A New Chapter for Bono

During a recent afternoon meeting, Bono mentioned the renowned Irish poet W. B. Yeats’ nearby burial site. It was early April, and the U2 lead singer was guiding me toward my vehicle from his French Riviera getaway. The Mediterranean Sea extended to the horizon, a breathtaking backdrop to his expansive property, featuring several homes and pools, offering remarkable privacy despite its proximity to Monaco and Cannes.

Bono shares this idyllic retreat with his bandmate, the Edge. They acquired the estate in the early 1990s after spotting it during a band vacation. Their fellow band members, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton, declined to join them, deeming the property too demanding to maintain. However, the lead vocalist and guitarist decided to make the purchase, their decision buoyed by U2’s tremendous success over the previous decade—a period during which the group transformed from a promising post-punk band into a stadium-filling rock act, selling over 70 million albums.

Maintaining the property has presented challenges. Additions have been constructed to accommodate their growing families, and renovations were underway during our visit. Despite these demands, the estate has proven beneficial to Bono and his bandmates.

Days later, during an interview in one of the home’s living rooms, Bono described the estate as pivotal to their musical journey. The comfortable and informal space, characterized by its stunning ocean views, a piano, and a large fireplace, contrasted with his attire. While his neighbors favored lighter vacation clothing, Bono maintained his signature rock-star style.

The period leading up to acquiring the summer home had been incredibly exciting but also exhausting. Bono compared the ascent to global stardom to the Sisyphean task of relentlessly pushing a boulder uphill. The band’s transition to renowned musicians had come with unexpected challenges and an initial failure to fully appreciate their achievements.

This period nonetheless proved creatively fruitful, resulting in acclaimed albums such as 2000’s *All That You Can’t Leave Behind* and 2004’s *How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb*. The South of France, however, offered Bono something more than just creative rejuvenation; it provided a counterbalance to his demanding professional and philanthropic life. His extensive charitable work has included co-founding organizations dedicated to combating poverty and disease in Africa.

While not entirely anonymous, the French Riviera offered a respite from the constant attention Bono experienced elsewhere. It allowed him to rediscover a sense of balance, embracing leisurely pursuits and spending quality time with his family. He acknowledges a period of excessive indulgence, recognizing the need for self-reflection.

His family frequently visits, particularly during summer months. Bono enjoys the bustling atmosphere of a full house. He and his wife, Ali, have four children, spanning a wide age range, while the Edge has five, including several grandchildren. Bono jokingly notes that the Edge’s grandchildren simply call him “Bono,” a testament to his lasting impact.

However, he also cherishes his solitary time, often working diligently at the estate. His current focus is on his latest film, *Bono: Stories of Surrender*, a deeply personal adaptation of his memoir. This project, filmed during his 2022-2023 solo stage show, offers a candid portrayal of his life and experiences.

Recent years have been transformative for Bono, marked by a serious health scare that prompted introspection and a renewed appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. He addressed personal challenges and reevaluated his role in his humanitarian endeavors. However, this period of self-reflection has not diminished his drive.

The film’s creation involved a significant commitment, expanding beyond the initial scope of filming the live show to include additional multimedia elements. Director Andrew Dominik pushed Bono to confront painful memories and emotions, leading to a profound personal transformation.

Bono’s career with U2 has involved continuous creative collaboration and occasional tension. Dominik’s directorial style challenged Bono’s tendency towards performance, demanding raw emotional authenticity. This demanding process yielded a powerful and emotionally resonant film.

U2’s origin story is well-known. In 1976, a high school flyer led to the formation of the band. Paul Hewson (Bono), David Evans (the Edge), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. came together, each contributing unique skills and perspectives. Bono’s personal struggles, particularly the loss of his mother, heavily influenced his early life and artistic trajectory.

Bono’s close friend, Gavin Friday, recounts how Bono navigated his difficult upbringing through charm and resilience. Friday also highlights the significant challenges Bono faced as a young person navigating a difficult family dynamic. His relationship with his father, Bob, was complex and fraught with tension, a dynamic which significantly shaped his ambition.

Bono’s drive to achieve immense success fueled his career, but it also impacted his family relationships. This success, while providing financial security and international recognition, didn’t fully mend the rift with his father. Bob’s death, however, prompted significant reconciliation and self-reflection.

Bono’s introspection deepened after a life-altering health scare. An aortic aneurysm required major surgery. Recovery was arduous and forced him to confront mortality and adjust his priorities. It also led to a reassessment of his relationship with his father. The memoir-writing process and the stage show further aided his personal growth.

His relentless drive has, in many ways, defined Bono’s life and career. He’s become known both for his musical achievements and his dedication to philanthropic causes. He has generated both admiration and criticism, but he acknowledges that this is part of his public persona.

Bono’s health scare changed his approach. It led him to slow down, embrace everyday pleasures, and reassess his role in the non-profit sector. He stepped down from leadership roles, but continues to engage with global political realities.

Bono founded the non-profit organizations ONE and (RED). While deeply involved in this work for years, he decided to step back, recognizing the need to foster new leadership and acknowledging the limitations of his own position. He also shares his thoughts about the political landscape and the challenges to global aid efforts.

Despite this, he holds onto optimism—that Europe might strengthen its unity, that Americans may eventually prioritize informed decision-making, and that a commitment to freedom will ultimately prevail. His outlook remains hopeful, even in the face of political complexities and setbacks.

Bono’s reflections also include his family life. He credits his wife, Ali, for providing a grounding influence and emphasizes the importance of family in his own life. He shares anecdotes about his children and their diverse pursuits, expressing immense pride in their individual achievements.

The conversation turns to Bono’s relentless ambition. He acknowledges its positive and negative aspects, noting that while he’s grateful for the drive that has shaped him, he also values the ability to balance ambition with rest and reflection. He discusses his new music with U2, expressing his excitement about returning to the studio.

He concludes with thoughts about the ongoing U2 project, emphasizing his desire to create meaningful and impactful music. He shares about his hopes for the future of the band and its connection to its audience. His focus remains on creating a powerful musical statement, while recognizing the lasting impact of U2’s legacy.

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.