Not one to waste an opportunity, Bono turned a press conference intended to focus on his being honored by the King Center into a discussion about the global AIDS crisis with local and national media in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 17). In true Bono style, he informed and entertained as he spoke about the issue closest to his heart.
U2log.com presents a transcript of Bono’s comments and the media Q & A that followed.
Moderator:…and now we have the pleasure of hearing from our other honoree, Bono.
Bono: [grinning] Umm, I really don’t know what to say. Umm, it’s just great to be standing next to this extraordinary woman to my left [gestures toward Mrs. Coretta Scott King]. In a way, I’ve been as big a fan of Coretta Scott King as I was of her husband. I read her writings, and it formed the way I saw the world and gave me a reason to want to change it.
And I’m thrilled also with Target [gestures toward Laysha Ward from Target]. They’re an amazing corporation. They’re an example to be followed.
We had meetings today with activists from all across Georgia–people working on the plague of AIDS not just in America, but the global AIDS crisis. I was trying to say to them that some things are so important that we cannot afford to posture. We cannot afford just to take an easy position. So we need corporate America, we need church America, we need student America, we need all the different Americas that are here if we’re gonna actually get a significant change on the way we see our responsibility to the poorest of the poor.
It’s fitting also, I think, to be in Atlanta because it’s where the world’s richest countries and their leaders are coming, to Georgia, this summer for their big hoo-ha. [media laughter]
And I tell ya, they’ve come to the right state. Because I met some pretty noisy, energetic people today and they’ve got something they want to say. And they’re going to. They can be on an island if they want, but these folks can swim!
And, I think, the tradition that the King Center embodies has passed down a vital, energetic message to the younger and younger generation that wants to, you know, remember and to celebrate and act.
Dr. King had a dream–and I’m not just talking about the American dream–it was a much bigger idea, actually. An idea that could fit an African dream, an Irish dream… You know, it was a call to action. That’s why I’m excited about being in Atlanta. We’ve got something going here.
Getting this award is a huge honor. The greatest thrill is to see that the King Center is still as involved with the community as ever.
MEDIA Q & A
Q: [paraphrased] Do you hope that other young artists will become more involved in the kind of humanitarian work you’ve been doing?
Bono: Did you say “other young artists”? [media laughter]
You know, Atlanta is not just the capital of civil rights in America. It’s also the music capital. A lot of extraordinary artists out there: Outkast, Jermaine Dupree…There’s too many to go on and on about. I’m getting calls from them, people calling up: Jay Z, P. Diddy, Beyonc
Congrats Bono! NOW GET TO WORK ON THAT ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Bono! NOW GET TO WORK ON THAT ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I probably should not say this, but jeez, he does look old in this picture! Get yourself a haircut (like on the popmart tour) please, hero of mine….!
I probably should not say this, but jeez, he does look old in this picture! Get yourself a haircut (like on the popmart tour) please, hero of mine….!
Well, at least Mrs. Coretta Scott King still looks a little bit older… 😉
Well, at least Mrs. Coretta Scott King still looks a little bit older… 😉
Thanks for the transcript. ‘Journey of Equality’ indeed. Good work fella.
Thanks for the transcript. ‘Journey of Equality’ indeed. Good work fella.
Isnt the album finnished ? i herd its out in may 2004 so they must have completed it im so happy about may rather then the roumoured decmeber know i love my u2 and yes bono needs to cut the long hair and go more retro hehe
Isnt the album finnished ? i herd its out in may 2004 so they must have completed it im so happy about may rather then the roumoured decmeber know i love my u2 and yes bono needs to cut the long hair and go more retro hehe
Absolutely incredible that Cindy can break her neck doing such an exhaustive job of reporting and writing here, not just on Bono’s involvement, but on the legacy of Dr. King, his words, his work, and most of what she gets in response is, where’s the album, he looks old, cut your hair Bon? A new U2 album is a grand part of life, it’s NOT A WHOLE LIFE, even for U2! There is so much to learn, to think about, to consider, in what Cindy wrote…Thanks for the incredible job Cindy, I needed to read that right now, because it is awfully hard not to come to the conclusion that, given the two choices on the church signboard, the obvious one is “perish as fools.”
Absolutely incredible that Cindy can break her neck doing such an exhaustive job of reporting and writing here, not just on Bono’s involvement, but on the legacy of Dr. King, his words, his work, and most of what she gets in response is, where’s the album, he looks old, cut your hair Bon? A new U2 album is a grand part of life, it’s NOT A WHOLE LIFE, even for U2! There is so much to learn, to think about, to consider, in what Cindy wrote…Thanks for the incredible job Cindy, I needed to read that right now, because it is awfully hard not to come to the conclusion that, given the two choices on the church signboard, the obvious one is “perish as fools.”
perhaps we’ve got our answer regarding new albums and the like… bono realises that he actually has the chance of making a difference in the world – saving lives. so if that means the album will have to wait another 20 years… so be it. nice work cindee ;o)
perhaps we’ve got our answer regarding new albums and the like… bono realises that he actually has the chance of making a difference in the world – saving lives. so if that means the album will have to wait another 20 years… so be it. nice work cindee ;o)
BONO! GO BACK TO THE STUDIO AND WORK HARD TO FINISH THE ALBUM! RIGHT NOW! IT’S AN ORDER!
BONO! GO BACK TO THE STUDIO AND WORK HARD TO FINISH THE ALBUM! RIGHT NOW! IT’S AN ORDER!
Shut up bob, selfish bitch
Shut up bob, selfish bitch
Bob’s right!!!Why don’t you go make a difference so Bono won’t have to? If you take over for him, he can GO FINISH THE ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob’s right!!!Why don’t you go make a difference so Bono won’t have to? If you take over for him, he can GO FINISH THE ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep it down folks. You’re giving us a headache with all the yelling at Bono… he can’t hear you.
Keep it down folks. You’re giving us a headache with all the yelling at Bono… he can’t hear you.
Wait, Bono is in a band? He’s a musician? Coulda fooled me.
Wait, Bono is in a band? He’s a musician? Coulda fooled me.
When Bono gets back to the studio:
Larry: “Hey, you, who do you think you are, just waltzing into our studio like that?”
Edge: “Um, Larry, I think that’s our singer. What’s-his-name.”
Larry: “Really? Hmm. I guess we’ll have to tell Paul O’Neil that he can’t be the new singer after all.”
Adam: *smokes and nods in a cool way*
When Bono gets back to the studio:
Larry: “Hey, you, who do you think you are, just waltzing into our studio like that?”
Edge: “Um, Larry, I think that’s our singer. What’s-his-name.”
Larry: “Really? Hmm. I guess we’ll have to tell Paul O’Neil that he can’t be the new singer after all.”
Adam: *smokes and nods in a cool way*
My admiration for Bono only grows with time and that’s saying something! He is the MLK, the John Lennon, the Bob Marley and the Mother Teresa of our generation. So, please excuse him if he wants to take a couple of more months with the new album, I think we’ll live…
My admiration for Bono only grows with time and that’s saying something! He is the MLK, the John Lennon, the Bob Marley and the Mother Teresa of our generation. So, please excuse him if he wants to take a couple of more months with the new album, I think we’ll live…
will everyone just forget about the album for a minute? Bono is an extraordinary example, and human being. Quit being so selfish. U2 have given us enough already anything else is a gift so quit squalkin’.
will everyone just forget about the album for a minute? Bono is an extraordinary example, and human being. Quit being so selfish. U2 have given us enough already anything else is a gift so quit squalkin’.
i more and more get the impression that all the people endlessly wailing for the fookin album to be released simply don
i more and more get the impression that all the people endlessly wailing for the fookin album to be released simply don
I’ve recorded in a studio before. I know how it works. U2 take FOREVER to record. Yes, Bono is doing great things, but he’s ignoring the thing he’s best at.
I’ve recorded in a studio before. I know how it works. U2 take FOREVER to record. Yes, Bono is doing great things, but he’s ignoring the thing he’s best at.
I am really tired of hearing people whine about the new damn album. These people are actual live human beings with their actual own interests. They, all four of them, are allowed to do what they damn well see fit with their lives. These men are humans first and musicians second and we’re all damned lucky they got together in the first place. If they never recorded another song the magic of what they’ve already given us would be enough to sustain me until death.
I am really tired of hearing people whine about the new damn album. These people are actual live human beings with their actual own interests. They, all four of them, are allowed to do what they damn well see fit with their lives. These men are humans first and musicians second and we’re all damned lucky they got together in the first place. If they never recorded another song the magic of what they’ve already given us would be enough to sustain me until death.
Oh he looks so happy in that picture… Thank you U2log! Bono: we love you
Oh he looks so happy in that picture… Thank you U2log! Bono: we love you
Hugefan, that’s a very nice remark. He does indeed look very happy. This effort is clearly feeding his soul. How can anyone doubt that these humanitarian/spiritual efforts have in the past and will in the future feed the music and the message? And it’s ridiculous to suggest that because he makes himself available for this kind of event, he’s absenting himself from the studio. Who amongst us doesn’t enjoy the occasional (or even frequent) social event, and still is able to handle a full work load? These events that Bono attends are sporadic at best, yet he gets totally shited upon for nor holding up his end in the creative process. What bollocks!
Hugefan, that’s a very nice remark. He does indeed look very happy. This effort is clearly feeding his soul. How can anyone doubt that these humanitarian/spiritual efforts have in the past and will in the future feed the music and the message? And it’s ridiculous to suggest that because he makes himself available for this kind of event, he’s absenting himself from the studio. Who amongst us doesn’t enjoy the occasional (or even frequent) social event, and still is able to handle a full work load? These events that Bono attends are sporadic at best, yet he gets totally shited upon for nor holding up his end in the creative process. What bollocks!
It seems to me the bulk of U2 “fans” are just plain ignorant. Bono is doing what his heart is telling him to do. Just because he’s being honored and accepting awards, doesnt mean that he isn’t recording an album. As I write this, I second rupe’s comments. And whatever album everyone selfishly wanting for themselves from U2…I hope they don’t get it.
It seems to me the bulk of U2 “fans” are just plain ignorant. Bono is doing what his heart is telling him to do. Just because he’s being honored and accepting awards, doesnt mean that he isn’t recording an album. As I write this, I second rupe’s comments. And whatever album everyone selfishly wanting for themselves from U2…I hope they don’t get it.
Well rock_martyr, you’re ignorant. Both Bono and Edge have commented on how Bono’s charity work has interfered with the bands recording. This is FACT. His social work is getting in the way of his band work. When Edge makes a comment like “now if only Bono would get back here and finish the lyric” it’s having it’s effect.
Well rock_martyr, you’re ignorant. Both Bono and Edge have commented on how Bono’s charity work has interfered with the bands recording. This is FACT. His social work is getting in the way of his band work. When Edge makes a comment like “now if only Bono would get back here and finish the lyric” it’s having it’s effect.
Scott, I believe I speak for all loggers, I have never read one of your posts that wasn’t agressive, selfish or your favorite word…ignorant! Go away!
Scott, I believe I speak for all loggers, I have never read one of your posts that wasn’t agressive, selfish or your favorite word…ignorant! Go away!
Not the bob above. Just remember that people here (including me) are not a good representation of U2’s ‘average’ fanbase. Shouters shouldn’t influence our view of the whole world. Go U2! Hooray for Bono!
Not the bob above. Just remember that people here (including me) are not a good representation of U2’s ‘average’ fanbase. Shouters shouldn’t influence our view of the whole world. Go U2! Hooray for Bono!
scott, i suppose you must have a chat every week or so with edge about that, otherwise how could you seriously know…?!
scott, i suppose you must have a chat every week or so with edge about that, otherwise how could you seriously know…?!
God forbid someone has a strong opinion they stand behind. I’m guessing wishy-washy is in order.
God forbid someone has a strong opinion they stand behind. I’m guessing wishy-washy is in order.
From a Jan 4 update on atu2.com: Edge jokingly but somewhat pointedly remarked, “Bono can just tear himself away from saving the world for long enough to finish the lyrics”.
There are other comments. I’ll look them up.
From a Jan 4 update on atu2.com: Edge jokingly but somewhat pointedly remarked, “Bono can just tear himself away from saving the world for long enough to finish the lyrics”.
There are other comments. I’ll look them up.
why are we here? no really why do humans exist? I mean it is obviously not to love, not to care, not help each other, and most certainly not to feed our soul with something substantial. Now here’s one person making the most of his existence and instead of letting him be, we rag on him for denying us of some more material pleasure along the way…I don’t get it…just cause we’re a pathetic excuse for living (I mean really what will be our contribution to society besides an SUV to be buried somewhere further polluting the Earth?) doesn’t mean everyone should be…bless him for being naive and thinking he can do something to change humanity’s miserable existence…reality is that the only thing that will change the world is when we all stop being the way are…selfish and lazy…but since that will never happen we might as let him do as he pleases cause it’s better than what we’re doing, which is worst than nothing, we
why are we here? no really why do humans exist? I mean it is obviously not to love, not to care, not help each other, and most certainly not to feed our soul with something substantial. Now here’s one person making the most of his existence and instead of letting him be, we rag on him for denying us of some more material pleasure along the way…I don’t get it…just cause we’re a pathetic excuse for living (I mean really what will be our contribution to society besides an SUV to be buried somewhere further polluting the Earth?) doesn’t mean everyone should be…bless him for being naive and thinking he can do something to change humanity’s miserable existence…reality is that the only thing that will change the world is when we all stop being the way are…selfish and lazy…but since that will never happen we might as let him do as he pleases cause it’s better than what we’re doing, which is worst than nothing, we
I’d just like to say that the last me comment wasn’t from me, but i (me) to agree with every word the other me said.
thanks me
me.
I’d just like to say that the last me comment wasn’t from me, but i (me) to agree with every word the other me said.
thanks me
me.
thats one fine post me!
thats one fine post me!
ah well thank you twin…didn’t know you existed…no worries *points to name*
ah well thank you twin…didn’t know you existed…no worries *points to name*
Scott…If you responded to my post; you must be one of the bunch. I didn’t specifically call anyone here ignorant. I am sick and tired of U2 “fans”, on this log and off that whimper and whine about wanting a new U2 album(there’s nothing wrong with that), BUT simultaneously bitch about Bono not being in the studio(which he his), his accepting awards, giving speeches, his shedding light on a long overdue world epidemic, being honored, or him just giving a shit. You learn to play an instrument and go into a studio and see how long you can stayed holed up without taking a break.
Scott…If you responded to my post; you must be one of the bunch. I didn’t specifically call anyone here ignorant. I am sick and tired of U2 “fans”, on this log and off that whimper and whine about wanting a new U2 album(there’s nothing wrong with that), BUT simultaneously bitch about Bono not being in the studio(which he his), his accepting awards, giving speeches, his shedding light on a long overdue world epidemic, being honored, or him just giving a shit. You learn to play an instrument and go into a studio and see how long you can stayed holed up without taking a break.