Happy holidays, fokkers -- Love, Bono MBE

Bono to Receive Honorary Knighthood

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK
The Associated Press
Saturday, December 23, 2006; 9:22 AM

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Irish rocker and humanitarian Bono will become a knight of the British empire _ but the U2 frontman won't be called "Sir."

Britain confirmed Saturday Bono will receive his honorary knighthood from the British ambassador to Ireland, David Reddaway, in a Dublin ceremony shortly after New Year's Day.

The Dubliner, whose real name is Paul Hewson, won't be entitled to use the title "Sir" because he is not a national of Britain or the Commonwealth of former British colonies.

A spokesman said the 46-year-old singer was flattered by the honor and hoped it will help him open diplomatic doors in his campaign for more Western aid to Africa.

In a letter to Bono released Saturday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the singer's lobbying had forced wealthy nations to focus on increasing aid to Africa.

"I know from talking to you how much these causes matter to you," Blair wrote. "I know as well how knowledgeable you are about the problems we face and how determined you are to do all you can to help overcome them. You have tirelessly used your voice to speak up for Africa."

Blair said he hoped to keep working with Bono "to work together to maintain momentum on Africa, and ensure leaders around the world meet the promises they have made."

The British Embassy in Dublin said the Irish government approved granting Bono the title. The issue is diplomatically sensitive, because Irish officials are legally barred from receiving British royal honors and other Irish nationals have refused nominations on political grounds. Ireland withdrew from the Commonwealth in 1949.

Previous non-British nationals who received knighthoods include Bono's fellow Dubliner and rocker-turned-humanitarian Bob Geldof, Bill Gates, the Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo, Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, former New York Mayor Rudolf Giuliani, and Steven Spielberg.

© 2006 The Associated Press

Illness forces U2 tour cancellation

Family member is ill, Reuters reports. I certainly hope it's nothing serious. Nevertheless, it shows that only an act of God can stop the Bono.

Scarlett says Bono is "Everlasting coolness"

Sorry boys, but seems that knock-out hottie, Scarlett Johansson, thinks Bono rules. Man, I'll even admit to a girl crush on Scarlett, but I'll have to give that up after this one.

More from ContactMusic.com whoever they are.

How Long, How Long Must We Buy This Shit?

It's nice to know that Bono is saving us all the drudgery of giving to charity by shopping at the Gap instead.

Wanker.

Plus his bandmates are worried about the little philanthopist getting too coozy with world leaders. The Edge must be all moody that he's not licking W's arse like the Bonster.

8-year-olds, dude

It just occurred to me that the inner sleeve photo of U2's first album, "Boy," is a little creepy. What was Boner trying to tell us?

Nothing Has Changed On New Year's Day

New Year, Same Bono.

LONDON - Bono said he feared his commitment to campaigning against poverty would force him out of his band, U2.

"They (the band) are hugely supportive spiritually and financially of the work I do, but they are in a rock 'n 'roll band, and the first job of a rock 'n 'roll band is not to be dull," Bono told British Broadcasting Corp. radio on Saturday.

"So we have to be very careful about just letting me go too far."

With fellow musician Bob Geldof, Bono was one of the leaders of this year's international Make Poverty History campaign and Live 8 concert, and he frequently makes on-stage statements about global poverty during U2 concerts.

"When I do my rant on making poverty history, I have got Larry Mullen, our drummer, behind me looking at his watch, timing me."

"I thought we would wear our audience out, but it hasn't happened," he said. "People are smart out there. They know what you are doing, they know the compromises you are making, they get it."


On the contrary, Bono, we DON'T get it.

Don't Stand For It (World)

Alicia Keys and Bono release a duet today on iTunes - Don't Give Up (Africa), a song originally performed by Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel about 20 years ago. So, if you find yourself hearing an ephemeral voice in your head singing "Don't give up" that's why. Only Kate and Peter's song was called, So, and they didn't bother to add the parenthesis at the end (what).

I find the first graph of the USAToday story to be the most loathsome.

Alicia Keys and Bono are hoping to save the lives of children through song.

Ok ok, the proceeds from the song go to charity. But let me pose this question: why iTunes exclusive then? I like iTunes and all, but if you really want to make bank (and exposure) on a song, you need Wal-Mart distribution. Say what you will about Wal-Mart, product moves in those stores. Compare that with the potential of an iTunes exclusive, and all you've really got here is good PR for Alicia and Bono.

I'm not going to poopoo celebrities who use their fame to support charities. I work for a charity, and this kind of exposure is what dreams are made of in the fundraising world. But put all the elements together: Bono + Alicia Keyes + iTunes + Bono + not bothering to write an original song + Bono = half-ass attempt to do something in time for the holidays b/c that's what you're supposed to do if you're famous and it's the holidays.