Bono Pictures, Biography, Profile, Facts, Discography, Filmography, more.

Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for his successful efforts to relieve third world debt and promote AIDS awareness in Africa. Received the rank of Chevalier dans lÕOrdre de la Legion dÕHonneur (Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honor) from French President Jacques Chirac on February 28, 2003.

Detailed Biography of Bono:

Bono was born Paul Hewson on May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland. His father Bobby, a postal worker, was Catholic, while his mother Iris was Protestant. Young Paul was raised in a spiritual atmosphere, but because he came from a mixed marriage he was never fully welcomed in either the Catholic or Protestant churches. This personal understanding of the religious strife in Ireland - along with the sudden death of his mother when he was 14 - were to be major influences on his songwriting in U2's early years.

Paul Hewson spent his childhood in North Dublin, developing his talents as a argumentative pain-in-the-ass long before music became an interest. While a member of a neighborhood gang called Lypton Village he was given the name Bono Vox - apparently derived by one of his friends from a brand of hearing aid sold in a local shop. A generally popular individual at school, Bono suffered the first major trauma of his life at the age of 14, when his mother died suddenly of a brain aneurysm while attending her own father's funeral. This experience later helped to create a bond between himself and future bandmate Larry Mullen, who experienced a similar loss. It was during his high school years that Bono's interest in music and performance came to the fore, and he began developing his vocal and guitar-playing skills, in addition to participating in his school's theater program. The transition from aspiring thespian to serious performer was brought about in 1976 by an ad on the school bulletin board. Mullen had posted an open invitation to anyone interested in forming a rock group. Other respondants to the ad were brothers Dik and Dave Evans (the latter referred to as The Edge), neophyte bassist Adam Clayton and guitarist Ivan McCormick. The six initially formed a covers band named Feedback, specializing in numbers by British Invasion acts like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

The band that would become U2 formed in October 1976, after drummer Larry Mullen Jr. placed a note on his high school bulletin board seeking musicians for a rock group. Hewson - along with guitarist Dave Evans and bassist Adam Clayton - made the cut at the first meeting in the drummer's kitchen. Although he couldn't sing, Hewson's commanding personality landed him the job as frontman. Bono allegedly picked up his nickname from the Latin Bono Vox (good voice), but it was initially his charismatic stage presence that helped U2 gain a reputation for live performance. U2's relentless touring schedule quickly boosted his vocal prowess, however, and by the time of the band's groundbreaking 1983 War release, Bono had developed a soaring tenor. Within four years it would become one of the most recognizable voices in popular music.

In 1987, U2 rose to superstardom with The Joshua Tree and Bono was quickly placed in the center of international media attention. His righteously candid interviews -- combined with a tendency to preach on stage -- eventually made him the target of the press' more cynical circles. After touring for over two-and-a-half years at the end of the '80s, U2 temporarily stepped out of the public eye and disappeared to Berlin in 1990 to record a new album.

The 1991 release of Achtung Baby represented a complete musical reinvention for U2. The industrial-influenced album was darker and sexier than previous U2 works -- a change paralleled by Bono's adoption of new camera and stage presences. During the supporting Zoo TV tour, Bono sarcastically assumed the shiny black leather persona of a prototypical rock star called the Fly and appeared during encores in America as Mirrorball Man (a corrupt televangelist) and in the rest of the world as Mister Macphisto (the devil portrayed as an aging rock god).

With occasional help from guitarist the Edge, Bono has penned all of U2's lyrics, often favoring unconventional subject matter over the typical rock & roll fare of love and sex. His material has ranged from the turmoil of adolescence, to politics, to religion. Straight-up love songs are conspicuously absent from the group's first four albums and Bono didn't fully embrace the love song until he incorporated it in the shadowy and complicated Achtung Baby. Bono has cited numerous influences on his lyrics, particularly his role in social works.

Bono's resume includes an exhaustive section on social activism. In 1984, he appeared on Band Aid's charity recording "Do They Know It's Christmas?" After U2's historic Live Aid performance in 1985, Bono traveled to Ethiopia with his wife Ali. There they spent several weeks helping with an education and famine relief project. In 1986, U2 headlined Amnesty International's Conspiracy of Hope tour. Bono also performed at 1999's Net Aid, a concert broadcasted live over the Internet that raised money to relieve third world debts.

Bono's most extensive social campaign was Jubilee 2000, another project orchestrated to cancel third world debts that included supporters such as Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof, and producer Quincy Jones. During the Jubilee 2000 campaign, Bono spoke before the United Nations and the United States Congress and met with key figures such as Pope John Paul II and Bill Clinton.

Bono married Alison Stewart in 1982. They have two daughters, Jordan and Memphis Eve, and a son, Elijah. A second son, John Abraham was born during U2's 2001 Elevation tour.

Bono Trivia / Timeline:

Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter of U2.

He has written songs either for, or with, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Keith Richards, Luciano Pavarotti, Sinead O'Connor, and Howie B among several others.

In 2005 he was one of 166 people nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on Third World debt relief and increasing AIDS awareness.

Luciano Pavarotti called Bono's father relentlessly, so that he would try and convince his son to write a song for him.

At one point in in their career, less than ten paying customers were on hand for a U2 show. In the early ninetie's, U2 was the biggest export in all of Ireland.

Wrote the song "The Sweetest Thing" after missing his wife's birthday. When the song was rerecorded, his wife, Ali Hewson received all the proceeds of its sale. She gave them, in turn to a charity for victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Wife Alison gave birth to their 4th child, John Abraham Hewson, 7 pounds 7 oz, in Dublin Ireland. Now has 2 daughters and 2 sons. [21 May 2001]

His father, Robert Hewson, died of cancer in Dublin. [21 August 2001]

Two daughters, with Stewart, Jordan and Memphis Eve.

Children: Jordan (b. 1989), Eve (b. 1991), Elijah (b. August 1999), John (b. May 2001)

Wrote a song with The Edge for Roy Orbison, "She's a Mystery To Me". It is included on Orbison's last album, Mystery Girl.

His stage name comes from Bono Vox, a hearing aid retailer. Bono Vox is Latin for "good voice"

Supports Celtic Football club.

Bono was a member of Band Aid but was absent when the ensemble came to perform "Do They Know It's Christmas?" on BBC TV's "Top of the Pops", leaving Paul Weller to mime the line Bono had sang on the record.

Was one of the keynote speakers at Liberal Party of Canada's Leadership Convention in November 2003, where Paul Martin was elected as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister of Canada.

He is the only person, who has been nominated for an Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, and for the Nobel Prize.

Addressed the British Labour Party annual conference in Brighton, England. [29 September 2004]

U2 were voted the 22nd Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

Sings the line 'well tonight, thank God it's them, instead of you' in the Band Aid 20 2004 cover of "Do They Know It's Christmas", the exact same line he sang on the original version back in 1984.

Co-wrote (with The Edge) the theme song to _GoldenEye (1995)_ , performed by Tina Turner. [1995]

Along with his wife Ali Hewson and NY designer Rogan, created the high-fashion casual wear line called Edun (which is "nude" spelled backwards and pronounced Eden). It was designed as a socially conscious company to benefit poor, developing countries.

Was a school boy chess champion.

Voted the most powerful personality in the music industry by music execs.

Bono Quotes:

Look, I'm sick of Bono and I AM Bono.

As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both.

I think ABBA have a pure joy to their music and that's what makes them extraordinary.

It's so sweet, I feel like my teeth are rotting when I listen to the radio.

Music can change the world because it can change people.

Marriage is this grand madness, and I think if people knew that, they would perhaps take it more seriously. The reason why there's operas and novels and pop tunes written about love is because it's such an extraordinary thing, not because it's commonplace, and yet that's what you're told, you grow up with this idea that it's the norm.

Rock 'n' roll is ridiculous. It's absurd. In the past, U2 was trying to duck that. Now we're wrapping our arms around it and giving it a great big kiss.

U2 is an original species... there are colours and feelings and emotional terrain that we occupy that is ours and ours alone.

Bono Discography:

Solo:

1984 Behind the Trap Door - T-Bone Burnett

1984 Do They Know it's Christmas Single - Band Aid

1984 Do They Know it's Christmas - Band Aid 20 (2005)

1984 The Bridge EP - Cactus World News

1984 Urban Beaches 2001 Album - Cactus World News

1985 Sun City Album - Artists Against Apartheid

1985 Sun City Single - Artists Against Apartheid

1985 Silver and Gold Promotional Single - Bono

1985 Macalla Album - Clannad (1985)

In a Lifetime Single - Clannad (1985)

The Collection Album - Clannad (1986)

In a Lifetime Single - Clannad (1989)

Past Present Album - Clannad (1989)

Anam Album - Clannad (1990)

Themes Album - Clannad (1995)

Rogha, the Best of Clannad Album - Clannad (1996)

In a Lifetime: The Ultimate Collection Album - Clannad (1997)

The Ultimate Collection Album - Clannad (1998)

Greatest Hits Album - Clannad (2000)

Magical Gathering Album - Clannad (2002)

The Best Of Album - Clannad (2002)

In a Lifetime (The Best of) Album - Clannad (2004)

1988 The Talking Animals Album - T-Bone Burnett

1989 Mystery Girl Album - Roy Orbison

She's a Mystery to Me Single - Roy Orbison

1989 Brave and Crazy Album - Melissa Etheridge

1990 Brother's Keeper Album - Neville Brothers

1990 Red Moon Album - The Call

The Best of the Call - The Call (1997)

The Best of the Call: Millenium Collection - The Call (2000)

1990 New York New York Single - Ecco Homo

1992 Honeymoon in Vegas Soundtrack Album - Various

1993 Miserere Album - Zucchero

Miserere Single - Zucchero and Pavarotti

1993 Short Cuts Soundtrack Album - Various

1993 Duets Album - Frank Sinatra

1994 In the Name of the Father Soundtrack - Various

In the Name of the Father Single - Gavin Friday and Bono

In the Name of the Father Promotional Single - Gavin Friday and Bono

You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart Single - Sinead O'Connor

You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart Promotional Single - Sinead O'Connor

So Far the Best of Album - Sinead O'Connor

The World According to Me Promo - Gavin Friday (1995)

1995 The Long Black Veil Album - The Chieftens

1995 Inner City Blues Album - Various

1995 North and South of the River Single - Christy Moore

1995 Q's Jook Joint Album - Quincey Jones

1995 Shag Tobacco Album - Gavin Friday

1995 You Me and World War III Single - Gavin Friday

1995 Tower of Song Album - Various

1995 Goldeneye Soundtrack - Various

Goldeneye Single - Tina Turner

Goldeneye Promo Single - Tina Turner

1995 Private Wars Album - Hazel O'Connor

1995 Dirty Rotten Shame Album - Ronnie Drew

1995 Pavarotti and Friends for the Children of Bosnia Album - Various

Live for the Children of Bosnia Promo Single - Various

1996 Common Ground Album - Various

Common Ground Promotional Album - Various

Common Ground Promotional Single - Various

1996 Love from a Short Distance Album - Various

1996 Go Cat Go Album - Carl Perkins

1997 Celtic Heartbeat Album - Various

1997 Tribute to Jimmie Rodgers Album - Various

A Tribute to Jimmie Rodgers Promotional Album - Various

1997 Ni Un Paso Atras! Album - Various

1998 The Nu Nation Project Album - Kirk Franklin

Lean on Me Single - Kirk Franklin

Lean on Me Promo Single - Kirk Franklin

1998 A Perfect Stranger Album - Marianne Faithfull

1998 Perfect Day Single - Various

1998 Blue Sugar Album - Zucchero

Blu Single - Zucchero

Blue Promo Single - Zucchero

1998 This World is Not My Home Album - Lone Justice

1999 Cookie's Fortune Soundtrack Album - David A. Stewart

Cookie Single - David A. Stewart / Candy Dulfer

1999 New Day Single - Bono and Wyclef Jean

New Day Promotional Single - Bono and Wyclef Jean

1999 Michael Hutchence Album - Michael Hutchence

A Straight Line Promo Single - Michael Hutchence

Slide Away Promo Single - Michael Hutchence

2000 The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack Album - Various

Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack Promo Album - Various

2000 Aural and Hearty Album - Mocean Worker

2001 Moulin Rouge Soundtrack Album - Various

2001 What's Going On? Single - Various

2001 Cieli Di Toscana Album - Andrea Bocelli

2001 Goddess in the Doorway Album - Mick Jagger

2002 The Corrs Live in Dublin Album - The Corrs

When the Stars Go Blue Promo Single - The Corrs with Bono

2002 As if to Nothing Album - Craig Armstrong

2002 More Friends, Small World, Big Band Vol. 2 Album - Jools Holland

2003 The Good Thief Soundtrack Album - Various

2003 Shine Album - Daniel Lanois

Shine Promotional Album - Daniel Lanois

Falling at Your Feet Promo Single - Daniel Lanois and Bono

Falling at Your Feet Single - Daniel Lanois and Bono

2003 In America Soundtrack Album - Various

2003 Voices and Poetry of Ireland Project - Various

2003 She Who Dwells... Album - Sinead O'Connor

2004 46664: Part I: African Prayer Album - Various

46664: Part II: Long Walk to Freedom Album - Various

46664: Part III: Amandla Album - Various

46664: Part I: African Prayer Promotional Album - Various

46664: Part II: Long Walk to Freedom Promotional Album - Various

46664: Part III: Amandla Promotional Album - Various

46664 Radio Sampler Promotional Single - Various

46664 Three CD Promotional Set - Various

2004 Silver Box Box Set - Simple Minds

Silver Box Boxed Set Promo - Simple Minds

2004 Walkin' in the Shadow of Life Album - Neville Brothers

2004 Do They Know it's Christmas Single - Band Aid 20

2005 Don't Come Knocking Soundtrack - Various

Bono Filmography:

As Composer:

"The Casino" (2004) TV Series (song "Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad")

The 75th Annual Academy Awards (2003) (TV) (song "The Hands That Built America" from "Gangs of New York")

Gangs of New York (2002) (song "The Hands That Built America")

Mr. Deeds (2002) (song "Sweetest Thing")

About a Boy (2002) (song "Zoo Station") (as Hewson) ... aka About a Boy oder: Der Tag der toten Ente (Germany) ... aka Pour un garçon (France)

WWF Vengeance (2001) (V) (song "Beautiful Day")

U2: Elevation 2001 Live From Boston (2001) (V) (song)

"Smallville" (2001) TV Series (song) ... aka Smallville Beginnings (USA: rerun title) ... aka Smallville: Superman the Early Years (UK: promotional title)

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) (song "Elevation") ... aka Tomb Raider (USA: short title)

The Million Dollar Hotel (2000) (songs "The Ground Beneath Her Feet", "Never Let Me Go", "Stateless", "Falling At Your Feet", "The First Time" and "Dancin' Shoes")

Three Kings (1999) (song "In God's Country")

Runaway Bride (1999) (song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For")

City of Angels (1998) (song "If God Will Send His Angels") ... aka Stadt der Engel (Germany)

U2: A Year in Pop (1997) (TV) (song) GoldenEye (1995) (song "Goldeneye")

Al di là delle nuvole (1995) (as U2) ... aka Al di là delle nuvole (Italy) ... aka Beyond the Clouds (USA) ... aka Jenseits der Wolken (Germany) ... aka Par-delà les nuages (France)

Batman Forever (1995) (song "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me") ... aka Forever (USA: title without logo)

Johnny Mnemonic (1995) (song "Alex Descends Into Hell for a Bottle of Milk/Korova 1")

... aka Johnny Mnémonique (Canada: French title)

Blown Away (1994) (song "With or Without You")

Reality Bites (1994) (song "All I Want Is You") (as Paul Hewson)

In the Name of the Father (1993) (songs "Billy Boola", "In the Name of the Father", "You Made Me the Thief of your Heart")

Fearless (1993) (song "Where the Streets Have No Name") (as Paul David Newson)

U2: Numb (1993) (V) (songs)

Gladiator (1992) (song "Pride (In the Name of Love)")

Bis ans Ende der Welt (1991) (song "Until the End of the World") ... aka Until the End of the World (UK) (USA) ... aka Jusqu'au bout du monde (France)

U2: LoveTown (1989) (TV) (song)

U2: Rattle and Hum (1988) (song) ... aka Rattle and Hum

U2: Unforgettable Fire (1984) (song) ... aka U2: The Unforgettable Fire Collection (USA: video title)

Ils appellent ça un accident (1982) (song) ... aka Ils appellent ça un accident (France) ... aka They Call It an Accident (USA)

As Actor:

The Million Dollar Hotel (2000) (uncredited) .... Man in Hotel Lobby