A New Chapter for Bono

During a recent visit to his French villa, Bono, the lead singer of U2, shared intimate details of his life and career.

He casually mentioned the proximity of W.B. Yeats’s tomb while guiding a visitor to their car. The Mediterranean Sea served as a breathtaking backdrop to his sprawling estate, which he shares with his bandmate, the Edge.

Their acquisition of the property is a humorous anecdote. While vacationing in the early 1990s, the pair admired the estate but their bandmates, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton, were less enthusiastic about the extensive upkeep. U2’s remarkable success, however, made the purchase possible.

The property has been significantly expanded over the years to accommodate their growing families. Even amidst ongoing renovations, the home represents a haven for Bono and the band.

A few days later, Bono described the estate as instrumental to their artistic longevity. The home’s calming atmosphere contrasted sharply with the relentless demands of their earlier career, a period characterized by intense pressure and a failure to fully appreciate their success.

The French Riviera’s tranquil environment offered a welcome respite from his high-profile lifestyle. He found time for family, socializing, and a more relaxed pace of life, marking a significant change from his earlier intense pursuit of success.

The period also involved self-reflection. He contemplated the balance between self-love and self-indulgence, acknowledging the excesses of his thirties but expressing gratitude for the experience. Family visits, mostly during summer, brought joy and filled the house with warmth.

Currently, Bono spends significant time alone, working diligently while enjoying moments of relaxed living. This solitary time proved beneficial in preparing for his new endeavors.

His latest project, a film based on his memoir and stage show, explores themes of recovery and personal growth. This work debuted at the Cannes Film Festival before its wider release. It’s a deep dive into his life’s journey, rather than a mere cash grab.

Recent years have been transformative for Bono. He overcame a serious health crisis, gaining a newfound appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He has confronted past traumas, re-evaluated his philanthropic efforts, and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose.

The film’s creation was an extensive process. Collaborating with Apple Studios and director Andrew Dominik, Bono underwent a demanding filming schedule, pushing himself beyond his comfort zone.

Dominik’s approach challenged Bono to confront painful memories, particularly concerning the loss of his mother and his complex relationship with his father. The project’s impact extended beyond the screen, fostering significant personal healing.

The genesis of U2 is recounted, highlighting Bono’s early struggles and the band’s formation in response to personal loss. His childhood friend, Gavin Friday, provided insights into Bono’s solitary childhood following his mother’s death.

Bono’s relationship with his father, Bob Hewson, was fraught with tension. This fueled his ambition, ultimately leading to immense success, but failing to bridge the emotional gap.

After his father’s death, a pivotal moment of reconciliation occurred, and Bono expressed regret over their troubled relationship. He actively sought forgiveness and eventually discovered humor and understanding in his father’s personality.

The complexities of U2’s public image are discussed, acknowledging both fervent admiration and strong criticism. Bono accepts this duality, viewing it as an inherent part of their journey. He also details the band’s early religious struggles and their decision to imbue their music with purpose.

Throughout their career, U2 has tackled politically sensitive topics and social justice issues. This commitment has led to both praise and controversy, including accusations of tax avoidance and the ill-received iTunes album giveaway. Record producer Jimmy Iovine defended Bono’s integrity and commitment.

Bono’s open-heart surgery in 2016 forced a re-evaluation of his priorities. The recovery process, though challenging, led him to appreciate his limitations and to refine his approach to performing.

This period of reflection led to several impactful projects, showcasing his personal growth and artistic evolution. He is now working on new music with U2 and is excited about the prospect of a new album and tour.

His family played a pivotal role in this transformation, urging him to incorporate more relaxation and normalcy into his life. His rediscovery of simple pleasures, including television shows, reflected this shift in priorities.

Bono’s involvement in the non-profit organizations ONE and (RED) has undergone a reassessment. While stepping back from leadership roles, he continues to be deeply concerned about the challenges facing global humanitarian efforts.

He discusses his experiences working with different administrations, defending his collaborations despite criticism. His views on political ideology and approaches to social change are explored.

Current global political trends, particularly the rise of nationalism, have deeply troubled Bono. The impact of these developments on his humanitarian work and the future of global cooperation are central to his concerns.

He holds onto several key beliefs: the potential for a unified Europe, the belief in American’s ability to make informed decisions, and the importance of freedom and an adventurous spirit to drive positive change.

He shares a meaningful discussion about the search for harmony, connecting it to his personal experiences and beliefs. His reflections on nature, spirituality, and the lessons of life are woven into the narrative.

Bono’s personal growth is highlighted, emphasizing self-awareness and his deep appreciation for his family. He reflects on his relationship with his children and the unique challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life.

The complexities of his relentless drive and the contrasting experiences of his children illustrate a broader exploration of ambition and fulfillment. The conclusion features a snippet of a new U2 song, ‘Freedom Is a Feeling,’ hinting at the themes of his upcoming album.

In closing, the article reveals Bono’s anticipation for the release of U2’s new material and the prospect of a new tour. He expresses his belief in the band’s capacity to create music that resonates with audiences globally.

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.