Bono
Classical β’ Dublin, Ireland
Paul David Hewson, known professionally as Bono, is an Irish singer-songwriter and activist born in Dublin in 1960. As the founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band U2, he has become one of the most influential musicians of the past four decades. Bono is renowned for his distinctive impassioned vocal style, delivered through high-register belting, and his skill as a lyricist who frequently weaves social, political, and religious themes into U2's music. The band achieved international prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with landmark albums including The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, with Bono's contributions earning U2 22 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Beyond music, Bono has established himself as a prominent global activist and philanthropist. Since the late 1990s, he has focused extensively on fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa, co-founding influential organizations including DATA, the ONE Campaign, and Product Red. His advocacy work has earned him recognition as one of the world's most politically effective celebrities, with achievements including securing bipartisan U.S. support for the PEPFAR AIDS relief program and generating over $650 million for global health initiatives. In 2025, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Bono's creative output extends beyond music and activism. He has collaborated with numerous artists across genres, composed scores for theatrical productions including the Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and pursued visual art as a longtime hobby. His 2022 memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story became a bestseller and was adapted into an Apple TV+ documentary. Throughout his career, Bono has evolved from U2's earnest frontman of the 1980s to a multifaceted cultural figure who balances artistic innovation with humanitarian engagement on a global scale.
Quotes
βAll through the Eighties we tried to be ourselves and failed when the lights were on. Which is what set us up for Zoo TV. We decided to have some fun being other people, or at least other versions of ourselves.β
βWhen you are trapped by poverty, you are not free. When trade laws prevent you from selling the food you grew, you are not free.β
βI saw The Secret Policeman's Ball and it became a part of me. It sowed a seed...β
βChrist was either who he claimed he was or he was a complete and utter nutcase.β
Career Timeline
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Bono received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States, in recognition of his pioneering activism against AIDS and poverty.
Honorary Knighthood
Bono was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and activism.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Bono was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of U2 during the group's first year of eligibility, cementing their legacy in rock history.
Time Person of the Year
Bono was named one of Time magazine's Persons of the Year alongside Bill and Melinda Gates for his humanitarian work against poverty and disease in Africa.
Co-founding of DATA
Bono co-founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) with Bobby Shriver and activists, beginning his major institutional involvement in fighting extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The Joshua Tree Release
U2's most commercially successful album was released, establishing U2 as one of rock's biggest bands and showcasing Bono's matured vocal abilities and personal songwriting approach.
Live Aid Performance
U2 performed at Live Aid before 72,000 fans and a worldwide television audience of 1.5 billion people. Bono's impromptu stage descent and interaction with a fan became iconic, and journalists cited their performance as one of 50 key events in rock history.
Formation of U2
Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. formed U2 at Mount Temple Comprehensive School after responding to a bulletin board advertisement. This marked the beginning of one of rock music's most influential bands.
