Happy birthday, Bono! The U2 frontman celebrates his birthday today, amid his recent involvement in a controversial issue of maintaining a macho image. Discover what this issue was all about, Bono's bio, how he joined U2, and more!

Bono Bio 

Paul David Hewson (professionally known as Bono) was born on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland. Aside from being a lead singer of U2, Bono has been known to be a famed human rights activist. Bono was born to a Roman Catholic father and a Protestant mother. Bono's mother died when he was only 14 years old, as per Britannica online encyclopedia. 

Bono as the Lead Singer of Irish Rock Band, U2

In 1977 in Dublin, Bono and his friends from school, David Evans (later nicknamed as "The Edge"), Larry Mullen, Jr., and Adam Clayton formed a music band, that would have become the now U2. As a group, all U2 members unite to generate inspiring rock music and deep spiritual Christian values. 

A leading force that threatened U2's existence and fame in the music industry was the group's engagement with manager, Paul McGuinness, for over 30 years. The onset of this engagement happened very early into the band's existence, just as when three of the group's members (inclusive of Bono), made a consideration to join a Christian fellowship. 

Bono and U2's Accomplishments and Accolades 

Bono and U2 acquired global level fame that few singers and other musicians have ever accomplished. U2 initially released albums that became hits, but, the breakthrough of the band happened in 1983 with the release of "War." U2 acquired even greater heights of success with the release of "The Unforgettable Fire" in 1984. 

The following year, Jack Healy, the head of Amnesty International USA, approached U2 to ask the band to join the "Conspiracy of Hope" tour to promote human rights, and inspire fans to fight violations in association of these rights. 

Bono and His Macho Image 

On a surprising note, though, Bono recently admitted that his desire to look macho as a young boy triggered him to hide his admiration and love for the iconic Swedish pop group, ABBA. At the time, according to Bono, his peers were mostly listening and idolizing punk music and musicians, as per The Guardian. This predicament caused Bono to hide idolizing ABBA at the time. 

See More Bono, U2
Join the Discussion