Pre-Awards Pessimism

On their way to the Golden Globe Awards, Paul McGuinness, Bono, The Edge and Morleigh greeted fans outside their hotel. Bono stopped to sign autographs and take photos with a group of fans, who wished the band good luck at tonight’s awards. Bono responded, “Thanks, but I don’t think we’re going to win tonight.”

Fortunately for the band, Bono’s prediction was incorrect. The band received the award for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture. Accepting the award, Bono exclaimed, “This is really f*cking brilliant!”

Reuters has some photos of Bono and The Edge at the Golden Globe Awards: photo 1 / photo 2 / photo 3 / photo 4 / photo 5 / photo 6 / photo 7.

122 thoughts on “Pre-Awards Pessimism”

  1. Thank God bono is a singer, not some sort of guesser… congrartulations on the award guys! Now, The Oscar is the limit!

  2. Thank God bono is a singer, not some sort of guesser… congrartulations on the award guys! Now, The Oscar is the limit!

  3. Wooooohoooo….

    I thought it’d be between Eminem & U2…good to see the boys all smiles…NOW GET BACK INTO THE STUDIO AND WRITE ANOTHER ACHTUNG BABY!!!…BABY!!!

  4. Wooooohoooo….

    I thought it’d be between Eminem & U2…good to see the boys all smiles…NOW GET BACK INTO THE STUDIO AND WRITE ANOTHER ACHTUNG BABY!!!…BABY!!!

  5. hell yeah! u2 fucking rule. now i’m going to freak if they go on to oscar glory, reaching thier goal of hoarding every award in the known universe.

  6. hell yeah! u2 fucking rule. now i’m going to freak if they go on to oscar glory, reaching thier goal of hoarding every award in the known universe.

  7. Well not every award…they gotta work on a Tony and Emmy now. (g) I screamed YES!!! when they announced it, which surprised me! And heh heh heh, Bono said a naughty live…it was fucking brilliant. 🙂

  8. Well not every award…they gotta work on a Tony and Emmy now. (g) I screamed YES!!! when they announced it, which surprised me! And heh heh heh, Bono said a naughty live…it was fucking brilliant. 🙂

  9. Bono had better watch it… they won’t let him go up for acceptance speeches anymore.

  10. Bono had better watch it… they won’t let him go up for acceptance speeches anymore.

  13. ah – I missed it. Thank goodness for Bono’s cussing, however… balanced out all those saccharine Celine Dion car commercials.

  14. ah – I missed it. Thank goodness for Bono’s cussing, however… balanced out all those saccharine Celine Dion car commercials.

  17. Just to let everyone know who missed the awards they are replaying them on Bravo network on Saturday night.

  18. Just to let everyone know who missed the awards they are replaying them on Bravo network on Saturday night.

  19. this is so great, i absolutely love those guys, and so humble!! they deserve it so much, but i was nervous seeing all the other nominees. Bono looked GREAT (he shaved, woohoo). Edge awesome as usual, nice shirt. f*cking brilliant is right.

  20. this is so great, i absolutely love those guys, and so humble!! they deserve it so much, but i was nervous seeing all the other nominees. Bono looked GREAT (he shaved, woohoo). Edge awesome as usual, nice shirt. f*cking brilliant is right.

  25. hurts me to say this but – damn bono is getting old and fat… =(

    go edge though – looking better than ever =)

    let’s put treadmill in the studio boys.

    paste some pictures of the pop era bono back on the wall for inspiration… damn.

  26. hurts me to say this but – damn bono is getting old and fat… =(

    go edge though – looking better than ever =)

    let’s put treadmill in the studio boys.

    paste some pictures of the pop era bono back on the wall for inspiration… damn.

  27. BRILLIANT!!
    Adam Sandler and loads of alcohol at their table as well….I think the party is probably on in L.A. somewhere tonight! Well done….good start to 2003!

  28. BRILLIANT!!
    Adam Sandler and loads of alcohol at their table as well….I think the party is probably on in L.A. somewhere tonight! Well done….good start to 2003!

  29. billy- Bono didn’t look that bad! but Edge looked good (‘good’ in italics). I love how they have to stay rock ‘n roll where ever they go – no ties for these boys.

  30. billy- Bono didn’t look that bad! but Edge looked good (‘good’ in italics). I love how they have to stay rock ‘n roll where ever they go – no ties for these boys.

  31. “paste some pictures of the pop era bono back on the wall for inspiration… damn.”

    Absolutely. Bono looks about as old as my 58 year old father. Pretty sad for a guy that is only 42. The fact that Edge and Larry both look younger than their respective ages and Adam looks like he should makes Bono stick out that much more.

  32. “paste some pictures of the pop era bono back on the wall for inspiration… damn.”

    Absolutely. Bono looks about as old as my 58 year old father. Pretty sad for a guy that is only 42. The fact that Edge and Larry both look younger than their respective ages and Adam looks like he should makes Bono stick out that much more.

  35. vonb, I’ll be even more cynical. My love for U2 should never be questioned, but based on the pure merit of the song, Eminem got robbed. ‘Salright, tho, since 1) better he get robbed by U2, and 2) U2 have been robbed for UTEOTW, HMTMKMKM, and TGBHF, so I guess Hollywood owes them one.

  36. vonb, I’ll be even more cynical. My love for U2 should never be questioned, but based on the pure merit of the song, Eminem got robbed. ‘Salright, tho, since 1) better he get robbed by U2, and 2) U2 have been robbed for UTEOTW, HMTMKMKM, and TGBHF, so I guess Hollywood owes them one.

  45. Random observation: You know what I think is cool? Most of the people on these award shows that pull out full-sized note sheets always have 8″x10″ ‘letter’ paper, but Bono always pulls out paper that is slightly longer and thinner, the standard ‘letter’ paper in Europe, called A4 (I think) – which means he probably printed the thing out himself. Nothing substantive, just something I’ve noticed.

  46. Random observation: You know what I think is cool? Most of the people on these award shows that pull out full-sized note sheets always have 8″x10″ ‘letter’ paper, but Bono always pulls out paper that is slightly longer and thinner, the standard ‘letter’ paper in Europe, called A4 (I think) – which means he probably printed the thing out himself. Nothing substantive, just something I’ve noticed.

  47. Congrats to the boys 🙂 I would’ve given anything to sit at that table!! Bono, the Edge…and JUDE Law all sitting together! times like this, i could just weep.

  48. Congrats to the boys 🙂 I would’ve given anything to sit at that table!! Bono, the Edge…and JUDE Law all sitting together! times like this, i could just weep.

  49. I’ve gotta address that fat & old thing. Fat? Yeah. Bono’s actually put on a couple since the end of the tour. He’s looking a bit pudgy. Take a look at his fingers & face in the pic with him holding the award. Now looks at Reuters pic #1. The suit looks a might snug. You wanna know why people in the 3rd world are starving? Bono snagged their food. =) Just kidding. … … … As for the old remark, well, that’s what 20+ years if rock will do to you. Being the biggest band in the world has its price. It’s not like he’s getting ugly anyway. He’s just starting to look a lot like his father now. … … … … As for the award, who cares. They’ll probably use it to prop up a table or something. They’ve got tons. What matters more is that they’ve got loyal fans and kickbutt tunes.

  50. I’ve gotta address that fat & old thing. Fat? Yeah. Bono’s actually put on a couple since the end of the tour. He’s looking a bit pudgy. Take a look at his fingers & face in the pic with him holding the award. Now looks at Reuters pic #1. The suit looks a might snug. You wanna know why people in the 3rd world are starving? Bono snagged their food. =) Just kidding. … … … As for the old remark, well, that’s what 20+ years if rock will do to you. Being the biggest band in the world has its price. It’s not like he’s getting ugly anyway. He’s just starting to look a lot like his father now. … … … … As for the award, who cares. They’ll probably use it to prop up a table or something. They’ve got tons. What matters more is that they’ve got loyal fans and kickbutt tunes.

  51. Um… I love the guy but Bono is not the world’s most photogenic person; there are pics where he looks great and some where he looks just godawful. He looks quite chubby in some ZooTV-era shots and Live Aid photographs. Anyways, congrats on getting another nice doorstop, 🙂

  52. Um… I love the guy but Bono is not the world’s most photogenic person; there are pics where he looks great and some where he looks just godawful. He looks quite chubby in some ZooTV-era shots and Live Aid photographs. Anyways, congrats on getting another nice doorstop, 🙂

  55. The Golden Globe Awards are one of the most idiotic awards shows in existence. The nominees are selected by only a few dozen people who make up the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. This organization consists of many old, white, delusional critics and other Hollywood people who haven’t the slightest idea of what’s going on. Most of the movies remain unseen by the voters; and as for the songs… well those are just picked from a handful of CD samplers which are sent to them by the studios and record companies. These voters are also given payoffs and invited to press junkets for most of the major studio films, but hardly the really good independent films. This award is basically meaningless (as are all awards in the arts field), but I’m sure it’ll look good on somebody’s toilet.

  56. The Golden Globe Awards are one of the most idiotic awards shows in existence. The nominees are selected by only a few dozen people who make up the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. This organization consists of many old, white, delusional critics and other Hollywood people who haven’t the slightest idea of what’s going on. Most of the movies remain unseen by the voters; and as for the songs… well those are just picked from a handful of CD samplers which are sent to them by the studios and record companies. These voters are also given payoffs and invited to press junkets for most of the major studio films, but hardly the really good independent films. This award is basically meaningless (as are all awards in the arts field), but I’m sure it’ll look good on somebody’s toilet.

  57. hey how about that Slane DvD , Edge ??
    And a new album . with more Flood and less that country and western stuff .
    I think the version from the film was better then on ” Best of ” cd .

  58. hey how about that Slane DvD , Edge ??
    And a new album . with more Flood and less that country and western stuff .
    I think the version from the film was better then on ” Best of ” cd .

  59. I agree, slug. It’s generally accepted in Hollywood that these awards are somewhat of a farce, but the stars go along with it anyway since a nomination or a win here could influence the Oscar judges. As for Bono’s comment that “I don’t think we’re going to win,” it’s usually leaked to the Golden Globe winners that they’re walking away with something at the end of the night. That’s why you see very few “so-and-so couldn’t be here tonight, so we’ll accept the award in their honor” speeches. Did anyone see Madonna or Paul Simon in attendance? That’s because they weren’t getting an award.

  60. I agree, slug. It’s generally accepted in Hollywood that these awards are somewhat of a farce, but the stars go along with it anyway since a nomination or a win here could influence the Oscar judges. As for Bono’s comment that “I don’t think we’re going to win,” it’s usually leaked to the Golden Globe winners that they’re walking away with something at the end of the night. That’s why you see very few “so-and-so couldn’t be here tonight, so we’ll accept the award in their honor” speeches. Did anyone see Madonna or Paul Simon in attendance? That’s because they weren’t getting an award.

  61. The best thing about the video clip was Edge giving Morleigh a kiss before going up to accept the award. Are they happy or what? BTW, I think the reason Bono looks a little out of shape may have more to do with the fact that he uses his spare time to go to FLa for a DATA board meeting and other extracurricular activities like that than to pay attention to himself.

  62. The best thing about the video clip was Edge giving Morleigh a kiss before going up to accept the award. Are they happy or what? BTW, I think the reason Bono looks a little out of shape may have more to do with the fact that he uses his spare time to go to FLa for a DATA board meeting and other extracurricular activities like that than to pay attention to himself.

  63. Actually, sixtoe, the cameras did pan on Paul Simon once during the night. Maybe he was in town with nothing better to do. In other matters, why are we concerned with The Edge’s love life and Bono’s weight? This is quite sad. It reminds me of that putrid “Is Bono Bald” site. How about a new one, http://www.bono-fat.com?

  64. Actually, sixtoe, the cameras did pan on Paul Simon once during the night. Maybe he was in town with nothing better to do. In other matters, why are we concerned with The Edge’s love life and Bono’s weight? This is quite sad. It reminds me of that putrid “Is Bono Bald” site. How about a new one, http://www.bono-fat.com?

  67. Of historic note: Bono & The Edge were both in attendance at the 1994 (1993?) Golden Globes for their nomination of “Stay (Faraway, So Close!)” for the Faraway, So Close! movie. They didn’t win. Also, during the 1994 Grammies, Bono was backstage awaiting the announcement of the Best Alternatiive Album Award (in this case, Zooropa). He lit up a cig, as if he knew in advance of the win. U2 did win the award, and Bono proceeded to curse and smoke in one of the greatest Grammy acceptances of all time… “So, we’re alternative now?… “Smashing Pumpkins can’t fill stadiums”… “We need to abuse our position and fuck up the mainstream.”

  68. Of historic note: Bono & The Edge were both in attendance at the 1994 (1993?) Golden Globes for their nomination of “Stay (Faraway, So Close!)” for the Faraway, So Close! movie. They didn’t win. Also, during the 1994 Grammies, Bono was backstage awaiting the announcement of the Best Alternatiive Album Award (in this case, Zooropa). He lit up a cig, as if he knew in advance of the win. U2 did win the award, and Bono proceeded to curse and smoke in one of the greatest Grammy acceptances of all time… “So, we’re alternative now?… “Smashing Pumpkins can’t fill stadiums”… “We need to abuse our position and fuck up the mainstream.”

  69. how do these conversations manage to dwindle into “how fat/old/bald does Bono look?” I think he looks terrific. I’d take him home any day of the week. it’s all beside the point, anyway: if winning some trifling award allows us another classic Bono podium speech, I’ll take it.

  70. how do these conversations manage to dwindle into “how fat/old/bald does Bono look?” I think he looks terrific. I’d take him home any day of the week. it’s all beside the point, anyway: if winning some trifling award allows us another classic Bono podium speech, I’ll take it.

  71. Vonb…Did you see the movie? Cynical is one thing …incorrect is another.
    Eminem, Paul Simon…both had good songs, but neither tied to the drama or plot of the movie the way THTBA did!

  72. Vonb…Did you see the movie? Cynical is one thing …incorrect is another.
    Eminem, Paul Simon…both had good songs, but neither tied to the drama or plot of the movie the way THTBA did!

  73. Vonb…Did you see the movie? Cynical is one thing …incorrect is another.
    Eminem, Paul Simon…both had good songs, but neither tied to the drama or plot of the movie the way THTBA did!

  74. Vonb…Did you see the movie? Cynical is one thing …incorrect is another.
    Eminem, Paul Simon…both had good songs, but neither tied to the drama or plot of the movie the way THTBA did!

  75. Yeah bono did look like he put on a few pounds but for those of us over 35 we know how easily that can happen. I’m sure once he starts rockin on stage again he’ll burn it all off so relax and let him relax for a while. I agree though he should watch his language on live TV especially if he wants people to take him seriously about the world issues he cares about.

  76. Yeah bono did look like he put on a few pounds but for those of us over 35 we know how easily that can happen. I’m sure once he starts rockin on stage again he’ll burn it all off so relax and let him relax for a while. I agree though he should watch his language on live TV especially if he wants people to take him seriously about the world issues he cares about.

  77. I know nothing about the GG’s — but I know for an absolute FACT the Grammy winners are NOT alerted ahead of time. I worked for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences for 6 years and it was like penalty of death when anything was leaked. And in fact I was privy to a conversation between our then Academy President (Mike Greene) and Paul McGuinness in Jan ’93. Greene was courting U2 to perform on the awards telecast because they were nominated for Album of the Year for AB. McG said he would not book them to perform unless Mike could guarantee him they were going to win Album of the Year. Mike explained to him that was not possible – and the reasons why it wasn’t. So McG said well then the only band members that would be available to be in attendance at the Grammys were Adam & Larry. Incidentally, I am the proud author of U2’s bio page in that year’s Grammy program book.

  78. I know nothing about the GG’s — but I know for an absolute FACT the Grammy winners are NOT alerted ahead of time. I worked for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences for 6 years and it was like penalty of death when anything was leaked. And in fact I was privy to a conversation between our then Academy President (Mike Greene) and Paul McGuinness in Jan ’93. Greene was courting U2 to perform on the awards telecast because they were nominated for Album of the Year for AB. McG said he would not book them to perform unless Mike could guarantee him they were going to win Album of the Year. Mike explained to him that was not possible – and the reasons why it wasn’t. So McG said well then the only band members that would be available to be in attendance at the Grammys were Adam & Larry. Incidentally, I am the proud author of U2’s bio page in that year’s Grammy program book.

  81. Haven’t seen the film but have seen the bits where the song plays. It’s fine in the context of the film, but I wouldn’t call it a great song on its own. YMMV.

  82. Haven’t seen the film but have seen the bits where the song plays. It’s fine in the context of the film, but I wouldn’t call it a great song on its own. YMMV.

  83. I haven’t seen the film either (and Hands isn’t exactly one of my fave songs of theirs) but I will say this: I do not enjoy Eminem, and his movie was only fair. But his song fits perfectly with it, and is among the best singles he has ever released. I’d still put my money on it for the Oscar.

  84. I haven’t seen the film either (and Hands isn’t exactly one of my fave songs of theirs) but I will say this: I do not enjoy Eminem, and his movie was only fair. But his song fits perfectly with it, and is among the best singles he has ever released. I’d still put my money on it for the Oscar.

  91. If I recall correctly, Bono’s been up for a Golden Globe once before, for You Made Me Thief of Your Heart from In The Name of the Father written with Gavin Friday, and he attended but they didn’t win. So maybe that was the source of pessimism.

  92. If I recall correctly, Bono’s been up for a Golden Globe once before, for You Made Me Thief of Your Heart from In The Name of the Father written with Gavin Friday, and he attended but they didn’t win. So maybe that was the source of pessimism.

  93. BTW, it’s off-season for the band. Bono gets chunky in the off-season…doesn’t anyone remember 1995? (g) He’ll be back to fighting weight when they gear up to tour again. I thought he looked OK last night…

  94. BTW, it’s off-season for the band. Bono gets chunky in the off-season…doesn’t anyone remember 1995? (g) He’ll be back to fighting weight when they gear up to tour again. I thought he looked OK last night…

  95. Vonb, the song actually isn’t even played in the film. We hear a similar sounding instrumental tune at the end and then “HTBA” kicks in during the credits. From what I hear, Eminem’s song wasn’t even in the movie either until the credits or something like that.

  96. Vonb, the song actually isn’t even played in the film. We hear a similar sounding instrumental tune at the end and then “HTBA” kicks in during the credits. From what I hear, Eminem’s song wasn’t even in the movie either until the credits or something like that.

  99. Stay (Faraway, So Close!)… now there’s a great movie song. They just have the Midas touch when they work with Wim Wenders. As for the Oscars, I think U2 will win, but for cynical reasons. The Academy will want to throw a bone at Gangs of New York and Martin Scorsese as a “consolation prize” for coming oh-so-close to Oscar-caliber. This desire will overshadow whatever itch they feel to acknowledge Eminem.

  100. Stay (Faraway, So Close!)… now there’s a great movie song. They just have the Midas touch when they work with Wim Wenders. As for the Oscars, I think U2 will win, but for cynical reasons. The Academy will want to throw a bone at Gangs of New York and Martin Scorsese as a “consolation prize” for coming oh-so-close to Oscar-caliber. This desire will overshadow whatever itch they feel to acknowledge Eminem.

  103. “then “HTBA” kicks in during the credits”

    That’s what I mean. Played in the film. Over the credits. I like it there.

  104. “then “HTBA” kicks in during the credits”

    That’s what I mean. Played in the film. Over the credits. I like it there.

  107. look people, bono can pile on the pudge all he likes beacuse, well, he’s bono and he’s earned it. i’m sure he’ll be running miles in those gym shortd to get in shape for the next public phase of u2 (please god, bring back the rock. no more lyrics about moles or tuna fleets.) not to mention that he has scored copius brownie points with the utterance of his favoutire acceptence speech obscenity. touche, rock doggy!

  108. look people, bono can pile on the pudge all he likes beacuse, well, he’s bono and he’s earned it. i’m sure he’ll be running miles in those gym shortd to get in shape for the next public phase of u2 (please god, bring back the rock. no more lyrics about moles or tuna fleets.) not to mention that he has scored copius brownie points with the utterance of his favoutire acceptence speech obscenity. touche, rock doggy!

  109. All right. Bono looks old because he is. He’s 42, and he’s been a rock star for half of that, partied hard and is currently trying to save the entire third world, the man does not stop. I doubt he is consecutively in the same time zone day to day. Considering that he looks great and always has. The majority of his appeal comes from the fact that he is “chubby” as some put it. BONO IS THE GREATEST HUMAN BEING ALIVE. and Edge always looks good in his super perfective way.

  110. All right. Bono looks old because he is. He’s 42, and he’s been a rock star for half of that, partied hard and is currently trying to save the entire third world, the man does not stop. I doubt he is consecutively in the same time zone day to day. Considering that he looks great and always has. The majority of his appeal comes from the fact that he is “chubby” as some put it. BONO IS THE GREATEST HUMAN BEING ALIVE. and Edge always looks good in his super perfective way.

  111. Didn’t Bono say he always puts on a few at the end of a tour, like him and Mike Hutchence after ZOO T.V.??? Cripes, it’s not like the guy has had time in the last year to work out really hard… He’ll have those Gwen Stephani abs soon (gag)…

  112. Didn’t Bono say he always puts on a few at the end of a tour, like him and Mike Hutchence after ZOO T.V.??? Cripes, it’s not like the guy has had time in the last year to work out really hard… He’ll have those Gwen Stephani abs soon (gag)…

  113. Well done to the band on the Golden Globe win. Now let’s hope they snag an Oscar nom/win. Oh and RE: The Bono Fat/Old Thing.

    He’s a rock star, kids, not a f*cking supermodel.

  114. Well done to the band on the Golden Globe win. Now let’s hope they snag an Oscar nom/win. Oh and RE: The Bono Fat/Old Thing.

    He’s a rock star, kids, not a f*cking supermodel.

  115. ok, I agree with Slug, Lucy, Elmo, and Nools. It’s about the MUSIC EVERYONE!! !! music.They all looked just fine and even if Bono and Edge had brocolli in between their teeth, who the hell cares??? Listen to the music, buy the records, join greenpeace. SHUTUP!!!They are the most fuckin brilliant band on the planet, they’re on the same level as the Beatles in my opinion. Thanks for listening! PEACE
    Valerie

  116. ok, I agree with Slug, Lucy, Elmo, and Nools. It’s about the MUSIC EVERYONE!! !! music.They all looked just fine and even if Bono and Edge had brocolli in between their teeth, who the hell cares??? Listen to the music, buy the records, join greenpeace. SHUTUP!!!They are the most fuckin brilliant band on the planet, they’re on the same level as the Beatles in my opinion. Thanks for listening! PEACE
    Valerie

  117. They did deserve the award and I’m happy they won it. Now just leave them the f*** alone. There was nothing wrong with any of it. It was perfect. Bono is such a fine person and I hate to see anyone pick on him or the others. what you’re saying is mean and hurtful and you need to get a life. or go watch jerry springer hahahahha

  118. They did deserve the award and I’m happy they won it. Now just leave them the f*** alone. There was nothing wrong with any of it. It was perfect. Bono is such a fine person and I hate to see anyone pick on him or the others. what you’re saying is mean and hurtful and you need to get a life. or go watch jerry springer hahahahha

  119. Ivan, whats going on with a Slane DVD? That would be perfect.
    Bono’s voice was so strong and beautiful.
    Is it just a rumor? or maybe fact?

  120. Ivan, whats going on with a Slane DVD? That would be perfect.
    Bono’s voice was so strong and beautiful.
    Is it just a rumor? or maybe fact?

  121. Ivan, whats going on with a Slane DVD? That would be perfect.
    Bono’s voice was so strong and beautiful.
    Is it just a rumor? or maybe fact?

  122. Ivan, whats going on with a Slane DVD? That would be perfect.
    Bono’s voice was so strong and beautiful.
    Is it just a rumor? or maybe fact?

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