Bono Vox

Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960) known as

Bono, is the lead singer and principal lyricist of the Irish
rock band U2. Bono is also widely known for his work as
an activist on behalf of Africa.
Bono is almost never seen in public without wearing
sunglasses. During a Rolling Stone interview he stated:
"[I have] very sensitive eyes to light. If somebody takes my
photograph, I will see the flash for the rest of the day. My
right eye swells up. I have a blockage there, so that my
eyes go red a lot. So it's part vanity, it's part privacy, and
part sensitivity."
Bono is widely known by his humanitarian work
around the world. He started it in 1979 when he decided to
go on tour in favor of the Amnesty International. Since then, he performed a lot of
beneficent shows and tours around the world, including the Live Aid in 1986, and the
Live 8 in 2007. He also runs a foundation with Bobby Shriver - Product Red - that
raises money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Bono is
currently an active public spokesperson for the brand.
Product Red is a brand which is licensed to partner companies such as American
Express, Apple Computer, Converse, Motorola, The Gap and Giorgio Armani. Each
company will create a product with the Product Red logo and a percentage of the profits
from the sale of these labeled products will go to the Global Fund.

Adapted text from Wikipedia

After reading the text, discuss with a partner:

REMEMBER: a discussion is not only saying yes and no. You have really to share
experience, showing your point of view, talking about examples and information you
know. Try to convince the other person, try to really show what you think.

1. What kind of person do you think Bono Vox is? What kind of work he does? Do
you know any other information about him?
2. Some music critics and also U2 fans say that Bono has abandoned the music in
favor of humanitarian work. Some people even say that U2 songs are not as
good as they used to be. Do you think that these statements have any
justification? Do you believe that is possible to dedicate yourself to two things at
the same time – music and humanitarian work, in case of Bono? Have you ever
done two things at the same time?
3. Other critics say that Bono only does charity because of fame. What do you
think about it? If you believe that he does it only to be more famous, do you
think that he is a good example to other people or not? Why?
4. Have you ever had any kind of experience with humanitarian work? If you have,
what kind? What have you done? Do you think it was a good experience?
5. Bono often talks with very important people such as presidents, kings, and
influent politics in favor of peace. Do you think that a person as him – a
musician – has the power to influence these important people? And how about
ordinary people? Are they influenced by Bono?