The Worst Things About Bono

U2 Frontman Is Also Frontman For Western Empire

At the weekend, President Biden gave The Medal of Freedom to Bono. It is awarded to individuals who have contributed to American national interests or world peace.

And, of course, to Bono

In a world that universally hates Morrissey, Bono rarely gets the scorn he deserves. So here’s the five main reasons why Bono is an utterly dreadful turnip.

1. His “anger” towards Palestine

At a concert last autumn, before launching into Pride (In the Name of Love), Bono said: “In the light of what’s happened in Israel and Gaza [on Oct 7], a song about non-violence seems somewhat ridiculous, even laughable, but our prayers have always been for peace and for non-violence. But our hearts and our anger, you know where that’s pointed.”

You could say Bono was being moderate here. After all, I agree there needed to be a response to the Hamas attacks. But I dont think it’s cool to claim the mantle of “pacifist” only then to finger the side he hates, before standing by and watching his mates complete a genocide.

Bono has now made more money from Israel than he has from music. These investments include apps and hotels, forming a substantial chunk of his $700m fortune, according to a recent piece in Forbes magazine.

Every man, woman and child in Gaza is now sick and homeless. That’s what happens when one of the world’s biggest pop stars “points” his anger.

Shame, ‘cos it was a cracking tune.

2. His friendships with war criminals

Bono has been close with figures like Tony Blair, George W. Bush, and Henry Kissinger, inviting Blair into his home - calling him and his deputy PM “the Lennon and McCartney of international development”.

3. His advocating war on Russia

Bono’s poem comparing Ukrainian President Zelensky to St. Patrick was widely mocked for its lack of substance, with some calling it “unhinged” and “literally the worst poem ever written.” Nancy Pelosi loved it, hilariously calling Bono “a very Irish part of our lives”.

4. Complicity in Turkey’s Syrian Occupation

Bono praised Turkey’s handling of Syrian refugees during a visit with its Prime Minister in 2016. Weeks later, Turkey invaded and occupied parts of Syria. It’s led ultimately to ISIS style terrorists taking Damascus.

5. Corporate Shilling

Bono has explicitly said he’s a convert to “entrepreneurial capitalism”. He has helped raise loads of money for AIDS within that system. Still, he seems unconcerned by the position he’s ended up taking. He worked with Lawrence Summers, known for policies that worsened global inequality and for the infamous "Summers Memo," which advocated dumping toxic waste in African countries. Similarly, Bono’s ONE Campaign supported a G8-backed initiative criticised for enabling land grabs in Africa and fostering dependency on corporations like Monsanto through GMO products.

He also did that annoying thing with iPods and generally seems like a bit of a prat. Didn’t he forget his hat once and flew it out to the gig in a first class seat? Anyway, yeh, you’re not helping anyone Bono - haven’t you noticed how things have just gotten worse since you first buddied up with George W?

So, in a world which hates Morrissey - hate Bono.

And Bono? Just stop it; you’ve ruined Joshua Tree.

My main platform is YouTube, where I did a video version of this article, so check it out!

Many thanks to Alan Macleod for consulting on this article.