U2 is true democracy, says Bono
U2 frontman Bono has described the band as a 'democracy'.
The 65-year-old rocker explained how the iconic group – which also comprises The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr – all chip in with ideas for new music.
However, the Beautiful Day singer added that it is usually the lead guitarist's suggestions that are given preference.
Asked how U2 work after more than 40 years in the industry, Bono said: 'Bloody democracy. Thom Yorke from Radiohead says, 'A band is like the United Nations, except I'm America'.
'But U2 is an actual democracy. We all listen to each other, and then do what Edge says.'
Bono takes centre stage in the new Apple TV+ documentary film Stories Of Surrender which documents a one-man performance he gave in New York in 2023 – although he doubts that his U2 bandmates are that interested in the project.
He said: 'I think Larry only likes Westerns, Adam said he liked the moonwalk, so I think perhaps he was looking at a different film. Edge is always there. He's so supportive, especially when he sees me be open or be vulnerable, which is our definition of art.'
The Dubliner describes the film as 'very intimate' and revealed that he took inspiration from the late Beatles icon John Lennon for the project.
Father-of-four Bono explained: 'It was always, 'Break open the ribcage, show what's the heart, let it bleed'.
'That was the John Lennon way. So it starts with heart surgery.'
Meanwhile, the singer recently teased that he wants U2 to make 'the sound of the future' on their next album.
The With Or Without You artist said on Jimmy Kimmel! Live: 'We've been in the studio and you've sometimes got to deal with the past to get to the present, in order to make the sound of the future. That's what we want to do.'
Bono also insisted that U2 continue to be very ambitious despite their long and successful career in music.
He said: 'It's the sound of four men, who feel like their lives depend on it. I remind them, they do.
'Nobody needs a new U2 album unless it's an extraordinary one. I'm feeling very strong about it.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
DJ Suzanne Kane breaks silence as both she and Brian Dowling leave 98FM
RUMOURS OF RIFT | Former Big Brother star Brian Dowling also took to social media. Neither thanked the other In happier and Brian were thrown together in 2023 but it didn't work out The popular Dubliner had been on leave since February when she allegedly made complaints about the behaviour of her co-host Brian Dowling. As we exclusively reported back in April, Kane had reached the point she could no longer work with the former Big Brother winner and chose to take some time off while the station bosses undertook an investigation. Rumours online had been circulating for months about the circumstances of Kane's surprise absence and the nature of Dowling's treatment of her and the Breakfast Show's staff, but the star repeatedly refused to answer our texts and calls. Minutes after Suzanne took to Instagram, Dowling also made a statement. In happier and Brian were thrown together in 2023 but it didn't work out News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025 In today's emotional post on Instagram, the mum-of-three said: 'A little life update (isn't that what they call it?) "After nearly 5 years, l'm stepping away from my role presenting 10AM to 1PM on 98FM. Anyone who knows me, will know how much I adore radio and the Bauer family inside Marconi house, but for now, it's time to let the 'Good Times' roll for someone else. 'A word to the amazing team, I loved the madness and radio nerdiness that we all shared and how much we cared. Radio is really special and that's because of the people who do the heavy lifting to make it all come together. I'm glad to have been on this rollercoaster with you all. 'To everyone who listened to the show. I loved sharing my life and my kids with the soundest listeners on 98FM. We've been through a lot together & thank you for always turning up for me, it means more than any of you will know.' Suzanne with her family Joey, Oisin, Hannah and Sadie She continued: 'Lastly, a quick word to my kiddos Oisín, Hannah & Sadie. Thank you for letting me have a go of my dream radio job and playing ball every morning, even the really tough ones, so I could be in front of the mic by 10am and of course, Joey- the voice of support, the constant, the reassurance, who always has the reminder 'We'll figure it out, we always do'.' Suzanne has nearly two decades in the business and will surely land a new radio gig soon. Brian's statement read: 'I made the decision earlier in the year that I would not be continuing co-hosting on Brian Dowling & Suzanne Kane on @98fmdublin making this Friday June 6th my very last show on Brian Dowling & Suzanne Kane. "When I joined Suzanne back in March of 2023, I had ZERO radio hosting skills. Blake was only 6 months old & baby Blu was only a twinkle in our eyes. It took me a minute to get into my new groove, but when I did, WOW, I honestly have had the best time & have genuinely laughed every day; even on those bad days, being part of this show ALWAYS puts a smile on my face. "Here we are now 2 years & 3 months later & I'm still laughing & smiling. I have learned so much about an industry I've been in for nearly 24 years, presenting mainly television shows but now my love for radio easily equals my love for telly. Brian Dowling with 98FM boss Pat Gill "A MASSIVE HEARTFELT. Thank you to the team, Russell and Cathal. You guys make the show what it is, and especially to you, Pat Gill, for making this experience UTTERLY JOYFUL for me. Also, to you, James Brownlow, thanks for taking the risk on me It has never ever felt like work; I mean, how could it when I'm playing the likes of Britney, S Club & JLO, to name but a few I am so looking forward to a slower Summer; I'm not actually sure if I can operate on a slower pace Normality will continue on Six and of course, shooting the rest of The Salvage Squad this summer, as well as some trips away I've planned; in fact, it's turning out to be a very memorable Summer "The BIGGEST THANK YOU goes to our listeners; you guys are the best, as you have kept me company 5 days a week for the last 2 years & 3 months. Your daily messages have brightened my days from 10am - 1pm. Goodbyes are not something I'm very good at, but this doesn't feel like a goodbye at all; it's more of a talk to you later. This is Brian Dowling & you are listening to 98FM ♥️' More to come as we hear it...
Dublin Live
3 hours ago
- Dublin Live
Bono opens up on U2 member who has final say on band's music
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info U2 frontman Bono has described the band as a "democracy". The 65-year-old rocker explained how the iconic group – which also comprises The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr – all chip in with ideas for new music. However, the Beautiful Day singer added that it is usually the lead guitarist's suggestions that are given preference. Asked how U2 work after more than 40 years in the industry, Bono said: "Bloody democracy. Thom Yorke from Radiohead says, 'A band is like the United Nations, except I'm America'. But U2 is an actual democracy. We all listen to each other, and then do what Edge says." Bono takes centre stage in the new Apple TV+ documentary film Stories Of Surrender which documents a one-man performance he gave in New York in 2023 – although he doubts that his U2 bandmates are that interested in the project. He said: "I think Larry only likes Westerns, Adam said he liked the moonwalk, so I think perhaps he was looking at a different film. Edge is always there. He's so supportive, especially when he sees me be open or be vulnerable, which is our definition of art." The Dubliner describes the film as "very intimate" and revealed that he took inspiration from the late Beatles icon John Lennon for the project. Father-of-four Bono explained: "It was always, 'Break open the ribcage, show what's the heart, let it bleed'. That was the John Lennon way. So it starts with heart surgery." Meanwhile, the singer recently teased that he wants U2 to make "the sound of the future" on their next album. The With Or Without You artist said on Jimmy Kimmel! Live: "We've been in the studio and you've sometimes got to deal with the past to get to the present, in order to make the sound of the future. That's what we want to do." Bono also insisted that U2 continue to be very ambitious despite their long and successful career in music. He said: "It's the sound of four men, who feel like their lives depend on it. I remind them, they do. "Nobody needs a new U2 album unless it's an extraordinary one. I'm feeling very strong about it." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Bono's son says it 'shouldn't be controversial' to stand up for children in Gaza
Bono's son Elijah Hewson has said "it shouldn't be controversial" to stand up for the rights of children "being bombed" in Gaza. The second youngest son of the U2 rock star and his wife Ali Hewson was performing with his band Inhaler at St Anne's Park on Friday night. Speaking to the crowd, Eli said: "It shouldn't be controversial to stand up for the rights of kids that are being bombed in Gaza. "We stand with the people of Palestine tonight. Any kids that are being murdered for the sake of any ideology is wrong." Crowds cheered as the band then continued to perform. It comes in the wake of Belfast rappers Kneecap's advocacy for Palestine came under intense scrutiny after they used a performance at the Coachella festival in California last month to denounce Israeli attacks on Gaza. A video emerged from a November 2023 gig appearing to show one of the trio saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory." Last month, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, was charged by the Metropolitan Police after the incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18 June. In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap previously said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves. "This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us."
