Bono at age 64: his most iconic moments with U2

Some love him, others not so much. But one thing’s for sure, this Irishman doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. In May 2024, Paul Hewson — his real name — celebrated his 64th birthday. This year also marks the 47th anniversary of U2, a band that, despite ups and downs, is nearing its golden jubilee with its original members. While 47 years are hard to summarize, here are 15 standout moments of Bono and his band.

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The year was 1976, and on the streets of Dublin, four youngsters united by their passion for music came together. It wasn’t until 1983 that the album 'War' catapulted U2 to global fame with hits like 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and 'New Year's Day.'

In 1985, U2 joined global superstars like Queen and David Bowie at the epic Live Aid. Their passionate performance solidified their status as musical leaders and activists.

One of their most acclaimed albums, released in 1987, positioned U2 as one of the greatest bands in history. Hits like 'With or Without You' and 'Where the Streets Have No Name' defined a generation’s voice and won them Grammys for Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.

This 1991 album completely transformed U2's sound and image and is considered their best work. With gems like 'One' and 'Mysterious Ways,' it’s said that this album saved the band’s marriage by keeping them together.

Running from 1992 to 1993 and covering the albums 'Achtung Baby' and 'Zooropa,' this world tour redefined live concerts. U2 was among the first to blend music, technology, and theater into a visually stunning show.

In 1997, in a much more intimate mood, U2 performed in Sarajevo, aiming to show solidarity and hope to a city ravaged by war. The highlight was their duet with Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti on 'Miss Sarajevo.'

Released in 2000, this album marked a return from electronic and party music to their folk and protest roots. Naturally, their fans were quite confused. How could they combine stadiums with a return to their origins?

In 2001, U2 offered the most technologically advanced show in music. All the spectacle led them to the 2002 Super Bowl, kicking off the era of epic halftime shows.

In 2005, after 29 years of making music, the band received this honor, cementing U2's enduring legacy in music history.

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It's impossible to separate Bono from his work in charitable causes. From 2004 to 2006, his humanitarian efforts intensified through the ONE Campaign against poverty and disease, his participation in Live 8, and his work with the UN, among other efforts, culminating with the album ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.’

In 2008, Bono was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A few years later, he was awarded the Peace Summit Award in Paris during a congress that brought together 18 Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Many other recognitions of the same caliber followed for his humanitarian efforts.

'No Line on the Horizon' in 2009, 'Songs of Innocence' in 2014, 'Songs of Experience' in 2017, and the re-releases of their classic albums in later years.

In 2019, with 43 years under their belt, U2 decided to pioneer again by partnering with tech companies to broadcast a virtual reality concert, providing an immersive experience for their fans.

After opening the MGM Sphere in Las Vegas, which offers an immersive experience, U2 presented the U2 UV show 40 times on weekends from September 2023 to March 2, 2024. They closed this series of concerts celebrating the 30th anniversary of ‘Achtung Baby!’

...and they’re already thinking about what to do for the band's 50th anniversary. Not bad for 64 years old!

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