Bono In Conversation

[MissMoo]

I think whatever "spin" is going on is due to Bono needing to have a life that is not shared with the world. No matter what people think about his lack of empathy for depression, I have met the man several times and I can tell you that he may be private about his private life, but he is the most compassionate and considerate person I have ever met, unless you cross the line and push and push him (I've seen people do it too). In that case he may lose his temper, but if it happens he feels really bad about it, if it were me I would think the person had crossed the line and deserved it. So, perhaps that is the thing about Bono he exists in two realms, dreamer and businessman, calculated performer and openhearted idealist. Having had him trust me when we met I do think he is a sincere and honest individual. If he hides it's to protect himself from being hurt by those who are dishonest. In other words I think he doesn't entirely trust himself not to be taken in by people who are dishonest or to react negatively when he shouldn't. And I do think part of his view on depression has to do with going through the experience himself and that what worked for him was to stop all the navel gazing and look to help others IMO.

[MissMoo]

The other thing is that he will laugh when you point out his weaknesses. That is a wonderful trait in a human being.

[Max_theHitman]

I bought this book a few weeks ago, and I just finished reading it last week.
It is HIGHLY recommended for anyone with interest into the private life and thoughts of U2 and specially the man doing ALL the talking in the book...Mr.Bono.
Very easy reading and very interesting.

BUY IT...it´s a cheap paperback book

[The Disciple]

Bought it last week, gave up on trying 2 read it in bits @ stops in the bookstore... like it. Until The End of The World is better...

[Total U2 Nut]

What's it called, I just bought Bono on Bono off www.play.com - hopefully it should come tomorrow/day after, I can't wait

[financeguy]

Originally posted by biff
Also, I Googled the Heaney reference, and the only actual match was the quote from Financeguy. If Bono used an exact quote from Heaney, the Nobel prize winner, it wouldn't have been stealing and hoping no one would notice. It would have been an homage, as it was with Bukowski and Schwartz. (But I can find no Heaney poem with those lines.)

Anyway, anon!

Shit I really hate it when the Internet catches me out on my bullshit statements, maybe Bono will sue me now (just kidding)

But yeah, as Beli pointed out I mis-spoke a little, and subsequently realised my mistake, in claiming that Bono 'lifted' a line from Heaney, in fact he was merely INFLUENCED by certain poets like Heaney and WB Yeats in his lyric writings on occasions -in that vein, Bonosgirl84 just recently pointed out an interesting connection between a poem by Yeats and the lyrics to 'Promenade'. I think the Yeats influence was particularly evident during the Unforgettable Fire period.

I often think that many of the great poets of yesteryear - perhaps if they were alive today, they would be in rock bands, and most of them would probably be struggling to get a record contract.

Anyway, as regards the book itself, I think it lives up to its billing - 'Conversations with Bono' - that's what it claims to be, and that's what it is. Personally I would liked to have heard a little bit more on the lyric writing process, Bono's influences - that kind of stuff - although to be fair that ground was covered fairly extensively in the John Waters' book on U2.

[financeguy]

One other thing, and it's probably the only thing in that book that blew my mind, the stuff about Bono becoming friends with that elderly Italian painter. That stuff was incredibly interesting, and unexpected.

[Total U2 Nut]

The books okay, but Bono really waffles on alot.....

[biff]

Originally posted by financeguy
One other thing, and it's probably the only thing in that book that blew my mind, the stuff about Bono becoming friends with that elderly Italian painter. That stuff was incredibly interesting, and unexpected.

Yes, I found that fascinating as well. When Balthus (who was French, sorry) died, I was astonished to learn that Bono had sung at his funeral. He (Balthus) had a very mixed reputation. Was he the world's greatest living painter? And/ Or was he the world's most controversial painter? He was as famous as he was infamous. His many pictures of pubescent girls (which Bono mentions in that book) were the subject of much controversy, and were notorious for their perceived creepiness. Many of his paintings were seen as sinister, and one in particular, The Guitar Lesson, was so disturbing it hasn't been displayed in decades. I would love to know more about the connection between those two men. How did they meet, and what did they really have in common? Once again, this book is merely tantalizing, and Bono leaves us guessing. What a frustrating book!

[11o´clock]

Originally Posted by starsgoblue

Perhaps he means that he sees life as very precious. And the fact that he's personally seen so many just fighting to live... it makes it difficult for him to understand why someone would want to throw it away.


I don't think he has a lack of empathy for depressed people...but that's just how I interpret it.

That´s what I´ve understood too.
There are many people who´s struggle for live, have very little food, etc., and the ones who have all these opportunities think of taking their own lives ....

[Thrillhouse]

just finished this book. gotta say it was a good read. not U2 at the end of the world good or u2 by u2 good, but a strong 3rd!

[marik]

I often wish there would be a followup book to this. 10yrs later... more conversations. An extention, but also interesting to read about any changes in his thinking on various subjects.

(But out of ANY follow up book, my top choice would be Flanagan on the i+e tour. Sure there wouldn't be many Rockstar stories anymore, but the more 'life styles of the rich and famous' stories would still be interesting,and insight into how band member relationships have evolved)