Dave Fanning: Why Bono is Ireland’s Greatest

Dave Fanning champions U2 singer Bono in RTE’s search for ‘Ireland’s Greatest’. Bono is the only popculture hero left in the competition. He is up against Irish leaders, politicians and historical figures Michael Collins, Mary Robinson, John Hume and James Connolly. Fanning’s portrait was broadcast on the 27th of September. The final decision will be made by public vote.

Fast-talking Fanning has recently published his autobiography entitled ‘The Thing is’ which details the unique story of his role in the launch of U2 and his ongoing friendship with the band, delving into their humble beginnings and rise to fame. Fanning joined Irish DJ (and frontman of Something Happens) Tom Dunne in the Newstalk studios today to talk about his book (U2 content starts 9 minutes into the interview).

Bono and The Edge remember Gerry Ryan

Bono and The Edge talk to RTE 2FM to share their memories of Irish broadcaster Gerry Ryan who passed away on Friday.

Bono and The Edge remember Gerry Ryan.

Apologies for the dismal quality of this recording. Blame Realtek.

RTE news coverage:

RTÉ 2XM to premiere title track of U2′s No Line on the Horizon

Get ready to rip, folks. RTÉ 2XM will play the title track of U2′s new album ‘No Line on the Horizon’ on Thursday, February 12 at 12 noon GMT.

You can tune in to 2XM on DAB digital radio sets in the Greater Dublin area, Cork and Limeric, or online at www.rte.ie/digitalradio.

Daniel Lanois on The View

Daniel Lanois will appear on a special of The View, this Tuesday May 27th, midnight on RTÉ One television (Ireland).

Lanois is currently working on U2′s new album in Dublin and the South of France,and will talk to presenter John Kelly about the influences that have shaped his influential musical career.

More on the RTE website. And you can view an earlier performance by Lanois on RTE’s Other Voices on the show’s website.

U2 and Irish All Stars on the Late Late Show

U2 and the Irish all star ensemble who recorded the charity single ‘The Ballad of Ronnie Drew’ will perform the song live on RTE’s Late Late Show on Friday night (22/2). The single is released as a digital download today and as a CD single on 29 February.

All profits from the release of this single will go to the Irish Cancer Society at the request of Ronnie Drew. The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer and improving the lives of those living with cancer.

More at RTE.ie

Rise, Sir Bono

Oh, he already has.

All kidding aside, we have it on good authority the former Bono Vox of O’Connell Street will be receiving his knighthood in a private ceremony in Dublin this morning.

• … and RTE are on it too.

• BBC coverage with pictures
• IHT: ‘He thought I was becoming a Jedi’
• U2.com: ‘A knighthood for Bono’

U2′s post-Grammy talk with Gerry Ryan

Paul McGuinness, The Edge and Bono talk to RTE’s Gerry Ryan from a parking lot in Santa Monica, after their five Grammy win.

McG: ‘Not being falsely modest, [ winning the Grammy for best album of the year ] defines U2 as world champions yet again.’

Download the MP3, or subscribe to the Gerry Ryan show’s podcast even if just to hear Bono say:

‘D’ya wanna be bursted?’

Bono to introduce Geldof at Meteor Awards

U2log.com has learnt that Bono is likely to speak at the Meteor Awards at The Point in Dublin, on Thursday 2nd February 2006. The singer won’t be present physically, but he has recorded a speech introducing Bob Geldof.

The band have been nominated in several categories themselves. They are up against The Corrs, Hal and Bell X1 in the best band category. Geldof has not been shortlisted. The Pogues will receive the lifetime achievement award.

Other presenters include Gavin Friday, Stephen Rea, Liam Cunningham, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Keith Duffy and Kerry Katona. RTE will televise the event, hosted by comedian Patrick Kielty, on RTÉ Two at 9pm on Sunday, February 5.

• View the nominees

Peter and the Wolf documentary

Ireland’s RTE 1 screened a half hour documentary on the making of ‘Peter and the Wolf’ on Monday, January 5th. There’s a brief review of the documentary on gavinfriday.com. We expect to be able to offer some screencaps and footage next week.

You got the boxed set, you ordered the T-shirt and the catalogue, now fork out for the luxury screen print: all available from the Irish Hospice Peter and the Wolf shop.

Bono and the Edge appear on Late Late Show

The Edge and Bono both appeared on RTE’s Late Late Show’s Tribute to Jim Sheridan presented by Pat Kenny on Friday evening.

Bono revealed the band had been working in London on using string sections for three on three tracks but had to bin it because ‘the songs were crap’. The Edge said they would have to start from scratch to rework them. (quotes paraphrased from memory)

After being interviewed by Kenny, they were joined by Daniel Lanois to perform Falling at your feet.

Earlier in the day, Bono appeared on ArtZone on Lyric FM, RTE, in a taped interview (windows media) in which he talks very briefly about Peter and the Wolf and the sadness involved in drawing the pictures. There’s also an interview at USA Today. Check the right hand column for an additional real audio excerpt.