Bono’s Classless Act – Endorsed by ‘The Won’
by Pam MeisterI’ll admit up front: I’ve never been a U2 fan. I never really understood the appeal of their self-righteous brand of music, and frontman Bono, with his made-up solo moniker (real name Paul David Hewson) and ever-present see-through wraparound sunglasses, simply irritates me.
Yet I was willing to give him some credit for working with former President Bush on a cause they both believed in – AIDS and poverty in Africa – even though he disagreed with Bush’s stance on Iraq. I honestly don’t think throwing all the money in the world at Africa will change anything there unless the tin pot dictators on that continent are all tossed out on their hineys – and I believe fellow rock star philanthropist Bob Geldof said something similar - but that’s beside the point. I might think even more of Bono if he were to give all of his own massive fortune to the needy in Africa before he lectures the rest of us about our “responsibility,” but I doubt even his philanthropic tendencies go that far. If he did, how could he afford to do things that only rich folks can do, like have his favorite hat flown from the UK to Italy because he forgot it?
But cool rock stars have their limits. Apparently the B Man reached his when Bush tried to give him a hug at a prayer breakfast a couple of years ago. Adroitly dodging the president by scooting behind the podium, he shook his hand instead. Apparently Bush was good for soaking for taxpayer money for Bono’s cause, but that didn’t merit a hug.
Surprisingly, the media failed to pick up on that little maneuver until this week, when Bono admitted to the dodge in a BBC interview. Why mention it now? Apparently he felt bad about it, but since no one noticed it, why point it out publicly and humiliate someone who is no longer in the public eye? He could have just written Bush a private note saying “sorry, dude.” But I’m a little more cynical – I’m thinking he knew about the buzz of publicity that would accompany his little admission. See, with Bush out of office and criticizing Obama being verboten in the media, even new evidence of old Bush-bashing would immediately be picked up on and go viral. When a world tour is looming, any publicity will work in a pinch.
But someone did notice Bono hiding behind the podium that day – then-Sen. Barack Obama, who reportedly said to Bono afterward, “Nice work with the hug dodge.” This is a man who knows all about the sneaky insult. Remember the middle-finger nose scratch? Both Hillary Clinton and John McCain were recipients of that bit. How about his “lipstick on a pig” zinger, which many thought was aimed at Sarah Palin? More class than you can serve with Wagyu steak.
One of the commenters on the Yahoo post linked above makes a good point (emphasis mine):
It’s really convenient that the news media has found an excuse for everything we see that might put Pres Barry in a bad light. They never came close to trying to make Bush look good. Even now, this story coming out makes it look like the two “cool” kids in school had an inside joke behind the reject’s back. The only reason Bush was a reject, the only reason anyone is a reject in the public eye is based on media stance. If they love you, you’re a rock star. If they don’t, you’re Adolf Hitler.
Yep. Bono and Obama – part of the clique of their own creation. Only not everyone is as impressed with them as they are with themselves.
Here’s a hint: not all the money in the world can buy you class.







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182 Comments
I guess I am with you on U2. I love music, but never really cared as much for them as many.
I am also with you on Obama as classless.
Great article, Pam. I was admittedly a U2 fan for a long time, however that was more because I didn't pay attention to their lyrics or whenever they opened their mouths off-stage. The first time I did that was also the last time I bought anything from them. FYI, I'm 28 so I was too young to pay attention to them when they did their whole flag-waving "no-war" garbage.
What I find fascinating is that people who have more money than Scrooge McDuck continue to urge us to toss money at these nations that have no desire to take care of themselves. For how many years now have people donated money for Africa? Has anything gotten better there?
Oh, and like this even needs repeating, but yes, Obama's a totally classless pos.
Thick Mick with a tiny stick!!!!! Never met a bleeding heart cause he didn't suck up too…..POS
Thick Mick with a tiny stick!!!!! Never met a bleeding heart cause he didn't suck up to…..POS
No class, no substance, no truth. Nothing to look up to except a person who believes the end justifies the means .Corruption and lies in the heart of a Dictator wannabe. He is beyond any Party in America. He is no Freedom and Liberty Fighter. He is above our Constitution. To support this man is Un-American. He is on a road to destroy this country and create the one according to his radical wet dream.
Their keyboard player is a personal friend of mine, but the band, and especially Bono are tremendously overrated. If they weren't so progressively political, nobody would even know who they were. Bono is a socialist jerk, IMHO, and should be slapped for his back stabbing of all the help that President Bush gave to Africa. Mr Bush has done more for Arfica and any of the so called black leaders in America have, combined. These guys slober out of both sides of their mouths!
Bono should have kept his mouth shut. He'd earned some grudging respect from me for being willing to work across the ideological divide. After this, does he think a Republican president will ever work with him again? He's smart enough to know that it won't happen.
Looking cool to whoever it is he feels the need to look cool in front of is more important to him than fighting AIDS. That's clear now, and it's pathetic.
And for the record, I am a fan of U2's music, through Zooropa at least.
You love music. That answer's why you don't care for U2.
And ………..If it wasn't for "Pro Tools" U2 would still be a garage band………………..
Obama has no class and neither does Bono. I'm with Pam. If he really cared so much about the Africans' plight, why not give all but a million of his his personal fortune to African AID.
boom there it is!!
I'm willing to bet that some of the money that President Bush had shipped over to Africa through the years helped Obama's brother at some point……..Barry won't send a plugged nickel to the guy but "W" did……..
Your logic is irrefutable.
What a shame that Bonehed (his new moniker) couldn't resist jumping on the "Ass-Clowns for Obama" bandwagon.
At one point he actually praised "W" for his help on Africa, but I guess the party invitations started to dry up, so he decided to become a lesser man and point out this "snub" of Bush (which, I'll bet, Bush didn't even notice), in order to be, once again, embraced by the liberal fold.
Shame on you Paul Hewson. You and Obama deserve each other!
Gordon, good point. Let's hope we may elect a Republican President again. All this media backlash, it is like they want the Republican Party to fail and go out of existence. I doubt if that will happen, no matter how strong the drive by media is at making kings and has beens.
Pam, I agree. These no class liberals would never make at a tea party. Obama and President Barry would be laughed off the stage. That is why they hate us. Not only because of our freedom, but because they know no one will listen to them and ogle them like they stars they aren't. Now Sarah Palin, there is someone with class.
I guess for Bono's world tour the phrase of the tour will be… "Hey Bono, Snub this!"?
And I don't care how much they try to explain the handshake snubs… Obama got snubbed by everyone in Russia it seems, (no matter how much they try to spin it… and the article itself linked to in the above tries it)
I didn't know they had a keyboard player.
U2's last good album was Achtung Baby circa 1990. As far as U2's philanthropy, its very telling that they base their business in one of the best tax haven's in the world. Do as I say, not as I do.
It's a good point – it's not like he won't make the money back. I mean, the guy could pass gas into a mic and it'll sell a million copies, and sell thousands of tickets when he goes on his "What Did I Eat??" tour. None of these people put their money where their mouths are, though.
I don't care what Boner(whoops) has done for anyone, he is still just so much doggy doo to me.
The money U2 rakes in on just one of there world tours could "buy" an African country!
I haven't heard a memorable U2 song since 1981…this Irish egomaniac is insignifigant relative to the good W tried to do in Africa…screw 'm, the wanker…
does anyone remember the southpark episode with bono???????
funny stuff…….
Tell Bono to just shut up and sing
Karma will catch up to him soon enough
Wow, so many people who feel the same way I always have about U2! A bunch of self-righteous idiots who like to spend other people's money. My "favorite" story about Bono is about the time he went to the White House to meet with then pres. Clinton. He had just met with the pope a few weeks previously. It seems the pope asked to try on Bono's sunglasses. Bono obliged, but the pope never gave them back. So when Clinton also asked to try on Bono's shades, he declined. I guess he didn't want to have to fork over another grand. But it's ok if we send billions to that cr*phole of a continent Africa! P.S. I also can't stand Springsteen!!!
What keyboard player?
Bono is a pompous ass. Obama is…well, you get my point. They're good company for each other. If Obama had any real leadership ability he would have told Bono to show a little respect. Truth is, Obama is a creation of the culture that also allowed U2 to become saviours of the world, a little bubble world where they are adored and fawned over. Those of us in the real world labor under no such illusions. Given Obama's poll numbers and the reviews of U2's latest album, they may be coming to join us.
I will admit to being a fan of U2 since the early 80's, but rock&roll isn't really about intellectual content as much as it is loud guitars and drums and sing-alongs in large arenas. I still listen to their albums, and even get the new ones, but I wrote Bono off long ago when I actually heard him speak. Even as a teenager I could tell that here was another fool who drinks his own bath water. Though he's the singer, I think the following phrase is still appropriate: Shut up and play your guitar.
We won't let him destroy this country. NO WE WON'T!! Even it if means abandoning the liberals and their government and taking care of ourselves, we won't. The solution is to abandon the government and let it crash. Tighten your belts, one person at a time, and be prepared to defend yourself by any means necessary against the parasites. Obama Spend-O-Rama is bankrupting the nation, don't let him bankrupt you. When the system collapses on the Democrats watch, they will have lost all credibility.
I am John Galt.
There is plenty of talent out there that struggles in obscurity because they will not tow the line for the rich liberal entertainment execs who use actors and musicians as mouthpieces for their agenda.
Pirated music, pirated video. Viva la revolution. Leave the spoiled entertainment class high and dry.
Exactly!
Always nice to see a world-famous musician and the POTUS (no less) patting themselves on the backs for being classless boors. I suppose that Bono needs to remind people that he is still "hip and transgressive" despite his tons of money, international accolades and, oh yeah, most-favored-nation status at the White House. What better way to do that than to bring up a chestnut from the Bush years? Wow is this guy ever an "in-your-face" rebel!!!! He ducks endure an embrace from someone that everyone in his particular class already despised. Nothing like a little risk-free bravery to show everyone what a cool guy you are. And he gets an "attaboy" from "King of Cool" himself.
Absolutely, it's a great episode. I loved how it slammed Bono and Katie Couric.
That's what baffled me about this. I read the article Hewson wrote in praise of Bush's efforts in Africa– so the whole "hug dodge" thing seems really childish and bizarre. But I guess anything is fair game in the name of publicity and being able to sit at the table with the "cool" kids. What an infantile egomaniac.
People love Bono because they see themselves in him. He's who they aspire to be. Living the life, bangin' hot chicks. Being so bling they can fly their favorite hat from out of town.
And he REALLY cares. He really cares about all of his fans. Why, if any one of us were to meet him, he'd greet us like an old friend! We'd talk all about how hard it was to write in those early days. The flood of pain and anger was so strong that he wept when he wrote and we wept when we heard.
*Sigh*
Where was I?
FINALLY! Some one else that has the good taste to dislike U2!!!!! I have also never understood their appeal. They are as overrated as Bruce Springsteen! And Bonehead, or whatever his moniker is, what a typical left-wing boor!
Didn't Bono urge nations to spend more helping developing nations, and then move in order to reduce his own tax load? The message, of course, being "you should spend other people's money the way I tell you to."
Why should I care what he thinks, again?
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV dir=ltr align=left>They have a keyboard player that sits off stage. Many big bands do this, along with extra guitar players and singers. It fortifies the live sound. Mayn use a keyboard player with their vocal tracks onboard so they can bolster the vocals.</DIV>
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I always referred to U2 music as suicide music back in the day. So dirge like. Bono is so pompous he makes that other uni-named nit Sting look modest by comparison.
Yep!
Pathetic!
I always refer to Bono as Boner.
Also, besides their last album being a rip-off of the Eagles of Death Metal, U2 is pretty innovative.
When he wrestles with his conscience, he sells tickets.
Bono, yet another celebutard who tales himself wayyy tooo seriously. Bono, dude weren't you the one who said no President did more for Africa than W? Just wondering where the love was man. A real man of compassion and decency would have embraced W right back and told The One he would have done the same for him if he'd been offered. Somehow I can't imagine that tool wanting to embrace anyone who is a lesser being, so too bad for Bono.
U2 does NOT have a keyboard player and never has. Bono is a pandering suck-up.
I thought what Bono did was classless, but seriously people … War, Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum, Achtung Baby – I'm not even a that big of a U2 fan (never been to a show), but this idea that their music sucks or is overrated is absurd. I'm in the class that says to musicians, whatever their thoughts on politics, shut up and play your guitar or suffer the consequences, but U2 is (or at least was) a great, great band. I love music, and U2's '- especially J-Tree and R/H – is beautiful.
Hate an artist's politics, that's fine. But don't deny the goodness in their work – most successful artists, including writers, musicians, painters, sculptors, actors and filmmakers, especially in the modern world – are people who live abhorrent, hypocritical lifestyles, to say nothing of being unrepentant narcissists or mentally-tortured depressives. Not all, but most. I may dislike – to cite a favorite example – Alec Baldwin's political views, but the man can do drama in his sleep, and there is no funnier guest star on SNL.
For anyone between the age of 25 and 50 who likes popular music, U2's offered up more gems for our enjoyment than 99 percent of bands out there – smug? Sure. Hypocrites? Absolutely. Overrated? Hardly.
Wow, another article slamming Bono. What's next — another piece bashing Janeane Garofalo? There's plenty of other topics you guys can be covering. Does anyone who writes for this site actually work in or follow the industry? If so, then you'd have a field day with the Haim Saban tax scandal. Google, "Haim Saban", "tax"… you're welcome.
It's funny that Bono and Obama keep pretending to be so transcendent and post-partisan and yet they keep descending back into childish Us vs. Them politics. It's George W. Bush who should have been dodging Bono (including dodging his bs policy advice)
I'm with all of you who held Bono in some regard — higher than most every other politicized rock star — for his willingness to work with Bush and treat him with some regard and respect, but this incident just shows Bono to be another classless, celebrity jerk.
Bush couldn't have been more gracious or respectful of Bono. As President he treated Bono and the issues important to him seriously and in return get this.
Like Pam says, you can't buy class. And my bad for investing a little something good in Bono. Even though his type always disappoint, I never seem to learn.
I'm with all of you who held Bono in some regard — higher than most every other politicized rock star — for his willingness to work with Bush and treat him with some regard and respect, but this incident just shows Bono to be another classless, celebrity jerk.
Bush couldn't have been more gracious or respectful of Bono. As President he treated Bono and the issues important to him seriously and in return gets this.
Like Pam says, you can't buy class. And my bad for investing a little something good in Bono. Even though his type always disappoint, I never seem to learn.
Did any of you people actually watch the BBC interview? Bono was giving full-props to President Bush for his work on Aids and poverty in Africa…Bono even called himself a "coward" for dodging the hug. Here's a rock star, publicly admitting he was wrong to snub W., bringing attention to W's good works and praising the man on TV, and you accuse him of trying to drum up publicity for his world tour? (that is already mostly sold-out!). Gimme a break. This sort of blinkered thinking is why the Republican Party is dying! Show some class, conservatives! It's ironic that a pro-business, anti-tax Christian rock star who encourages TRADE with the 3rd World to help combat poverty and disease (look up DATA.org) is getting the shaft by you people. Jesus, indeed!
Actually, CBK, I have some of their albums and have been to some of their shows. I can state from personal knowledge that yes, they are overrated. Their music simply wears thin quickly. After about three listens, it just gets dull.
Think of it this way, James B.: Pelosi claims she has the votes for Obamacare, but the senate says no way before August recess. Maybe today actually is "A Beautiful Day" afterall!!!
I noticed that some posting here are asking why Bono is still demanding that others give money while he is still stinking rich. In the liberal leftist handbook, rule 51B clearly states that money you browbeat others into donating counts for you in the whole karma thingy. Then you can spend your own money on cool hats, flights for cool hats and sunglasses you can't actually wear in the sun.
Think of it this way, James B.: Pelosi claims she has the votes for Obamacare, but the senate says no way before August recess. Maybe today actually is "A Beautiful Day" after all!!!
IntenseDebate Notification <DIV dir=ltr align=left>I agree about Bono, but you have no idea what you are talking about, as far as the keyboard player. He's not part of the band, he's the keyboard tech/player behind the curtains. They'd sound like crap without the fortification.</DIV>
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I don't think personal taste, liking or not liking the music or live show, has anything to do with being overrated. Their best albums continue to sell and they remain a global act after three decades in the game. That's not overrated, from a pop-rock perspective, it's almost unheard of.
I don't want to become U2's public defender at BH, but a band does not sell 150 million albums because their music sucks, and they're not a band that only had One Good Album or One or Two Good Songs. They're a lot of things good and bad when it comes to music, but they're aren't overrated.
I think there's way too much man-hugging going on these days, anyway. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned manly handshakes? The Feminization of the world goes on.
For a different take on charity for Africa, seek out the book Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo of Zambia who writes about the harm done to the continent inadvertantly by do-gooders like Bono.
http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Aid-Working-Better-Afr...
The only man I hug is my cousin, were allowed. WE'RE ITAIALINS!!!
This is why I never buy anything that is marked with Bono's (red) campaign. Always thought it was a scam of some sort. Nowhere near the money generated by that is sent to Africa. Maybe less than 10%. Just a scam to sell stuff.
Had a chance to buy a cheap copy of Windows Vista Ulitmate, when I saw it was marked (red), I balked. None of my money is going to that wastehole.
Music aside (and I do love every other album), Bono has really shown how worthless he really is.
Given the chance to show gratitude or respect for someone who holds your cause dear ($15 billion dear) or take a cheap shot to appeal to the popular crowd, Bono makes the idiot choice. At least have the decency to remain silent.
"And my bad for investing a little something good in Bono. Even though his type always disappoint, I never seem to learn. "
Strange, it does feel a little sting-ee. Yes hes is a liberal, yes there is too much politics in his music, but he did seem to have some credibility.
Isn't the guy's name Terry Lawless?
Obama and Bono are both noveau riche low-rent bottom feeders.
This from a conservative… You conservatives are really showing yourselves to be clueless, close-minded wankers. Do your homework before you shut down your brains completely. These kinds of comments are exactly why conservatises are about as relevant as an Amish buggy these days.
Bono lobbied Bush (made surprise visits to Bush out around the country and rode on Air Force One more than once) to spend money in Africa….that was done and then some…. Bono loses credibility for not only acting disrespectful, two-faced, lacking in character, but also then relaying his antic as a comedic highlight of his life.
Oh well, all I can say is one less artist from which to choose when buying music AND Bono, baby, what goes around, comes around.
As far as "iWon" goes….he stopped maturing at some point in his childhood (From a psychological viewpoint, he acts as though he has some deep emotional scars from his secretive past). He is so willing to poke fun at others, use fictitious straw man remarks, lie without shame ……but HE CANNOT TAKE CRITICISM. iWon Baby, what goes around, comes around and I hope you can take it!
I think the time will come when Obama never sets foot outside of the White House because he will have become so soundly despised. Then he will not have to worry that people duck behind a podium to miss him because no one will be there to see him should he dare to show himself in a public place. A great many of those who supported him initially are going to be among those hit hardest by the economic disaster heading our way and they will be among the first to shun Obama. But then I am not always right.
Well, I have to admit I've always been a big fan of U2. I've also always known that Bono is a bit full of himself, but I've always just ignored it and chalked it up to the typical ego of a rock star. He's even admitted that he has a huge ego. I like their music (this most recent album being a disappointment), and their concerts are entertaining. So, I'm disappointed that he'd act like such a brat, but not really surprised. This all smacks of high school-ish behavior – you're one of the cool kids so you'd better not let the other cool kids see you being nice to the school nerd or you'll face raised eyebrows and ridicule from all your buddies. Obama, being the Coolest of the Cool Kids, pats Bono on the back and congratulates him for acting like a jerk. Bono knows it was jerk move, but still didn't have the guts to be a man and just give GW a hug. Celebrities. Insecure cowards.
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Yo, unregistered commenter, if you are going to call the nice person a liar then you better have some proof.
One of my favorites. Randy Marsh is by far my favorite character on that show.
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This is the point where a polite person apologizes, BTW.
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And some quick Googling has shown YOU to be wrong,
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lawless
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at least one keyboard player who has worked with U2, with pics.
test lawless.com
test
U2
test
keyboard
test
player
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And some quick Googling has shown YOU to be wrong,
test terr
I can agree with you about U2's music. Some of it is beautiful. Alec Baldwin? Can't even bear to look at the fly-blown, bloated creep.
Well, it's great that he called himself a coward – because he was. Why mention that Obama was even there and approved of his cowardly dodge? He could've left that part out totally. It certainly doesn't make either one of them look good.
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It's so funny how the MSM's only reaction to this is "Gee Whiz, NOTHING gets past that smartie Obama", not a word about what a douchey comment it was to make in the first place.
The "cool kids" at the "cool table" making fun of the kids who are really trying to do some good…that just about sums it up.
Thanks.
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I think at this point Europe will be relieved. They appreciate that we get them out of messes, military and economic, and can already tell that we might not be able to do so for awhile. It was one thing when we looked to be flirting with socialism, Europe did so and is now trying to get out of it. Now that the ring is on the finger and the first unholy spawn are getting spewed out of Congress, I think they are getting nervous.
There is that Blackberry tune from the commercial right now, it hangs around a bit. Of course I had a MJ tune stuck in my head for a few days recently, so I guess it means nothing.
Because giving money and praying are the best two ways to feel better about any situation while doing absolutely nothing at all about it
Or, he is just latching onto the next President to suck out some more aid. Since the Occupant in Chief will not even send his extended family a fiver, Bono will have a lot of hard work to pull that off.
I have heard of bands that are only distributed on the internet, $1 downloads, and this was even before iTunes. Without the record labels grabbing their cut, it was reported they can do fairly well, and of course they retain complete rights and control of their music.
The funny thing about this is Bono's timing in releasing this little tidbid is just off, kind of in the same way he seemed a page behind in getting with the cool celebrities the last two years in orgasming for Obama and trashing Bush.
I suppose he didn't want to say anything at a time when Bush still controlled funding for the pet programs Bono wanted, but if he was hoping to make the biggest impact with this story — at least in the U.S. — he should have dropped it sometime between Election Day and about the end of April, when the Obama psychosis among the media and the celeb world was at its highest. Instead, he comes out with this at a point when his poll numbers and health care plans are tanking, and only the core true believers are going to think something like this negates all the crap Obama's been both dishing out and taking from conservatives and moderates. If his musical timing was this bad Bono would be a 50-year-old Irish pub singer right now.
Disgusting and classless, the both of them.
I respected Bono for working with and being respectful of President Bush even if they didn't agree on everything. That's gone out the window now. And I'm loving Obama's "post-partisanship." W never would've disrespected him like this. Apparently, "bipartisan"=toeing the leftist party line. President Bush was pure class; that's far more than I can say for his successor.
No, they don't sell millions of records because their music sucks, they sell millions of records because millions of people have marginal taste. Just ask Neil Diamond.
I don't agree, but well played.
+1
It's probably one of those things where they hire someone to do the keyboard work…like Depeche Mode or Duran Duran hiring people to fill in for whatever they don't play when they tour.
This is something that both left and right blog commenters have always done. If an artist gives an opinion contrary to the commenters beliefs, then the artist is suddenly a has-been, or talentless, or d-list. It's really annoying.
I like how you get accused of not knowing what you're talking about when it's common knowledge that most of these bands hire extra musicians to fill in parts on stage, a major one being a keyboard player, not to mention that The Edge techinically did keyboard work in the studios as well.
It's really ignorant for someone to think that it'll just be the 4 of them (or any band) on stage and still be able to replicate the sound they make in the studio, not to mention that as huge as their shows are, it'd be an awfully empty stage with just a few guys on it.
Good thing it's not your website, then.
Do us all a favor and go back to Huffington Post.
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