Bono << BAH noh >> (1960-…) is the lead singer of the Irish rock group U2. Bono has also gained international recognition for his humanitarian work, especially in Africa. He has met with political and religious leaders in many parts of the world in his campaign to eliminate poverty and the AIDS disease in Africa. U2 has also helped raise money for these and other causes through benefit concerts.
Bono was born in Dublin, Ireland, on May 10, 1960. His real name is Paul David Hewson. He received the nickname Bono from a friend in high school. In 1976, he helped form U2 with drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.; guitarist the Edge (David Evans); and bass player Adam Clayton. Bono writes most of the lyrics for the band’s group-composed songs. Bono’s lyrics and his powerful stage presence helped make U2 one of the world’s most popular rock bands.
Early in the band’s history, Bono’s lyrics—especially those that dealt with political and religious issues—had a passionate, activist quality. For example, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” from the U2 album War (1983), is a reaction to the tragic consequences of political violence in Northern Ireland. U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2007, Bono received an honorary knighthood from the British government. Bono’s memoir Surrender was published in 2022. Also in 2022, Bono and the other members of U2 became Kennedy Center honorees. The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded for contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
