MusiCares: Stars Tribute Bono in New York

musicares-stipe.jpgSome details, pictures and reviews of Bono and The Edge’s appearance at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honouring Bono on Friday at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, are available from U2tours.com.

The pair performed That’s Life, Night and Day and The Hands That Built America to an audience including Bono’s wife Ali and their daughters Jordan and Eve, Robert DeNiro, Paul McGuinness, Bill Clinton, Michael Stipe, Richie Havens, Gwen Stefani, Melissa Etheridge, Isaac Hayes, Wynonna Judd and Moby.

You can now watch some video of the evening provided by Grammy.com.

A number of artists performed U2 songs. Thanks to Matt for providing us with a full set list:


BB King and Wynonna Judd – When Love Comes to Town
No Doubt – Sweetest Thing
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Stories For Boys
Mary J. Blige – One
Norah Jones – Stuck In a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
Patti Labelle – Angel of Harlem
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – Electric Co.
Garbage – Pride
Sheryl Crow – All I Want Is You
Elvis Costello – Kite

Members of the dance group the “Children of Uganda”, composed of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, performed in tribute to Bono.

Our question is: what did Bono whisper into Michael Stipe’s ear?

104 thoughts on “MusiCares: Stars Tribute Bono in New York

  1. Taken from Moby’s daily journal at http://www.moby.com : “and once again i was reminded of how remarkable bono is.
    he has made the world a better place. he’s made amazing records. he’s put on amazing concerts. he’s drawn attention to amazing causes. he’s campaigned for and won debt relief for many impoverished countries. and he’s campaigned for and won billions of dollars for aids relief for sub-saharan africa.
    and he did a great version of ‘night and day’ tonight.
    and i met bill clinton.”

  2. Taken from Moby’s daily journal at http://www.moby.com : “and once again i was reminded of how remarkable bono is.
    he has made the world a better place. he’s made amazing records. he’s put on amazing concerts. he’s drawn attention to amazing causes. he’s campaigned for and won debt relief for many impoverished countries. and he’s campaigned for and won billions of dollars for aids relief for sub-saharan africa.
    and he did a great version of ‘night and day’ tonight.
    and i met bill clinton.”

  3. I’d sell my right kidney for …Trail of Dead’s cover of Electric Co.

    Costello singing Kite would also be nice.

  4. I’d sell my right kidney for …Trail of Dead’s cover of Electric Co.

    Costello singing Kite would also be nice.

  5. Both VH1 and TNT are interested to the television rights. It was filmed. It won’t see the light of day for a bit.

  6. Both VH1 and TNT are interested to the television rights. It was filmed. It won’t see the light of day for a bit.

  7. You know, I was upset that Adam and Larry weren’t at this thing, but after looking at all the photos from the WireImage link, I’m convinced Larry would have needed CPR and an antibiotic. What a showbiz shmoozefest! Bono and Edge posing with DR. RUTH?? In fact, did anyone there do anything BUT pose? Oh, ICK! Some honor, talk about no good deed going unpunished…

  8. You know, I was upset that Adam and Larry weren’t at this thing, but after looking at all the photos from the WireImage link, I’m convinced Larry would have needed CPR and an antibiotic. What a showbiz shmoozefest! Bono and Edge posing with DR. RUTH?? In fact, did anyone there do anything BUT pose? Oh, ICK! Some honor, talk about no good deed going unpunished…

  9. I agree that it is upsetting that Adam and Larry were not there for their bandmate’s big honor. But then again it did look like one commentor said “a big showbiz schmoozefest”. I just hope Bono keeps his arse in the studio long enough to record some more albums.

  10. I agree that it is upsetting that Adam and Larry were not there for their bandmate’s big honor. But then again it did look like one commentor said “a big showbiz schmoozefest”. I just hope Bono keeps his arse in the studio long enough to record some more albums.

  11. BRMC covering Stories for Boys! Wow. I had the opportunity of checking out this fine band here in Toronto last year and it was fantastic. They have moved up in my fav bands list simply by being big U2 fans. Wow! For sure “Where are the mp3’s?”

  12. BRMC covering Stories for Boys! Wow. I had the opportunity of checking out this fine band here in Toronto last year and it was fantastic. They have moved up in my fav bands list simply by being big U2 fans. Wow! For sure “Where are the mp3’s?”

  13. I could`ve sworn Adam Clayton and Larry Mullin Jr. were also members of U2. How could they have been left out of that event???. They were also left out of the Golden Globes,The gangs of NY premiere, Today Show appearance,and they`ll probably also be left out of next months Oscar ceremonies. Adam and Larry are not hired session players. U2 is a band with 4 members , not 2.

  14. I could`ve sworn Adam Clayton and Larry Mullin Jr. were also members of U2. How could they have been left out of that event???. They were also left out of the Golden Globes,The gangs of NY premiere, Today Show appearance,and they`ll probably also be left out of next months Oscar ceremonies. Adam and Larry are not hired session players. U2 is a band with 4 members , not 2.

  15. I doubt there will be mp3s, what with all the industry types that were there. Too bad – I could live without the covers (great acts, for sure, but why subject a man to hearing others perform his own music?) but want to hear Night and Day!!

  16. I doubt there will be mp3s, what with all the industry types that were there. Too bad – I could live without the covers (great acts, for sure, but why subject a man to hearing others perform his own music?) but want to hear Night and Day!!

  17. well well here you go a review from the show.

    b.b. of-course pulled a great when love comes too town. ms. judd on the other hand could’ve stayed seated.

    mary j… murdered one. shame. shame. she’s normally so good.

    trail of the dead did a nice electric co.

    patti labelle did a plausible angel of harlem

    garbage rocked pride.

    ND rocked too.

    norah jones pulled a decent stuck.

    elvis did an ok kite – pure elvis style – an acquired taste.

    sheryl crow pissed on all i want is you.

    bono & edge – night and day was amazing.

    oh yeah if you wanna watch it…

    http://grammy.aol.com/news/academy/2003/0222poty45.html

    “kill all hippies and fart on the dutch…” – primal scream

  18. well well here you go a review from the show.

    b.b. of-course pulled a great when love comes too town. ms. judd on the other hand could’ve stayed seated.

    mary j… murdered one. shame. shame. she’s normally so good.

    trail of the dead did a nice electric co.

    patti labelle did a plausible angel of harlem

    garbage rocked pride.

    ND rocked too.

    norah jones pulled a decent stuck.

    elvis did an ok kite – pure elvis style – an acquired taste.

    sheryl crow pissed on all i want is you.

    bono & edge – night and day was amazing.

    oh yeah if you wanna watch it…

    http://grammy.aol.com/news/academy/2003/0222poty45.html

    “kill all hippies and fart on the dutch…” – primal scream

  19. Just watched the aol clips: wow, that was sucky. Of course, all I heard were clips, mostly the shouting parts. Bono and the Edge made it worthwhile (I suppose a pun was intended).

  20. Just watched the aol clips: wow, that was sucky. Of course, all I heard were clips, mostly the shouting parts. Bono and the Edge made it worthwhile (I suppose a pun was intended).

  21. Yea, I heard the snippets of the cover songs. The Trail of the Dead cover sounded kick arse. Same goes for Elvis Costello, BB King was ok, same with LaBelle. NOw for Crow and Blige….don’t ever try that again…horrible. I never knew you could sing One with making a “gun” type gesture with your hand and pointing to the crowd??? The Norah Jones version wouldn’t all that bad. I wanna heard Garbage’s version of Pride.

  22. Yea, I heard the snippets of the cover songs. The Trail of the Dead cover sounded kick arse. Same goes for Elvis Costello, BB King was ok, same with LaBelle. NOw for Crow and Blige….don’t ever try that again…horrible. I never knew you could sing One with making a “gun” type gesture with your hand and pointing to the crowd??? The Norah Jones version wouldn’t all that bad. I wanna heard Garbage’s version of Pride.

  23. I posted earlier this week that there would be a MTV2 special of U2 Timeline airing at 2pm central time (USA) on Sunday the 23rd. When I went online to check the TV guide for the MTV2 listing for my area, I find it is listed for early this morning at 1AM (central, USA on MTV2). So sorry to anyone who is expecting to see it at the other time, I was only passing on what I heard. I’m not sure if the program was changed or if the programers changed it. To be quite honest, I won’t believe this till I see it a 1AM (Central USA. So far all day, all I have seen is hip hop. videos.
    It must be true, since the listing before the U2 segment is COLDPLAY and it just came on. Whooo Whoooo got to go now.
    Quickly, tvguide.com
    type in your area code. Sorry you guys from out of the US..

  24. I posted earlier this week that there would be a MTV2 special of U2 Timeline airing at 2pm central time (USA) on Sunday the 23rd. When I went online to check the TV guide for the MTV2 listing for my area, I find it is listed for early this morning at 1AM (central, USA on MTV2). So sorry to anyone who is expecting to see it at the other time, I was only passing on what I heard. I’m not sure if the program was changed or if the programers changed it. To be quite honest, I won’t believe this till I see it a 1AM (Central USA. So far all day, all I have seen is hip hop. videos.
    It must be true, since the listing before the U2 segment is COLDPLAY and it just came on. Whooo Whoooo got to go now.
    Quickly, tvguide.com
    type in your area code. Sorry you guys from out of the US..

  25. this is ridiculous. you’d think all these celebs (every one known under the sun) were gathering for the secong coming. er…

  26. this is ridiculous. you’d think all these celebs (every one known under the sun) were gathering for the secong coming. er…

  27. Try staring at Sun Nero.. Never mind you don’t know what that means. Watching the TimeLine on MTV2 I’m seeing a history mixed in with the present. Clips from MusicCares, Nora Jones singing Stuck, Sheryl Crow, just saw 2 videos of Pride back to back. Already seen Sunday BS, New Years Day, two Hearts & Gloria.
    Too much.. I’ll be there, tonight

  28. Try staring at Sun Nero.. Never mind you don’t know what that means. Watching the TimeLine on MTV2 I’m seeing a history mixed in with the present. Clips from MusicCares, Nora Jones singing Stuck, Sheryl Crow, just saw 2 videos of Pride back to back. Already seen Sunday BS, New Years Day, two Hearts & Gloria.
    Too much.. I’ll be there, tonight

  29. It would have been a fine evening indeed if the people playing U2 cover’s weren’t so damn patchy themselves. I would doubt half of them know anything about U2, or the man in question, Bono. Fucking Hollywood ass-kisser’s…..

  30. It would have been a fine evening indeed if the people playing U2 cover’s weren’t so damn patchy themselves. I would doubt half of them know anything about U2, or the man in question, Bono. Fucking Hollywood ass-kisser’s…..

  31. Rattle and Hum is on Dutch television this week. The announcement in my TV guide: “Rattle and Hum. American documentary starring Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and B.B. King” Whahahahaha!

  32. Rattle and Hum is on Dutch television this week. The announcement in my TV guide: “Rattle and Hum. American documentary starring Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and B.B. King” Whahahahaha!

  33. I caught a clip of the covers…not too bad, but the best was Bono wailing away at Night and Day….pretty amazing stuff!

  34. I caught a clip of the covers…not too bad, but the best was Bono wailing away at Night and Day….pretty amazing stuff!

  35. Ooh, disappointing… the only one that sounded half-good to me in those clips was When Love Comes To Town. Some of the others sounded horrible! They might be better when you see the whole thing, mind you. As for that other video (the tribute to Bono), that is WELL cool!!

  36. Ooh, disappointing… the only one that sounded half-good to me in those clips was When Love Comes To Town. Some of the others sounded horrible! They might be better when you see the whole thing, mind you. As for that other video (the tribute to Bono), that is WELL cool!!

  37. I guess if we learned anything, it’s that NO ONE CAN SING U2 EXCEPT U2. That version of One was pathetic.

  38. I guess if we learned anything, it’s that NO ONE CAN SING U2 EXCEPT U2. That version of One was pathetic.

  39. If anything rocked it was Bono and Edge performing Night and Day. Wow! The guitar was premium Edge and Bono was in true form.

  40. If anything rocked it was Bono and Edge performing Night and Day. Wow! The guitar was premium Edge and Bono was in true form.

  41. Having just watched the clips, I have absolutely no interest in the covers. However, if that version of Night and Day is any indication of what’s going on in U2’s studio now, holy sh*t! Need that mp3, stat!

  42. Having just watched the clips, I have absolutely no interest in the covers. However, if that version of Night and Day is any indication of what’s going on in U2’s studio now, holy sh*t! Need that mp3, stat!

  43. Back to Larry and Adam not being in on the festivities. I can’t help but believe that if they wanted to be at these functions, they could. This is “U2” after all. I can only imagine what Bono would do if his mates were denied invitations… Looks like Bono and the Edge have to do this and the other 2 are happy to be left out. Possibly..

  44. Back to Larry and Adam not being in on the festivities. I can’t help but believe that if they wanted to be at these functions, they could. This is “U2” after all. I can only imagine what Bono would do if his mates were denied invitations… Looks like Bono and the Edge have to do this and the other 2 are happy to be left out. Possibly..

  45. “Night and Day” – wow! Brilliant, and ironic, that Bono would trump everyone else’s covers of his songs with a cover of someone else. ha. 🙂 Although, Norah Jones has such a lovely voice, understated and simple, that SIAM did okay with her. I would’ve liked to hear No Doubt’s Sweetest Thing – they do a great cover of Suspicous Minds.

  46. “Night and Day” – wow! Brilliant, and ironic, that Bono would trump everyone else’s covers of his songs with a cover of someone else. ha. 🙂 Although, Norah Jones has such a lovely voice, understated and simple, that SIAM did okay with her. I would’ve liked to hear No Doubt’s Sweetest Thing – they do a great cover of Suspicous Minds.

  47. I don’t think Larry and Adam have been purposely excluded at all, but there’s just something about their absence lately that bothers me — if they don’t show up for the Oscars, though, I am demanding a full explanation…

    I know this probably won’t be of interest to anyone but me, but I read in today’s NYT that Bernie Williams, who plays for the NY Yankees, had been asked to play at MusiCares — he’s an excellent guitarist, first CD due out July 15 — but he couldn’t do it because of spring training, and he wanted to because of Bono — he’s an actual FAN. I would have LOVED to hear that, bring a little dignity and style to that thing, help counteract the Crow Factor at least. Lord, I was sick that she was there to begin with, then I got a load of her rendition of AIWIY — someone shoot the cat and put it out of its misery! Doesn’t she have a GOOD HOUSEKEEPING cover she should be posing for? Eeesh…

  48. I don’t think Larry and Adam have been purposely excluded at all, but there’s just something about their absence lately that bothers me — if they don’t show up for the Oscars, though, I am demanding a full explanation…

    I know this probably won’t be of interest to anyone but me, but I read in today’s NYT that Bernie Williams, who plays for the NY Yankees, had been asked to play at MusiCares — he’s an excellent guitarist, first CD due out July 15 — but he couldn’t do it because of spring training, and he wanted to because of Bono — he’s an actual FAN. I would have LOVED to hear that, bring a little dignity and style to that thing, help counteract the Crow Factor at least. Lord, I was sick that she was there to begin with, then I got a load of her rendition of AIWIY — someone shoot the cat and put it out of its misery! Doesn’t she have a GOOD HOUSEKEEPING cover she should be posing for? Eeesh…

  49. I find it disgusting that Bono would hang out with all these anti-war jerks after all the President Bush did to forward his AIDS thing in Africa. Bush singlehandedly saved Bono’s mission from failure by dedicating an unprecedented amount of money to the program, and now Bono turns and basically spits in his face. I fear that Mr. Hewson has lots to learn about politics =O(

  50. I find it disgusting that Bono would hang out with all these anti-war jerks after all the President Bush did to forward his AIDS thing in Africa. Bush singlehandedly saved Bono’s mission from failure by dedicating an unprecedented amount of money to the program, and now Bono turns and basically spits in his face. I fear that Mr. Hewson has lots to learn about politics =O(

  51. 1. I fail to see what a war with Iraq has anything to do with drop the debt
    2. wasn’t Bush supposed to be there?
    3. Bush has only talked about the money, it hasn’t really shown up yet nor will it till congress approves
    4. the main reason Bono’s campaign with Drop the Debt has been so sucessful is because of his bipartisan stance and willingness to speak to anyone who would listen
    5. there’s nothing wrong about hanging out with sane people (anti-war protesters)

  52. 1. I fail to see what a war with Iraq has anything to do with drop the debt
    2. wasn’t Bush supposed to be there?
    3. Bush has only talked about the money, it hasn’t really shown up yet nor will it till congress approves
    4. the main reason Bono’s campaign with Drop the Debt has been so sucessful is because of his bipartisan stance and willingness to speak to anyone who would listen
    5. there’s nothing wrong about hanging out with sane people (anti-war protesters)

  53. I would sincerely hope that Bush’s reason for stating (we’ll see if it happens) that the US will help with the AIDS emergency in Africa was not due purely to Bono. If it was only because of Bono then it was an empty statement he never had any intention of fulfilling (celebrity may create publicity but it rarely creates true government fiscal changes) – thus no matter what stance Bono takes (on the war or anything else), there is no money to “lose”. If Bush truly does see the need to help in Africa, then is it for humanitarian reasons, and the impact of Bono disagreeing with him on Iraq should not effect those humanitarian reasons, thus the money should still be there.
    On a note more specific to U2 – while it is certainly true that artistic interpretation of songs is a every singer’s right, some of those covers Fri night were truly unique interpretations, to say the least.
    And finally, I too am concerned by the lack of Larry and Adam, although I would guess that award shows and other schmooze-fests are not their style (or at least Larry’s). Still, for them not to attend a tribute to Bono is startling. And combined with Larry’s comment that he wasn’t invited to the Golden Globes (since the song was by U2 the whole band sh/would have been invited, so I’m unclear on where the lack of invite came from), I’m concerned by their absence. I would be shocked if they were at the Oscars, though, since they didn’t appear for the Globes, the Today Show appearance or Bono’s tribute. The Oscars are a glorified schmooze-fest extraodinaire. I guess it’s a good thing Bono and Edge have so much practice playing Hands by themselves…

  54. I would sincerely hope that Bush’s reason for stating (we’ll see if it happens) that the US will help with the AIDS emergency in Africa was not due purely to Bono. If it was only because of Bono then it was an empty statement he never had any intention of fulfilling (celebrity may create publicity but it rarely creates true government fiscal changes) – thus no matter what stance Bono takes (on the war or anything else), there is no money to “lose”. If Bush truly does see the need to help in Africa, then is it for humanitarian reasons, and the impact of Bono disagreeing with him on Iraq should not effect those humanitarian reasons, thus the money should still be there.
    On a note more specific to U2 – while it is certainly true that artistic interpretation of songs is a every singer’s right, some of those covers Fri night were truly unique interpretations, to say the least.
    And finally, I too am concerned by the lack of Larry and Adam, although I would guess that award shows and other schmooze-fests are not their style (or at least Larry’s). Still, for them not to attend a tribute to Bono is startling. And combined with Larry’s comment that he wasn’t invited to the Golden Globes (since the song was by U2 the whole band sh/would have been invited, so I’m unclear on where the lack of invite came from), I’m concerned by their absence. I would be shocked if they were at the Oscars, though, since they didn’t appear for the Globes, the Today Show appearance or Bono’s tribute. The Oscars are a glorified schmooze-fest extraodinaire. I guess it’s a good thing Bono and Edge have so much practice playing Hands by themselves…

  55. I look at those thumbnails and I think, wow, they’re right – Bono IS losing his hair – but then, whoops – that’s Elvis Costello. 🙂

  56. I look at those thumbnails and I think, wow, they’re right – Bono IS losing his hair – but then, whoops – that’s Elvis Costello. 🙂

  57. Well U2 lost their category in the Grammys already to Coldplay, ah well, can’t win ’em all. Haven’t seen B&E on the pre-show, but if there’s any U2-ishness tonight, then keep an eye on the Strummer tribute…

  58. Well U2 lost their category in the Grammys already to Coldplay, ah well, can’t win ’em all. Haven’t seen B&E on the pre-show, but if there’s any U2-ishness tonight, then keep an eye on the Strummer tribute…

  59. Ruth Barohn, where are you? I’m waiting for your report on Bono’s latest visit to the Big Apple….

  60. Ruth Barohn, where are you? I’m waiting for your report on Bono’s latest visit to the Big Apple….

  61. Is U2 planning to repay Matt Heller for his past contributions? Don’t get get the wrong idea, Matt is overjoyed at U2’s continuing success but it seems there was an agreement made that day at the pool hall.

  62. Is U2 planning to repay Matt Heller for his past contributions? Don’t get get the wrong idea, Matt is overjoyed at U2’s continuing success but it seems there was an agreement made that day at the pool hall.

  63. maybe its because i love u2 so much, but it is impossible for me to like any cover of their songs unless i really respect the artist singing them. but NO ONE should EVER AGAIN try to cover ‘All I Want…’ It is just plain wrong. You don’t mess with a masterpeice.

  64. maybe its because i love u2 so much, but it is impossible for me to like any cover of their songs unless i really respect the artist singing them. but NO ONE should EVER AGAIN try to cover ‘All I Want…’ It is just plain wrong. You don’t mess with a masterpeice.

  65. Matthew Heller, you REALLY are barking up the wrong tree here. You’ve sent us e-mails and now you’re bitching on this site, but we’re not associated with U2 and we have no connections and we have no idea what kind of deals you keep talking of. Also, if you want an answer, you may want to try filling in your correct e-mail for a change, so we can answer you in private. Get it together, man.

  66. Matthew Heller, you REALLY are barking up the wrong tree here. You’ve sent us e-mails and now you’re bitching on this site, but we’re not associated with U2 and we have no connections and we have no idea what kind of deals you keep talking of. Also, if you want an answer, you may want to try filling in your correct e-mail for a change, so we can answer you in private. Get it together, man.

  67. Have you all heard the a capella version of with or without you by the virginia gentlemen? a sissy soloist singer but that’s got to be the best cover of a u2 song ever.

  68. Have you all heard the a capella version of with or without you by the virginia gentlemen? a sissy soloist singer but that’s got to be the best cover of a u2 song ever.

  69. kuajmc- are you a UVA student? I would’ve thought no one else would have heard of the Virginia Gentlemen. Anyway after my first year I started avoiding a capella groups at all cost when I heard one of them – can’t remember who – do a pansified WTSHNN. 🙂

  70. kuajmc- are you a UVA student? I would’ve thought no one else would have heard of the Virginia Gentlemen. Anyway after my first year I started avoiding a capella groups at all cost when I heard one of them – can’t remember who – do a pansified WTSHNN. 🙂

  71. Sheryl Crow AGAIN???
    How many tribute award shows and CD’s must this media hog be invited to? Sorry Crow fans, she’s not that important of an artist. She won a Grammy last night for a rip off of a Steve Miller song. “Soak Up the Sun” is one of the worst songs ever.
    Glad to hear that her performance was awful.
    At least she didn’t appear on the Ramones tribute CD.

  72. Sheryl Crow AGAIN???
    How many tribute award shows and CD’s must this media hog be invited to? Sorry Crow fans, she’s not that important of an artist. She won a Grammy last night for a rip off of a Steve Miller song. “Soak Up the Sun” is one of the worst songs ever.
    Glad to hear that her performance was awful.
    At least she didn’t appear on the Ramones tribute CD.

  73. I’ve heard No Doubt’s cover of Suspicious Minds and thought it sounded awful. But I would very much like to hear their U2 cover, and Garbage’s too. 🙂

  74. I’ve heard No Doubt’s cover of Suspicious Minds and thought it sounded awful. But I would very much like to hear their U2 cover, and Garbage’s too. 🙂

  75. My daughter called me from a No Doubt concert last night during the song Sweetest Thing. Gavin was singing on stage with Gwen.
    Sounded good of what I could hear mixed with the screams of hundreds of young girls.

  76. My daughter called me from a No Doubt concert last night during the song Sweetest Thing. Gavin was singing on stage with Gwen.
    Sounded good of what I could hear mixed with the screams of hundreds of young girls.

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