Bono: A New Narrative Emerges

During a recent visit to his Southern France estate, Bono shared personal reflections and future plans.

Near the conclusion of our initial afternoon together, Bono casually mentioned the proximity of W. B. Yeats’s grave. It was early April, and the U2 lead vocalist was guiding me towards my car, the Mediterranean Sea stretching out behind us. His expansive property, consisting of several homes and pools, provided a secluded haven, despite its proximity to Monaco and Cannes. Bono is not the first Irishman to swap his homeland’s damp climate for the Côte d’Azur’s sunny shores, but he may be doing so with more success.

Bono shares this property with his bandmate, the Edge. In the early 1990s, while vacationing with the rest of the band, they stumbled upon the property and decided to purchase it. Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton, the drummer and bassist, however, declined to join them, finding the upkeep too demanding. However, the lead singer and guitarist were ready for a significant investment. U2 had just completed a successful decade, transitioning from a promising post-punk band to a stadium rock group, selling over 70 million albums. In short, they could easily afford it.

Maintaining the property has required considerable effort. Over time, they’ve added structures to accommodate their growing families. During my visit, one building was under renovation, and a pool was drained in preparation for summer. Yet, this idyllic retreat has significantly benefited Bono and his band.

A few days later, while relaxing in the living room of his home, Bono explained the property’s impact on his life. The ambiance was luxurious but casual: comfortable seating, expansive windows overlooking the ocean, and a piano and fireplace. Even after years of living there, his attire remained distinctly rock-star style; black jeans, a black V-neck, and an army-green jacket. It stood in contrast to the pastel linens worn by his neighbors.

The years leading to the acquisition of the summer home were both exhilarating and exhausting. Bono described the journey to global stardom as a difficult climb. The band had become serious musicians but hadn’t yet learned to appreciate their success. They slowly learned to adapt.

Their acquisition of the home potentially saved their music. Subsequently, they produced successful albums like 2000’s *All That You Can’t Leave Behind* and 2004’s *How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb*. (Readers can form their own opinions on the band’s divisive 1997 release, *Pop*.) But in France, Bono discovered a personal balance. The location counteracted a side of him that had always pushed for greater success.

Bono acknowledges the lack of complete anonymity in his location, but praises the French for their respectful nature. After thirteen years of intense career focus, Bono finally learned to relax, enjoying leisurely meals, time with his family, and social gatherings.

Reflecting on his past, he admitted possibly overdoing things. He described his thirties as a belated adolescence, marked by self-indulgence. He expressed gratitude for these experiences.

The family visits regularly, mostly during summer months. Bono appreciates their presence, transforming the large space into a vibrant household. He views the house as a communal space, meant to be enjoyed by many.

Bono and his wife, Ali, have four children, ranging in age. The Edge also has five children, and some of them now have children of their own. Interestingly, the Edge’s grandchildren refer to Bono simply as “Bono.” Bono spends considerable time at the property alone, working diligently.

This visit coincided with the release of his new film, *Bono: Stories of Surrender*. Based on his memoir and stage show, the film offers a personal and vulnerable portrayal of his life. While some may dismiss it as a nostalgia-driven venture, it’s more accurately a reflection of Bono’s personal growth.

Recent years have been a period of healing and reflection for Bono, who recently celebrated his sixty-fifth birthday. He overcame a serious health challenge, gaining a renewed perspective on life’s pleasures. He confronted past traumas and re-evaluated his role in philanthropic endeavors.

Despite this introspection, Bono remains driven. U2 is currently in the studio working on new music, potentially their first album of original songs in almost a decade. Bono’s enthusiasm is evident; he has more stories to tell, and he feels the world needs to hear them.

The creation of the film was a collaborative process. Apple Studios approached Bono to film his stage show, eventually developing two versions: a standard film and an immersive experience for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Director Andrew Dominik’s involvement intensified the process, pushing Bono to confront difficult aspects of his past.

As a member of a band known for collaborative decision-making, Bono’s filmmaking experience was unique. Dominik’s direction challenged Bono to explore the pain caused by his mother’s death and his strained relationship with his father, in ways that writing his memoir hadn’t achieved. The impact of this extended beyond the film; it liberated him from years of anger and resentment.

Bono’s collaboration with Dominik was largely successful. However, they disagreed on the film’s nature. The Edge aptly observed that the film should focus on Bono onstage, not backstage. Bono is multifaceted, defying easy categorization. Dominik insisted on authenticity, rejecting any pretense.

During rehearsals, Bono played himself and his father, Bob Hewson, during his father’s final moments. Dominik pushed him to overcome any acting tendencies, forcing him to connect with raw emotion. The final product is intense, and Bono feels a mix of apprehension and dissatisfaction regarding the outcome.

U2’s origin story is well-known. In 1976, a notice was posted at Mount Temple Comprehensive School seeking musicians. This brought together Paul Hewson (Bono), David Evans (the Edge), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. The band formed shortly after, with Hewson still grieving the loss of his mother.

Bono’s childhood friend, Gavin Friday, recounted Bono’s early struggles with loneliness and his relationship with his father. Bono’s father, Bob Hewson, had to navigate his wife’s death and his son’s difficult emotions. Bono’s charm helped him endure this period. Friday recounted Bono’s habit of visiting families in the neighborhood for dinner. This was a testament to his resilience and the difficulties he faced in the years after his mother’s passing.

Bono’s challenging relationship with his father fueled his ambition. He aimed to achieve such extraordinary success that his father would be compelled to acknowledge his achievements. This drive led to U2’s impressive success: numerous albums sold, Grammy awards, and homes around the globe.

However, this success didn’t entirely bridge the gap between father and son. Even amid U2’s Joshua Tree concert’s euphoria, Bob remained reserved in his expression of pride. When Bob passed in 2001, Bono still harbored resentment. It was only after his wife highlighted the possibility that Bono had subconsciously blamed Bob for his mother’s death that a reconciliation began.

Bono sought forgiveness from his father at a chapel. He expected to offer an apology, but realized the conversation should have been different. The writing of his memoir and his stage show proved therapeutic; performing his father’s lines, originally hurtful, surprisingly brought laughter. He realized his father’s humour and his own lack of it.

Bono also acknowledged his father’s commitment to social justice. He realized his own drive for social change stemmed, in part, from his father’s influence. He wished he had known his father better. The stage show aided in his emotional healing, allowing him to accept and even miss his father.

Bono’s public image is complex. His outspoken nature and U2’s provocative music have created a mixed reaction from audiences. This began with their third album, *War*, which explored the consequences of political violence.

Early in U2’s career, the band grappled with their faith. Their association with a strict Christian church impacted their personal lives and conflicted with their rock-and-roll lifestyle. Their commitment to their faith influenced their decision to imbue their music with deeper meaning. For some, this lack of nonchalance remains a defining aspect of the band.

U2 has consistently tackled social and political issues in their music. This commitment has resulted in a complex relationship with their home country and created several controversies, including accusations of tax avoidance and the infamous iTunes album giveaway. Bono accepts responsibility for these events, regardless of their legality or unforeseen consequences.

Jimmy Iovine, a music executive, praised Bono’s honesty and willingness to take responsibility for his actions. He described Bono as someone who doesn’t blame others and accepts full ownership of his choices. Bono embraces the polarized reactions to his band, seeing it as an inherent part of their career.

In 2016, Bono underwent open-heart surgery to address an aortic aneurysm. His recovery was challenging, but it provided him with a new perspective on life. He continued a planned tour but modified his performances. This forced him to reduce his intense vocal style.

The health scare profoundly impacted Bono’s priorities. He started appreciating daily life, and he began watching television, a new experience. He subsequently became an avid fan of several streaming series, showcasing his willingness to embrace new aspects of life.

Bono’s philanthropic endeavors are central to his life. He founded ONE and (RED), but recently stepped down from their board, advocating for new leadership. He acknowledges the difficulties of this decision and expressed missing this work.

He acknowledges his idealistic nature, but also the harsh realities of global politics. He’s witnessed the detrimental impact of political decisions on global aid initiatives, particularly during the Trump administration. He identifies as a radical centrist and believes in finding common ground to address future challenges.

Bono’s perspective on globalization has evolved. He remains disturbed by the rise in nationalism and its negative consequences. He expresses concern about the United States’ role in global affairs, particularly the perception of a decreased commitment to international aid. However, he remains determined.

He highlights the importance of finding joy and optimism in freedom. He believes facts can guide decision-making and emphasizes the importance of preserving the European project and fostering unity. He draws inspiration from others, particularly Jeff Bridges’ emphasis on harmony.

Bono often connects personal experiences with broader themes. A discussion of Central Park bike rides transitioned into philosophical discussions of Franciscan theology and Pope Francis’s encyclical on environmentalism. He maintains a balance between lofty ideals and grounded perspectives.

He values his wife’s wisdom and acknowledges the importance of longevity. His relationship with his children is highlighted, with his emphasis on raising them to be responsible and useful individuals. He’s grateful for the affectionate upbringing they’ve experienced.

He acknowledges the influence of his drive on his children’s lives, emphasizing the importance of balance between ambition and personal well-being. Bono’s tireless nature, however, remains a constant.

Bono shared a new song, “Freedom Is a Feeling,” illustrating his current creative direction. U2 is actively working on a new album, aiming to capture the essence of freedom. This ambition aligns with his lifelong commitment to social change. Despite the mixed reactions to his work, Bono’s passion remains evident.

U2’s return to music-making is driven by a renewed sense of purpose. The band has overcome personal challenges, with Larry Mullen’s health issues and Bono’s personal journey. Their collaboration with Brian Eno and their focus on essential themes signal a powerful new release.

Bono’s desire to perform live is highlighted, underscoring his preference for the energy of live shows over the studio. He expresses a desire to create music that inspires audiences to engage with the world and hopes their dedicated fanbase will continue to support them.

The article concludes with reflections on U2’s enduring career and Bono’s unwavering commitment to his art and activism. He continuously questions his purpose, reflecting the thematic undercurrents of his long and storied career.

Image Credits:

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

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