12 Fun Facts About Bono

Are you interested to know some fun facts about Bono?

Born Paul David Matthew Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, on May 10, 1960, Bono went on to become a celebrated singer-songwriter, musician, philanthropist, activist, and businessman.

He rose to global fame as the frontman of the Irish rock band U2, enthralling crowds with his commanding vocals and heartfelt perfomances. He was U2’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist.

The famous Irish rock band was formed in the Irish capital in 1976, achieving critical acclaim with albums like The Joshua Tree (1987), Achtung Baby (1991), and Songs of Innocence (2014).

U2 blends rock, post-punk, and alternative elements while addressing themes of love, spirituality, social justice, and politics in their lyrics.

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Beyond his musical success, Bono is highly respected for his extensive humanitarian endeavors, actively advocating for pertinent global causes such as human rights, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, poverty alleviation, and debt relief for third-world nations. Collaborating with world leaders and organizations, Bono works toward addressing these pressing issues on a global scale.

Keep scrolling if you want to learn more fun facts about Bono.

12 Fun Facts About Bono

1. He was 14 when his mother died, which inspired him to write a beautiful song

Bono’s mother passed away in September 1974 from a cerebral aneurysm she suffered from during her father’s funeral.

This tragic event served as the inspiration behind U2’s heartfelt song “Iris (Hold Me Close),” where Bono beautifully laments her loss while expressing gratitude for the deep impact she had on his life.

2. His eyes are very sensitive to light

Bono is rarely spotted in public without sunglasses due to his glaucoma, a condition that can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The famous Irish singer has shared that his eyes are extremely sensitive to light, and after a picture is taken, he continues to see the flash for hours.

Additionally, his right eye tends to swell up because of a blockage, causing redness. Hence, his sunglasses serve as a combination of style, privacy, and protection for his sensitive eyes.

3. Bono met his future wife when she was 12

… and they’ve been married for over 30 years!

For the past three decades, Bono has been married to Ali Hewson (nee Alison Stewart), an activist and businesswoman. They wed at All Saints Church in Raheny, Dublin, in August of 1982.

Bono and Ali first crossed paths when she was just 12 years old at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Clontarf, Dublin, and their relationship has grown alongside his successful career.

4. His wife is a fierce activist

Ali Hewson joined anti-nuclear activism and narrated the Irish documentary about Chernobyl’s aftermath, becoming a patron of Chernobyl Children’s Project International and participating in aid missions to Belarus’ high-radiation exclusion zones.

She also campaigned against Sellafield, a nuclear facility in northern England.

5. Bono is the father of Irish actress Eve Hewson

Bono and Ali Hewson’s union bore four offsprings, one of them being Eve Hewson, who was born in 1991. She is the second of four Hewson children.

Defying her parents’ wishes, Eve Hewson debuted in acting in 2005 in the short film Lost and Found, later starring in The 27 Club (2008) and attended the New York Film Academy in the same year.

6. He formed U2 with his schoolmates

In response to a bulletin board advertisement posted by fellow student Larry Mullen, Jr. at Mount Temple, Bono, along with Dik Evans and Adam Clayton, joined forces with David Evans to form U2 in 1976.

Bono quickly became known as a passionate frontman, showcasing his expressive vocals, grand gestures, and songwriting skills. He writes songs that often reflect social and political themes, drawing inspiration from his Christian beliefs.

During U2’s formative years, his lyrics were instrumental in crafting the band’s spiritual as well as rebellious tone.

Nevertheless, as the group evolved and matured, Bono’s songwriting began to draw more inspiration from personal experiences shared with the other band members.

7. He has been known as Bono since the late 1970s

During his childhood and teenage years, Bono and his friends were part of an eccentric street gang, where giving nicknames was a common practice. Bono received several monikers, but “Bono Vox” – inspired by Bonavox, a hearing-aid store nearby – stuck and he finally settled on simply “Bono.”

While he wasn’t too keen on the name at first, he fully embraced it once he found out it meant “good voice.” From the late 1970s onward, Bono has been widely recognized by that alias, which he also uses as his stage name.

8. After all these years, he still doesn’t like his band’s name

Initially known as Feedback, the famous Irish rock band underwent a name transformation to The Hype.

Subsequently, when Dik Evans departed to join the local band Virgin Prunes, the remaining quartet made the official switch to the name U2.

According to Bono himself, the name conjured “futuristic” imagery related to the “U-boat” and the “spy plane.” However, he also conveyed that it unintentionally carried connotations of “acquiescence,” which is why he surprisingly still isn’t fond of the name.

9. He’s a good chess player

Bono has a lesser-known passion for the intellectually stimulating game of chess. In interviews and conversations, he has revealed his genuine fondness for the game and even expressed that had his life taken a different path, he might have chosen to pursue a professional career in chess.

He became a member of the Adare Chess Club, where he honed his chess skills.

This only showcased his commitment to the game but also demonstrated that his interests span beyond the limelight of his musical career. Despite his busy schedule, Bono manages to devote time to his passion for chess.

10. Bono is an honorary knight

Bono was awarded an honorary knighthood in a casual ceremony held at the residence of the British ambassador in 2007.

It was given to him in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to music and his commendable humanitarian efforts. While it’s a prestigious title, Bono prefers not to be referred to as “sir” by anyone.

11. Bono also dabbled in acting

Bono dabbled in acting with a few gigs. However, his success on the big screen never matched his achievements as a singer and social activist.

Some of his acting attempts included roles in the 2000 drama film The Million Dollar Hotel and the 2007 musical romantic drama Across the Universe.

12. He co-founded the EDUN fashion brand

In 2005, Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, together with designer Rogan Gregory, came together to establish the fashion brand known as EDUN.

The name itself holds a deeper meaning as it is the word “nude” spelled backward, cleverly alluding to both nature and the idyllic concept of the Garden of Eden.

The core mission behind EDUN was to be more than just a fashion brand; it was driven by a purposeful vision to contribute to positive change in Africa. Unlike traditional approaches that relied solely on direct aid, EDUN sought to empower local communities through a fair trade-based relationship.

Through its ethically-sourced and socially responsible practices, EDUN aimed to bring attention to the importance of fair trade and environmental conservation within the fashion industry.