A New Chapter for Bono

During a recent visit to his French Riviera retreat, the U2 frontman reflected on his life, career, and the creation of his new film.

Our first meeting with Bono took place in early April at his vacation home in the South of France. The Mediterranean Sea stretched before us, a breathtaking panorama.

He shares this idyllic estate with his bandmate, the Edge. They acquired it in the early 1990s after a chance encounter, while the rest of the band was less enthusiastic about the considerable maintenance such a property demands.

U2’s considerable financial success in the preceding decade allowed for this luxury purchase. The band had transitioned from a promising post-punk group to a global stadium rock act, selling over 70 million albums.

Maintaining the property has required substantial effort. Expansions to accommodate their growing families and ongoing upkeep are ongoing, yet it has proven invaluable to Bono and his musical career.

Bono shared that this haven has been crucial to the band’s musical longevity. The comfortable yet informal living space, with its stunning sea view, provided a refuge.

Despite the luxurious surroundings, Bono maintains a distinctly understated style, unlike his more casually dressed neighbors.

The period leading up to purchasing the French home was both exhilarating and exhausting. The pressures of attaining global superstardom impacted the band significantly.

They hadn’t yet mastered the art of enjoying their success. However, this period also gave rise to several critically acclaimed albums, such as 2000’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” and 2004’s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.”

Bono considers the French Riviera home a counterpoint to his high-profile career and his extensive philanthropic work.

While not entirely anonymous, they find the French culture fosters a level of privacy that allows for a much-needed respite.

After years of intense professional focus, Bono embraced a more balanced lifestyle. He developed a greater appreciation for family time, social gatherings, and leisure.

Reflecting on this period, he acknowledges that he may have overdone it. However, he maintains a positive outlook, having discovered a lighter side of himself.

His family visits frequently, especially during summer. Their presence fills the house with lively energy.

However, Bono also cherishes his time alone, which he uses for creative pursuits.

Bono’s new film, “Bono: Stories of Surrender,” is a highly personal adaptation of his memoir, filmed during his one-man stage show.

While some may view it cynically, it’s a deeply personal exploration of his life’s journey.

Recent years have been a period of significant personal growth for Bono. He faced health challenges and revisited unresolved issues from his past.

He’s emerged with a renewed sense of balance and purpose. U2 is currently working on a new album, a project he’s deeply excited about.

The film’s creation wasn’t initially planned as a large-scale project, but it quickly evolved. The collaboration with Apple Studios led to the creation of two distinct versions.

Director Andrew Dominik’s involvement significantly impacted the final product, pushing Bono to confront difficult emotions.

Dominik’s refusal to accept any performative elements forced Bono to tap into his deepest emotions and memories.

Bono expresses mixed feelings about the film’s release, showing both anticipation and trepidation.

U2’s origin story is well known. In 1976, a simple advertisement seeking band members brought together four young Dubliners.

Paul Hewson (Bono), was grappling with the loss of his mother. His childhood friend Gavin Friday highlights Bono’s resilience in overcoming this difficult period.

Bono’s relationship with his father was complex and fraught with tension. He felt a need to prove himself to his father.

While his father never explicitly expressed his pride, Bono found a profound sense of accomplishment in his career success.

After his father’s death, Bono embarked on a journey of reconciliation and forgiveness. He came to understand and appreciate his father’s character.

Creating his memoir and stage show proved cathartic, helping him process his feelings and understand his father better.

Bono’s public image is complex and multifaceted. He’s been both loved and criticized throughout his career.

U2’s early work often addressed political and social issues. Their commitment to social justice has been both a strength and a source of controversy.

The band has faced criticism for their business practices, including accusations of tax avoidance. Bono acknowledges these criticisms but maintains their actions have always been legal.

The band’s unintentional iTunes mishap further fueled criticism. Bono takes full responsibility for the decision.

Jimmy Iovine, a long-time collaborator, emphasizes Bono’s honesty and willingness to take responsibility.

Bono acknowledges that not everyone appreciates U2’s music and activism. He’s not discouraged by this; it’s simply part of the territory.

A serious health scare in 2016 forced Bono to reassess his priorities. He underwent open-heart surgery to address an aortic aneurysm.

The recovery was difficult, but it also led to a profound shift in his perspective. His perspective on life and career shifted dramatically.

He adapted his performances, leading to an improvement in his vocal quality. He recognized he’d previously been overexerting himself.

He feels rejuvenated and creatively energized, ready to explore new artistic avenues. He’s currently focused on new U2 music.

Bono attributes much of his recent artistic output to this health experience, which led to deeper introspection and personal growth.

His family encouraged him to embrace a slower pace, urging him to engage in more typical leisure activities.

Bono’s commitment to his philanthropic work is immense. He cofounded organizations like ONE and (RED).

In late 2023, he stepped down from their leadership roles to allow younger activists to take the helm.

He acknowledges the challenges of his philanthropic work, particularly the setbacks from political changes.

He identifies as a radical centrist, aiming to find common ground despite political divides.

The political climate has challenged his previously held beliefs, prompting him to re-evaluate his strategies.

He remains concerned about global trends like nationalism, seeing them as a threat to progress.

Bono finds hope in the potential for European unity and in the American public’s capacity for rational decision-making.

He emphasizes the importance of freedom and an adventurous spirit in driving positive change. He champions optimism.

A conversation about Jeff Bridges’s perspective on harmony resonates with Bono.

His appreciation for the simple pleasures, like walks in Central Park, reflects a growing sense of spiritual awareness.

Bono’s reflections often intertwine personal experiences with broader philosophical and religious themes.

Despite his profound thoughts, he maintains a sense of humor and self-awareness.

He values the wisdom of his wife, Ali, and the advice of others.

His relationship with his children is a source of immense joy and pride. They have chosen diverse and fulfilling paths.

He and Ali chose to raise their children in Dublin, prioritizing a down-to-earth upbringing. They sought a normal environment.

He acknowledges the time spent away from his family due to work commitments. However, he is grateful for their support.

His children share his commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

The question of whether Bono’s relentless drive is simply innate remains unanswered. He recognizes both the benefits and drawbacks of this intense ambition.

His children, while driven, also demonstrate a healthy balance between ambition and personal well-being.

Bono hints at a new U2 song, “Freedom Is a Feeling,” which encapsulates his current creative and personal journey.

U2 is working on new music, eager to create new material that will resonate with their audience. This is a key moment in the band’s history.

Bono’s anticipation for the new album is palpable. The band is working with Brian Eno again.

His focus for the new music returns to core themes and values. He is reflecting on masculinity and the human experience.

Bono prioritizes live performance, although he acknowledges his bandmates’ desire to record new music.

He hopes the new album will provide a compelling reason for them to return to touring and re-connect with their devoted audience. He aims for a powerful message.

The article concludes with Bono’s reflections, hoping to continue to create music that inspires others to embrace their goals and make a lasting impact.

In the opening photo: Jacket by Dries Van Noten. Sunglasses and jewelry, Bono’s own.

In the cover image: Coat, trousers, and pin by Ferragamo; T-shirt by Dries Van Noten; sunglasses, shoes and jewelry, Bono’s own.