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Bono
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
Bono, the nickname of Paul David Hewson, is an Irish singer, songwriter and activist. He was born in Dublin on 10 May 1960 and grew up in a house on Cedarwood Road, between Finglas and Ballymun. His mother was Anglican and his father Catholic, and he received a mixed Christian upbringing. At Mount Temple Comprehensive School he formed, in 1976 and with school friends, the band that would become U2. His relationship with his future wife, Alison Stewart, also began there. He is U2's lead singer and main lyricist.
Music and breakthrough
Bono is known for his passionate singing and his grand style of writing and performing. His lyrics often contain social and political themes and religious imagery, inspired by his Christian faith. In the early years he gave U2 a rebellious and spiritual tone; later he wrote more from the personal experiences of the band members. With U2 he won twenty-two Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Outside the band he wrote songs with The Edge for Roy Orbison and Tina Turner, and the music for the musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and for a London adaptation of A Clockwork Orange.
Influence
Bono is also active in the cause of social justice, above all in the fight against extreme poverty and HIV and AIDS in Africa. To that end he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product Red, and he spoke with politicians and heads of state. In 2005 he was one of Time's Persons of the Year. He has also been criticised, among other things because African companies were left out of the picture and because of tax avoidance in his private finances. He showed how a rock singer can use his fame for a political cause.
Listening
Discography
Studio albums
- 2011Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (soundtrack)
In School of Rock
The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.
- Magazine: Sunday Bloody SundayNL Magazine
- Magazine: Het lange eindeNL Magazine