| Full Name | Paul David Hewson |
| Age | 63 |
| Birthday | May 10, 1960 |
| Birth Place | Dublin, Ireland |
| Relationship | Married to Alison Hewson |
| Height | 5′ 6′′ |
| Net Worth | $700 million |
| Social Media | Twitter, Facebook, Website |
Introduction
Bono is an Irish singer, activist and philanthropist best known as the lead vocalist of the massively popular rock band U2. According to Rolling Stone magazine, "He transformed himself from rock star to global pop culture icon to political activist." Over a four-decade career, Bono has sold over 170 million records worldwide with U2 and become one of music‘s most recognizable and influential frontmen. Beyond music, he is renowned for his humanitarian work and tireless advocacy on issues like global poverty, HIV/AIDS, debt relief, and foreign aid. Described by many as a "modern-day saint", Bono‘s mix of talent and selfless activism has made him one of the most iconic figures in entertainment and social justice worldwide.
Early Life and U2 Formation
Born Paul David Hewson in 1960 in Dublin, Ireland, Bono grew up with a strong musical bent. In 1976, he answered a note on his high school‘s bulletin board from Larry Mullen Jr. seeking musicians to form a band. With Bono as lead singer, they created the band Feedback along with David Evans ("The Edge") and Adam Clayton. After cycling through some early names, the band finally settled on U2 in 1978. Their debut album "Boy" arrived in 1980 as they began building momentum in Ireland and the UK. With Bono‘s impassioned vocals and their sound melding post-punk, electronica and American rock, U2 won over legions of fans globally throughout the 80s. Their 1987 album "The Joshua Tree" cemented their status as rock superstars, selling over 25 million copies.
Music Career and Activism
During U2‘s early years, Bono grew increasingly interested in social justice causes that would come to define his public persona. The band‘s 1983 album "War" showcased this politicization reflecting Ireland‘s unrest. In 1985, Bono performed at the historic Live Aid concert and forged a lifelong friendship with organizer Bob Geldof. His activism expanded and reached new heights in the 1990s. Bono toured Africa extensively and urged wealthy nations to prioritize poverty reduction and debt relief programs like Jubilee 2000. Influenced by his Christian faith, he advocated for developing world debt cancellation and universal access to drugs for AIDS patients.
Humanitarian Work and Honors
Bono has raised over $3 billion for humanitarian causes through benefit concerts like Live 8 and his ONE Campaign. He co-founded Product Red in 2006, partnering with brands like Apple and Starbucks to direct portions of profits to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. For these efforts, Bono has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times. In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him as an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Among many honors, he has also received the Legion of Honor from France, the NAACP Image Award and been named Person of the Year by MusiCares.
Personal Life
Bono lives in Dublin with his wife Alison, whom he started dating in high school. They have two daughters, Jordan and Memphis Eve, and two sons, Elijah and John. A passionate music fan outside U2, he cites influences like Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and The Clash. Despite his fame, he maintains a reputation as a down-to-earth, friendly person. He remains an avid humanitarian dedicated to eradicating poverty and improving human rights.
With 22 Grammys and over 170 million albums sold, Bono has secured his legacy as one of music’s greatest rock icons. Even more impactfully, his tireless humanitarian work over decades has highlighted causes that might have otherwise remained in obscurity. Bono once remarked, "My heroes are the ones who survived doing it wrong, who made mistakes, but recovered from them." By that standard, he remains not just a hero to many, but an inspirational figure who has changed global culture through both his art and activism.