to promote food security.

MUSIC AND ARTS Bono's contributions to music are immense, with U2 being one of the world's best-selling music artists. He also collaborates with other artists and is involved in various artistic projects.

U2 began with a notice on a school board pinned on September 25, 1976 by 14-year-old drummer Larry Mullen Jr. He asked for musicians to start a group  and seven boys turned up to their first practice. The final line-up was lead singer Bono (born Paul Hewson), lead guitarist The Edge (born David Evans), bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. They've been together ever since. 

The band achieved global success and Bono's expressive vocal style and grandiose gestures, along with his lyrics often containing social, political, and religious themes, have defined U2's music. Their album The Joshua Tree became the fastest-selling in UK history and the first to sell over a million CDs.

As a member of U2, Bono has received 22 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band's U2 360° Tour, which took place from 2009 to 2011, broke records as the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.

Bono is also interested in visual arts and poetry.

LITERATURE A voracious reader, Bono is influenced by writers such as James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.

Bono is an avid reader and has often cited literary influences in his songwriting. He has written articles and essays on various topics, including politics and social issues.

Bono's 2022 memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story is a candid and revealing autobiography. As the title suggests, the book is structured around 40 U2 songs, each serving as a chapter and a touchstone for exploring different periods and themes in Bono's life.

NATURE Bono has expressed a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation. He supports various ecological initiatives and has spoken about the importance of preserving the planet.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Bono enjoys cycling and is often seen biking around Dublin. He also has an interest in art and photography.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Bono's advocacy often intersects with science, particularly in areas like health and technology. He supports scientific research in the fight against diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bono's lyrics often explore philosophical and theological themes. He identifies as a Christian and frequently discusses spirituality and the moral imperatives of his faith. Essentially, he believes Jesus was either divine, demonic, or delusional – and he’s pretty sure it wasn’t the latter two options.

POLITICS Bono is an outspoken advocate for various political causes, including debt relief for developing countries, human rights, and climate change. He has met with numerous world leaders to discuss these issues.

ACTIVISM  Bono is known for his activism for social justice causes. He co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign, and Product Red, focusing on fighting extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa. He was named Time Person of the Year in 2005 and has participated in benefit concerts and lobbied politicians and heads of state for relief.

SCANDAL Bono has generally maintained a positive public image. However, he has faced criticism over U2's tax arrangements and the ethics of his investment practices, as well as bypassing African businesses in his activist efforts.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bono has had several health challenges, including a serious cycling accident in 2014 and a back injury in 2010. He maintains his fitness through cycling and a balanced lifestyle. In late 2016, Bono had a near-death experience and revealed in his 2022 memoir that he underwent open-heart surgery due to a "blister" in his aorta.

HOMES Bono owns several properties, including a home in Killiney, Dublin, and residences in France and the United States.

TRAVEL Bono travels extensively for both his music career and philanthropic work. He is known for his international advocacy trips and world tours with U2.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bono has appeared in various media, including documentaries, interviews, and guest spots on television shows. He has also been featured in numerous magazines and articles.

ACHIEVEMENTS Bono has received numerous awards, including the Nobel Man of Peace Award, honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, and multiple Grammy Awards with U2. He is the only person to be nominated for an Oscar, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and the Nobel Peace Prize. He has been recognized for his contributions to music and global humanitarian efforts.