Bono celebrated his 65th birthday on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the life of the legendary U2 frontman. Born Paul David Hewson in Dublin on May 10th, 1960, he earned the nickname Bono during his teenage years. Initially known as "Bono Vox of O'Connell Street," the name was eventually shortened to Bono. "Bono Vox" is derived from the Latin phrase "Bonavox," which translates to "good voice."
Throughout his career, Bono has been a vocal advocate for various humanitarian causes, including the fight against AIDS and hunger. He believes that celebrity status can be a powerful tool for shining a light on important issues and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard. He said, "If celebrity has anything to offer, it’s that you can use your celebrity to shine a light on issues and put a spotlight on people whose voices are not heard." He emphasizes that the most significant contribution he can make is to combat the structural causes of poverty, which are complex and multifaceted.
Bono's activism has taken him to some of the world's most troubled regions. He has witnessed the famine in Ethiopia firsthand and traveled to Central America during the conflicts in El Salvador and Nicaragua. His commitment to seeing things for himself really underscores his dedication to addressing global issues.
Bono is the second member of U2 to reach the age of 65, following bassist Adam Clayton, who celebrated his birthday in March. The band's other members, The Edge and Larry Mullen, will join them in the 65-and-over club next year.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]