Biographic - Sunday February 12, 2006 Comic Strip Licensing and Permissions

Transcript

U2 frontman Bono was born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, on May 10, 1960. He formed the band with guitarist Dave "The Edge" Evans, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. when they were pupils together at mount temple comprehensive school Dublin. The band U2 was formed in Dublin, Ireland, in the late '70s when a gaggle of schoolboys met in the drummer's kitchen to rehearse. Inspired by a sign for a hearing aid, they nicknamed their singer Bonovox, which roughly translates from Latin as "good voice" U2 went on to become one of the greatest rock bands in history. Bono emerged as not just a charismatic rock icon, but as an eloquent advocate and impassioned campaigner for third world social justice. Through the albums "Boy" "October" "War" and "The Unforgettable Fire" compelling concert performances and heavy rotation on MTV, U2 became one of the biggest new bands in rock in the early 1980s. Then 1985's "Live Aid" concert, broadcast to more than a billion people worldwide, catapulted the band to superstar status. In 1987, "The Joshua Tree" topped album charts, around the world, spawning hits such as "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" U2 packed stadiums worldwide on a tour recorded for the "Rattle and Hum" album and film. Throughout the '90s U2 stayed at the forefront of music innovation, with albums such as "Achtung Baby," "Zooropa" and "Pop" and the ambitious "Zoo TV" and "Popmart" tours. When 2004's "Vertigo" album debuted at No. 1 in 32 countries, U2 cemented its status as the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world. Bono, meanwhile, has become a tireless and incredibly effective campaigner for social justice in Africa, culminating in the globally televised "Live 8" benefit. Along with Bill and Melinda Gates, he was named one of Time Magazine's "Persons of the year" for 2005.

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