Bono (U2)

Irish singer with group U2 and social activist, noted for raising millions of dollars as well as awareness of the poverty, famine and need for medical care that exists in many countries. Yet Bono has also attracted criticism for bypassing African businesses in his activist efforts and for tax avoidance in his personal finances.

The Group U2 originally formed as the band "Feedback" in 1976. After winning a talent contest in March 1978, the band attracted a major following by early 1980. Extensive tours in the UK and US beginning in 1981 won acclaim and by early 1985, they were named the "Band of the '80s" by Rolling Stone magazine. With the release of The Joshua Tree in 1987, they achieved even greater commercial sensation. A passionate social activist, Bono prompted a historic $5 billion package from the US government to help fight poverty and disease in the world’s poorest countries.

Seen in his trademark wrap-around blue shades, he is an incongruous figure alongside such notables as Jesse Helms, Pope John Paul II, and world leaders George W. Bush, Tony Blair and Vladimir Putin. With impressive communication skills, he made quite an impact on audiences at the World Economic Summit in New York where he discussed the complexities of the global economy with the likes of Bill Gates, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and Queen Noor of Jordan. A well-informed lobbyist, in June 2001 he went on a fact-finding trip to Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia with the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Paul O’Neill. In October 2005 he secured an interview with President George W. Bush. Bono was at ease in the interview as he always seems to be, reciting scripture, peeling off facts and figures, and soliciting commitment and funds to provide debt- and famine-relief for the world’s poorest nations.

Named Paul David Hewson at birth, he is the second son of a Dublin mixed-religion marriage. His Protestant mother died of a stroke in 1974 when the boy was just 14.