Bono: A New Chapter Unfolds

During a recent visit to his French Riviera retreat, Bono reflected on his life and career, revealing a newfound balance and creative energy.

Near the conclusion of our initial meeting, Bono casually mentioned the proximity of W. B. Yeats’s tomb. It was early April, and the U2 frontman was escorting me to my car, the Mediterranean Sea stretching endlessly behind us. His expansive property, with its multiple homes and pools, offered unparalleled seclusion, despite its proximity to the vibrant locales of Monaco and Cannes. Bono’s relocation to the French coast is not unique among Irish expatriates, but he arguably does it with unparalleled success.

Bono shares this idyllic estate with his bandmate, the Edge. In the early 1990s, during a band vacation, they were captivated by the property and decided to purchase it. The other two band members, however, remained unconvinced; maintaining such a lavish property seemed excessively demanding.

Jacket and trousers by Umit Benan; T-shirt by Dries Van Noten; sandals by Toga Virilis; sunglasses and jewelry, Bono’s own.

Maintaining the estate has indeed demanded considerable effort. Numerous additions have been constructed over the years to accommodate their expanding families. During our visit, ongoing renovations were underway, highlighting the constant upkeep required. Yet, this haven has proved invaluable to Bono and his bandmates.

A few days later, while conversing in one of the living rooms, Bono confessed, “This place saved our musical lives.” The setting was elegant yet informal: comfortable seating, expansive windows overlooking the ocean, a piano, and a large fireplace. Despite the luxurious surroundings, Bono’s attire remained characteristically understated; favoring his signature rock-star style over the lighter, more relaxed attire of his neighbors.

The period preceding the purchase of their summer home was both exhilarating and exhausting. Bono described the relentless pursuit of global musical dominance as akin to “pushing a rock uphill,” a struggle that left the band somewhat emotionally drained. They had not yet grasped how to properly savor their success.

This respite, however, fostered renewed musical creativity. Subsequently, U2 produced several critically acclaimed albums. (The reception of their 1997 album, *Pop*, remains a matter of personal opinion.) However, Bono discovered something more profound in the South of France; it provided a much-needed counterbalance to his demanding career.

While acknowledging the lack of complete anonymity, Bono noted the respect afforded to him by the French, providing a welcome sense of respite.

After years of intense focus on their career, Bono finally learned to relax and enjoy life’s simpler pleasures. He embraced leisurely meals, late-night gatherings, and cherished moments with his family and friends. This period marked a transformative shift in his life, allowing him to find a lightness he hadn’t experienced before.

Reflecting on this period, Bono acknowledged a potential excess of self-indulgence, but nonetheless expressed gratitude for this chapter in his life.

His family frequently visits, particularly during the summer months. Bono appreciates these occasions, welcoming the lively atmosphere created by their presence. The Edge’s grandchildren, he notes amusingly, simply call him “Bono.”

He also spends considerable time alone, working diligently on various projects.

This time was dedicated, in part, to his new film, *Bono: Stories of Surrender*, a deeply personal adaptation of his memoir. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before its release on Apple TV+ and Vision Pro. Any suggestion that this project is purely a nostalgic money grab fundamentally misrepresents Bono’s current perspective and life’s journey.

Recent years have been a period of both recovery and reflection for Bono, marking a shift in his outlook on life’s joys and his personal demons.

Coat, jacket, and trousers by Umit Benan; T-Shirt by Dries Van Noten; hat by Lock & Co.; sandals by Toga Virilis; cane by Ottavio Recalcati; sunglasses and jewelry, Bono’s own.

The film’s production wasn’t initially planned as a large-scale undertaking. However, the collaboration with Apple Studios expanded beyond expectations, resulting in multiple versions tailored for different platforms. Director Andrew Dominik’s involvement added another layer of intensity to the project, pushing Bono to confront deeply personal and emotional aspects of his life.

Bono’s collaborative work within U2, where decisions are made collectively, has often involved creative tension. However, Dominik challenged him to explore his personal traumas in a way that even writing his memoir hadn’t achieved.

The creative process involved intense moments, with Dominik pushing Bono to surpass any sense of performance or acting. The resulting film is not just a product of creative collaboration, but it has had a transformative effect on Bono’s life.

U2’s origins are now firmly entrenched in the band’s mythology. In 1976, a simple ad seeking musicians led to the formation of U2. Paul Hewson (Bono), David Evans (the Edge), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. came together, each bringing unique qualities to the group.

Bono was still coping with the loss of his mother when he joined the band, a loss that profoundly impacted his life. His childhood friend, Gavin Friday, recounted Bono’s solitary existence and the deep bonds of friendship that emerged during this challenging time.

Bono’s father, Bob, reacted to his wife’s death by immersing himself in a social life, leaving Bono feeling neglected and emotionally wounded by his father’s cutting remarks.

Bono’s immense success with U2 served, in part, as a way to gain his father’s recognition and acceptance. However, even this monumental achievement did not fully bridge the chasm between father and son.

After his father’s death, Bono finally sought forgiveness, realizing the emotional burden his father carried. This moment marked a significant turning point in Bono’s emotional healing.

Coat, trousers, and pin by Ferragamo; T-shirt by Dries Van Noten; hat by Lock & Co.; sunglasses and jewelry, Bono’s own.

He also began to understand how his intense drive for social justice was partly shaped by his father’s own beliefs.

Bono’s complex relationship with his audience is also explored. His outspoken nature and U2’s politically charged music have resulted in both passionate fans and fervent detractors.

Since U2’s early days, the band has consistently engaged with profound social and political themes, solidifying their reputation as more than just a rock band. This commitment to meaning has, however, also contributed to some controversies, such as accusations of tax avoidance and the widely criticized iTunes album release.

Jimmy Iovine, a long-time associate of the band, highlighted Bono’s honesty and willingness to accept responsibility for his actions, regardless of outcomes.

Bono’s near-fatal health scare in 2016 served as a pivotal moment in his life. The subsequent recovery forced him to confront his own mortality and re-evaluate his priorities.

Despite the challenges, Bono ultimately embraced his physical limitations, modifying his stage presence while continuing his tour. This experience led to a newfound appreciation for the art of singing.

Bono’s renewed sense of purpose culminated in a series of projects, including a tour, a memoir, an album, and the film *Bono: Stories of Surrender*. This collection of works represents a culmination of his life experiences, acknowledging his past while embracing his present.

Shirt by Giorgio Armani; sunglasses and jewelry, Bono’s own.

His family’s encouragement to embrace a more balanced lifestyle spurred him to explore new interests. This included television shows and reevaluating his role in his philanthropic endeavors.

Bono’s decision to step down from his leadership role in his charitable organizations reflects his desire to promote new leaders, while simultaneously acknowledging the difficulty of his decision.

Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations, Bono remains passionate about these causes and expresses concern over the setbacks caused by certain political decisions.

Bono’s commitment to global collaboration is explored, along with his observations on the rise of nationalism and its impact on humanitarian efforts.

He identifies hope in the potential for European unity and a renewed focus on factual information and freedom.

Bono on Vespa: Coat, trousers, and pin by Ferragamo; T-shirt by Dries Van Noten; hat by Lock & Co.; sunglasses and jewelry, Bono’s own.

The conversation transitions to Bono’s family life, emphasizing the importance of his wife, Ali, and his children’s lives. His children’s upbringing in Dublin provided a stark contrast to his own upbringing, enabling them to appreciate their privilege without being defined by it.

Bono’s reflection on the relentless drive that has defined his life is juxtaposed with his children’s ability to find balance and purpose. This contrast prompts a thoughtful examination of his own motivations and the inherent complexities of human ambition.

Sweater by Dries Van Noten. Sunglasses, Bono’s own.

The article concludes with Bono’s anticipation of U2’s return to the music scene. His passion for music and the band’s collaborative spirit are palpable. He expresses a desire for their new music to reflect a sense of freedom and purpose, encapsulating the core essence of rock and roll.

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.