Bono (1960– )

Irish rock vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. Lead singer of the Irish rock group U2, formed in Dublin in 1977, he is known for his commanding stage presence and politically charged lyrics. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2003 for his work to relieve the debt of developing world countries and promote AIDS awareness in Africa.

Initially it was Bono's stage presence, more than his voice, that earned him the role as lead singer of the group. His upbringing in a mixed Protestant and Catholic family as well as the death of his mother when he was 14 were strong influences on his music. The band was formed when drummer Larry Mullen, Jr, posted a sign on a school noticeboard, and evolved into one of the most popular and successful rock bands of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, managing to sustain their fan base throughout three decades by clever reinvention. With his trademark leather jackets and sunglasses, Bono quickly became an iconic figure in pop and rock music.

Spurning the typical pop fare, his song themes include politics and religion – ‘Sunday, Bloody Sunday’ (1983), for example, explores the conflict in Northern Ireland. He was heavily involved with music charity events such as Band Aid (1984), Live Aid (1985), Amnesty International's Conspiracy of Hope tour (1986), Net Aid (1999), and Jubilee 2000, and received the rank of Chevalier dans l'Ordre de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honour) from French president Jacques Chirac in 2003.