Bono on U2's punk roots, activism and something he rarely talks about: his faith

[@General_Puffball]

This is by far the most interesting interview Bono has given on this press tour. Well done, Tom.

[@MorePlausible]

Tom Power is one of CBC’s best - and a young guy too. He gave the best Adele interview too in her last press cycle.

[@padraigosullivan3975]

I have heard 1000’s of interviews with Bono over a 35 year period. This is one of the best. Tnx both Tom and Bono. Really enjoyed it.

[@thejeanjeanie]

Yes ❤️ yes, YES !

[@Alpha_7227]

Definitely, by far the best. Bono, just seems more relaxed and enjoying the conversation.

[@leonardbakers]

@@padraigosullivan3975 Then surely you have squandered your time here on Earth.

[@jamiehovis7722]

I don’t understand the hostility people have for Bono. Seems sincere enough with a good heart. He isn’t pompous, arrogant, vain, hateful, or any of the things that make people unlikeable. Why the dislike?

[@seanpol9863]

If you want to understand the hostility people have towards Bono, read the article The Frontman Of Empire: How Bono’s “Activism” Serves The Powerful by Alan Macleod.

[@shanequastunningbrave5376]

You're right, you don't understand.

[@lahaza6515]

Few things mainly, but it's old stuff. The earnestness of some of their music, his poses some of the old activism stuff & his penchant for taking himself very seriously. Times have changed. I can't imagine people still feel that way unless they haven't grown. He seems pretty straightforward & humble here.

[@jamiehovis7722]

@@lahaza6515 I suspect it isn’t the earnestness-after all Metallica and Pearl Jam are both beloved earnest rock bands-but their referenced of christian theology that bothers people. I’m not religious myself but I never understood the phobia of religion of many secularists. As for the activism, are you sure we are speaking about the same planet Earth? WTH is wrong with activism, would people prefer Bono to be a selfish calloused debauched hedonist like Mick Jagger? I know would be fascists if not actual fascists on the far right in America today have a problem with activism, hence their fascism, but to be against activism is at best a misunderstanding of history. Unless you’re born into old money and royalty, life was very miserable, difficult, and oppressive for the vast majority of people. It has been activism that has given us most of the best things about society and government like freedom of the press, democracy, worker’s rights, civil rights, etc. to think society is perfect as it is is delusion and vanity.

[@modernchampionmusic81]

Because he's a puppet for the elites that's why

[@tunesidig]

This was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I've seen so many interviews with Bono but this was something special.

[@mysticedge4]

Marcoooooo. HE TALKED ABOUT POP YEAHHHHH

[@RavenGuitar]

Agreed. This was a highly unusual interview.. Bono felt really open and comfortable… Tom is a great interviewer.

[@carolinepercy1216]

✌\m/💝

[@Robil63]

Absolutely

[@svetayasofiya]

Wow. That was fabulous. Tom you have an ability to connect to your subject. This wasn't an interview but a conversation between two men who share a love for music and faith. Well done. You got Bono to open up on stuff he wouldn't normally. You could tell how much he enjoyed that. Thank you for this and bravo to you.

[@carolinepercy1216]

✌\m/💝

[@glennhankins6927]

I can't stand Tom or Bono. Two delusional leftist lunatics that are clueless about the real world.

[@markwoollard]

Couldn't agree more! My wife and I were drawn into the presence (Oneness) that was so magnified by your connection with each other.

[@danielholstead9731]

Genuinely one of the best interviews with Bono. I wish people interviewed Bono about U2's catalogue more often as the segment of him talking about Pop was incredibly insightful.

[@LLC_Turf_Pros]

This is the absolute best personal interview I have ever seen of Bono! I applaud the man giving this interview!

[@athlene110]

Tom Power does it again. His ability to make his interviewees feel at ease and to just have comfortable, yet powerful, powerful, conversations is such a gift. Thank you for sharing your gift Tom and thank you CBC for hiring him to do so. This interview made me cry in a good, good way. I never used to listen to CBC q. I didn't care for it when previous hosts were hosting. Then I tried listening again in 2018 and Tom blew me away. I have been listening to CBC q regularly now since 2018 and it's gotten me through some really hard times. I remember moments in the car when I'd catch it on the radio and I would be so delighted to hear Tom's voice, smiling and excited. What interesting new person would I get to meet that day, what new thing was I going to learn. Thanks again. 😊

[@DavidSpencerShares]

A very tender, honest interview covering Bono’s family, early U2 days, faith and activism. Fascinating! Thank you CBC, q show and Tom Power.

[@stevetaylor317]

What a fantastic interview - serious, profound, philosophical. I love the way it becomes conversational, and Bono asks Tom about his own religious beliefs.

[@blesmiayendo9990]

Great interview! “Laughter is the evidence of freedom “ ❤

[@ianblack5264]

Utterly brilliant interview. So glad Bono explained The Faith and his journey in The Way so transparently. A real blessing.

[@patkeohane5005]

For the first time in a long time I'm so happy see Bono speak candidly about his own faith. We need more ambassadors of love. Not just good works but love. And God is love.

[@qwer8907]

Faith are u joking the man supports abortion .

[@patkeohane5005]

@@qwer8907 nobody is complete in the faith. Isn't it a start?

[@qwer8907]

@@patkeohane5005 thou shall not kill u remember so should Paul he need to repent but he does not just carries on and has supporting the evil of abortion the man is a fake and plays to the media sickening

[@patkeohane5005]

@@qwer8907 then pray for him

[@qwer8907]

@@patkeohane5005 yes

[@RavenGuitar]

This was a spectacular Bono interview. Probably the best Bono interview I’ve seen the last few years.

[@carolinepercy1216]

✌\m/💝

[@CB_Legatus]

Outstanding. Incredible nuggets that Bono felt comfortable to share with you, and ultimately us, to the point you had Bono actually questioning himself as to why he felt the need to share some of his most cherished and private thoughts. Bravo Tom. 👏

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

What a phenomenal interview. I’ve been a fan of U2 from the second I heard Bad come on the radio in 1984 and felt a visceral “who is this???“. I only say that to provide context for the fact that this is one of the best interviews Bono(or any member of the band) I’ve ever heard. Tom’s ability to establish rapport of the person he’s interviewing within the first few minutes of the interview is remarkable. Thats what makes a good interview. Typically people don’t have that rapport until its about the finish. So well done Tom.

[@jmisic]

My goodness! I am all choked up after hearing Bono talk about faith, prayer and sir Paul McCartney before a gig with U2. I grew up a huge The Beatles fan and I am a mesianic jew. What Bono says in this interview resonates so deeply within me. I love the faith that goes "Where are you God?" as opposed to supplicant christianity. This resonates so deeply. God bless and thank you Bono.

[@mtomicic4115]

Such a compelling and engaging interview Tom. Bravo! Love your honesty and sensitivity in your interviews. You bare your roots and humanness … and your guests feel that… as do your listeners..

[@sueparkermunn1251]

This conversation was so transformational for me on this day at this time it was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you Tom for taking the interview to interesting depths. Mr. Tom Power you are so passionate and your resilience comes through every day with every dynamic interview. Love you and q xo

[@gregwalker4646]

I am a huge U2 fan. I've seen them live 8 times, and 6 of those shows were on trips that specifically happened to see them play. I've heard countless interviews with Bono, and this has been the most intimate, the most exciting, and dare I say - the most revealing I have ever heard. Thank-you Tom for setting the environment for an electric interview. Thank you Bono for your openness, honesty, and your beautiful words! Bono, I wish you are able to reach the ability

[@gregwalker4646]

to be able to "Surrender". Whether you know it or not, I think you took a step towards that during this interview! And when you get there, I really want to hear that SONG! ❤

[@handsome_man69]

What trips were u on? Never tried psychedelics with u2

[@janee166]

It was obvious that Bono absolutely enjoyed your conversation. Great insights and questions Tom😊

[@kelvinkao3341]

I’m honestly left speechless by this amazing interview. Bono is obviously candid, articulate here but huge props to an incredible job by the interviewer who was well prepared, engaged, and thoughtful.

[@carolinepercy1216]

✌\m/💝

[@jamesgaffney3873]

I changed my mind . I do respect his thoughtfulness.

[@McDandyandy]

what a lovely interview, honest and open. Great work Tom

[@spencercapier2258]

Best Bono interview ever. Tom Power is, as he said, present.

[@sloanlance]

I came to this video after I saw a promo for "Q with Tom Power" on CBC TV. It included a small clip of this interview. I love to see anything with Bono in it. Now, I like Tom Power, too. He has a really nice interview style.

[@jazminratzlaff5357]

Great interviewer, love, respect and adore Bono! Always have, been a U2 fan since I was little. Could listen to his soft raspy Irish accented voice forever. His singing is so feminine yet so powerful and angelic with a sonic echo to it. He has such a great mischievous observational sarcastic sense of humour and his cute boyish giggle/ laughter. 😍🥰🤤😘🥵♥️❤️📚⚜️💎👑🫶🏻👏🏻 🇮🇪

[@user-oq4rn8oh4v]

Tom, fabulous interview. I was at the book launch concert at the Meridian Hall. I am so impressed by this, and by the book and tour. Thanks for showcasing a real person. You too. 😘

[@MaryJocurrington-sj4vj]

I agree with the others. This is the most wonderful ,enlightening interview I have seen with Bono. u2 is and will always be known as the greatest band ever.

[@You_Do_Have_The_Power_33]

When he said that Edge is the most influential guitarist in 30 years, I started thinking about an album like Kings of Leon “Because of the Times” and you can absolutely hear Edge’s trademark throughout that one.

[@claudiadressel93]

That's an awesome interview. By far the most interesting interview. Maybe because there was a special bond between Tom and Bono. At the very end Bono said he wants to write a song that is so special that it sings him. You have already written this song, Bono. For me it's ONE.

[@klmorg63]

In the mid 80s when Joshua Tree came out, 1987, I was 24 and had been a fan since hearing Boy on college radio. I was the only person in my group of friends that was a U2 fanatic, this is when they were on the cover of Time Magazine as “rocks hottest ticket”, and when Bono and Ali went to Africa. This seemed to be when some started disliking them because of their activism. I’m still a U2 fanatic at 59 years old, great interview. Also when they were on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the words “can Bono save the World”, led to backlash, I never understood it, but it happened!

[@RobertFallon]

A rare, beautiful interview. Thank you!

[@jq8974]

Wow. Truly a deep dive in the safety of a Newfie kitchen, so to speak. Tom disarmed Bono without striving or being clever about it. Sincerity and vulnerability, clarity and the ability to listen well, and an unrushed quality gives us an unusual visit with a special man. Thanks so much.

[@Kyle-jm9sq]

Hi Tom, this is my first KZbin comment I've ever posted: thank you, unbelievable interview.

[@DeborahGee]

What an incredible interview with Bono. I have only recently become aware of his new book when I saw him on Stephen Colbert. I love this in depth interview and will subscribe as a result AND I am buying his book for me and my son-in-law for his b-day (I have been a fan since Joshua Tree) when I was made aware. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a concert here in Los Angeles for that tour. It was a religious experience. “With or Without You” hits my core from that time and forward like so many of their songs. Hearing the new arrangement on SC show made me cry. It’s beauty and grace was delivered in such a thought-filled way. Thank you also for bringing up “One” on Achtung Baby. Thank you Tom. I’m a new follower. 💜

[@ericaexplainsitall2135]

Such a great interview. Sometimes Bono speaks in metaphor, so it’s hard to get a read on him, but this interview got into the meat of what he’s trying to convey.

[@melaniewahl6479]

"lovely to meet you Bono" HOW WAS HE SO CALM HAHAHAHA 🥰

[@WHYtheband]

Very insightful and eye opening for us as a band. Looking at songwriting in a new way.

[@gustavosaliola]

I've recently saw the "From the Sky Down" Documentary again. I'm needing that creative group again: U2 + Lanois + Flood + Eno. I know it was unique, and in a very particular moment, but i'm needing it bad. What a great conversation about music, life, past, present and future. Thanks for that!

[@ginagoulart5968]

Absolutely brilliant interview. Bono is a humble, sincere, honest human being. He gets a lot of BS from some people. I don't get it. I love him and U2.

[@taladiv3415]

I'm watching a fifth(!) interview with Bono about his book. It is like watching a movie again but with variations. Every time around, I can pick up more details... 17:11 Incredible! Just like Celine Dion disliked the track for 'My Heart Will Go On' and preferred to pass on her now iconic masterpiece! Leonardo DiCaprio lives a lavish life, yet it didn't deter him from going activist... 32:49 Exquisitely said!

[@matzo2217]

As a long time fan, that is without doubt, the best interview, discussion, exchange of thoughts, I’ve seen with Bono. Outstanding and well done 👍

[@richardgardner90125]

Please is such an overlooked song

[@luchohuaquique6137]

Beautiful interview, more than an interview a nice chat between two unknown friends.

[@at_brunch3852]

This was unbelievably awesome. ♥️🌹🇨🇦 Thank you both for being so interesting and honest. I was captured by every story and who knew Bono could perfectly imitate Sir Paul. I chuckled 🤭 while trying to hear all his great stories. Gonna be looking for his book in the city of MB. I can hardly wait.

[@Mrcapps]

Excellent interviewer. Intelligent and well worded questions. Very refreshing.

[@flyboy9801]

Tom you are a canadian gift to interviewing...there is no one better !

[@ronnycee7649]

Deep & genuine-good job Tom and as always, thanks for keepin it real Bono.

[@maboleth]

Bono is one of the most poetic lyricists with extreme attention to tiny details that make it all worth. Up to the very best in contemporary music. The way he describes certain things in life in this interview only proves that further. It was a joy to listen to his mind talking. So evident in songs like Stay (Faraway so close), City of Blinding lights, Cedars of Lebanon, Until the end of the world, Book of your heart and hundreds of others.

[@Germofo1]

Tom Power is a fantastic interviewer. Brilliantly done. That was a delightful conversation to listen to.

[@paulaberliner9170]

U2 music is so healing and can take millions of people deeply in who we truly are… it frees our mind and heart to sour into the Light and Love it so expansive !!

[@jeannedeneau6754]

Thank you Tom Power for this amazing gem. Bono is such a lovely person and it came through the entire interview

[@pault6599]

Came across this fabulous chat and host just after finishing the kindle version of the book. Felt quite sad at the end - wasn't quite sure if B was trying to "say something without saying it outright" about himself or the future of the band. Watching this however helped to put the book and some of its conetents into perspective, thanks to Tom and all involved.

[@sloanlance]

Excellent interview! Special thanks go to Gavin Friday!

[@davecarey7452]

Awesome. It'll definitely stay in Tom Power's top ten interviews on q.

[@EdwinHeida]

I love this interview. I love Bono, such a great performer. And he has a great sense of humor too.

[@shockeywho1]

I don't know who this interviewer is but it is the most in-depth interview i have ever watched. amazing job. Bono was i believe given a the best vehicle to explain U2 ever here. Tom? where is his show ? should be on late night every evening.

[@hsgator7]

I love me some Bono. Always have. Always will. Very grateful for the songs he sings, the art he wields, the actions he preaches, the love he blooms, the lives he advocates for, and the witness he bears. Soli Deo Gloria.

[@SRDhain]

A great, heartfelt interview with a gifted artist, who's aware of his blessings & doesn't take it all too seriously . Thank you. 👍

[@thata9976]

Started doing some research on Bono and U2 after becoming a fan of his son's band, Inhaler. Of course I knew U2 before, they were big in my parents' generation and are still very relevant, but I had only listened to a few of their most famous songs. I had never heard Bono speaking and idk, I like his way of talking, it's relaxing somehow. I'm only finding out now that a lot of ppl hate him haha

[@You_Do_Have_The_Power_33]

I think it’s more accurate to say there are many people that are annoyed by him commanding attention (in their view) than ones that truly hate him.

[@artistscafe.podcast]

One of our favourite interviews ever. Thank you!

[@deepwoodstherapy6688]

From the moment I heard "I will Follow" on the radio coming home from school until now, Bono has been my favorite rock star, role model and all around good responsible human being actually doing productive things with his life of celebrity. This was a very well done interview with many insights into the thought processes and struggles behind the albums and lifestyle of musicians who don't get caught up in the fame machine with all nightlife excesses and dysfunctional shallow relationships that become destructive rather than constructive. Final note, I realized Bono and I had the same tremendously difficult childhood trauma from our mother's dying while we were teenagers, and I've always felt a kinship with him being another Orphan in the World that has done rather nice for himself compared to the rest of us. Thank you for the inspiration to do good and be kind to each other (with or without religion)... and making sure we know there are hard working people on the top who are not selfish sleazeballs.

[@GlennSyndallius]

Wow - some fantastic questioning here! What a privilege to meet Bono, and to extract such thoughtful answers out him. I thoroughly enjoyed this and got quite a bit out of it! Many thanks for this Tom (and Bono).

[@oforch7744]

Loved this interview! Great interviewer who brought the best out in Bono. Thank you 😊 to you both. Got a lot out of this! To the future and that song being created 😊💕💫

[@Robil63]

Dear interviewer, you straddle the line between total fearlessness and utter respect for your interviewees ever so gracefully. Fine, fine work.

[@tracywyman9887]

Yep - you piqued Bono’s interest and moved him in a direction that facilitated authenticity. This is why I love your interviews, Tom.

[@YouGenie]

Great interview! Very relaxed and articulate.

[@jylyhughes5085]

This is so beautiful ..... Thank you.

[@carlenepaige5335]

Tom I love your interview style. Great candid conversation. I really appreciated the vulnerability you both shared . This allowed for great connection & insight. Thank you for going deeper with Bono on faith. Enjoyable listen. 💚

[@michaelosborne4050]

A great interview ….. Tom powers is a gifted Canadian journalist …… heads up to another great Newfoundler …….

[@pandakholin]

I can’t wait to hear THAT song.

[@williamfranz9872]

Compliments to the interviewer. You managed to elicit Bono's religious restlessness. We sometimes mispercieve spirituality as manifesting in calmness or being passive. Bono seemed to be in persuit of surrender by his own words. The interview did a great job at illustrating that these persuits are quite restless. Bono seems to recall the famous quote ascribed to Saint Francis at his funeral( by a friend and priest). " Teach the Gospel, and use words if necessary." It describes a restless and active act of surrender indeed.

[@neondeon475]

TOM.....Beautiful. Best 42 minutes of my day! TY.

[@rossturnbull8047]

excellent had me hanging on every word from start to finish...I have a new perspective on 'faith'....

[@patrickmahood9015]

What an amazing interview - you de-riddled Bono

[@gregbabcock9844]

Tom and Bono need to go on tour. I loved listening to this conversation. ❤

[@luismonteiro4204]

What a bloody great interview 👏👏👏

[@philgardner6849]

"Laughter is evidence of Freedom"... Well said !

[@p.j.degenaro5972]

This is a great interview for longtime fans, because you push Bono to go a little bit further than he normally does in this kind of format. Just one thing: Can someone PLEASE tell Bono that Pop is an all-around excellent U2 album? I never thought it was meant to be a "dance" album, though it has some techno sounds on it. Discotheque, Mofo, Gone, Please, Playboy Mansion-all outstanding songs that touch on love, faith and doubt in the U2 tradition. Pop made perfect sense coming after Achtung Baby and Zooropa, and it most certainly does NOT sound like a series of "demos."

[@ka5269]

Jimmy Iovine told them the songs sound like 'expensive demos' . I actually would rather listen to Pop than Rattle & Hum

[@p.j.degenaro5972]

@@ka5269 I agree completely. There are a few great songs on Rattle & Hum, but I was so excited when they came back with Achtung Baby.

[@ka5269]

@@p.j.degenaro5972 All I Want is You is one of their very best, R&H's saving grace. I remember 'hating' U2 during that Rattle & Hum phase, I was in my mid-teens at the time. All that changed with The Fly and Achtung Baby and I became a fan.

[@p.j.degenaro5972]

@@ka5269 I loved their early albums. I felt like R&H got too much into Americana, and for me that was just an awkward fit for them, so I was overjoyed when they ditched it. :)

[@bestebassist]

Bono is a master in unarming his enemies. In terms of sales POP it disappointed, and so some say it wasn’t that good. But wow it is completely in line with their all time ideas and like you say the natural follow up of Achtung Baby.

[@Msln-ju3xo]

Love these interviews with Tom. Bono is very down to earth . He is well loved around the world . Its neat to hear him speak about his book thank you for taking the time to explain what surrendering is about .. 😇🙏

[@chimora8593]

Such a good interview. It gave voice to some of my own experiences.

[@melaniesirignano9408]

Great interview! Very interesting!! Everyone was relaxed. Bono really opened up. Just fantastic!!

[@arnoldosanabria8710]

I think Bono it's the expression of a modern rockstar, a person who actually gives good to the world or at least worries to do so and be part of it. U2 for the win

[@PsychicPhilosopher]

Thank you for this incredible interview. This is actually probably the best interview I’ve ever seen with Bono. It was relaxed. At some point it stepped away from being an interview, and it became a discourse. I particularly love the conversation regarding faith. Congratulations to both Tom and Bono for being brave enough to put it out there. I’ve always said U2 is a Christian rock band. And I still say it today. I would’ve loved to seen them play with The Call. Bono actually did sing background on one of my favorite The Call songs. Anyway, it was just well done. A truly special and intimate interview. Thank you.

[@thejeanjeanie]

‼️❤️ thank u - uplifting and sincere and authentic and new ideas and tidbits that are not in the book. Just having this audio play in the background while I’m doing things, is like playing a U2 album. Haaa. As Edge says, Bono is a great mimic. LOVE, The Sir Paul bit. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Your-True-Self]

Wow what a fantastic watch/listen. If only Bono could embrace the non-dual teachings he would realise his comments about himself are so beautifully apposite and his faith is more real than he knows. Loved it, thank you both x

[@stephenthestoryteller3139]

Bono’s a great storyteller. ✍️

[@sivebalussou3241]

Gift of the gab 👄

[@maukasara808]

I just came back from Vegas seeing U2 at the Sphere in Dec. 2023. I have loved them all my adult life. Love them all over again. 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@ellenwood2167]

Well done by you both, Tom and Bono, to engage in meaningful discourse.

[@metafuel]

Excellent discussion. I love Toms interview style. Bono was really open and comfortable the entire time. That set is really beautiful. Edit: I will never understand the non working coffee mugs though. Why is the empty coffee mugs a thing I wonder?

[@JohnnyPerth]

Excellent interview Tom. You ask the questions I want to ask

[@bobcaldwellrocks]

Thank you so much Sir you did a wonderful job what a fantastic interview you are both very interesting men and such great stories

[@Genjo_N_Mojave]

It's great to hear Bono sing the praises of Daniel Lanois aa the finest musician he has ever known.

[@hensonkitchenmortuary276]

Incredible interview!!! Bono talking about his faith was amazing!

[@sheripaisley5263]

I really appreciate that Tom generously spoke about Newfoundland’s history with the Catholic Church and his relationship with faith.

[@SirDidymus_]

Brilliant interview. Great to have an informed and knowledgeable interviewer. And lovely to see Bono being relaxed and natural.

[@RANDALL_MARS]

BONO is an artist. With words, images and music.

[@ronkingston2833]

I think that the Newfie accent that is so close to the Irish accent made bono so relaxed in this interview.

[@sivebalussou3241]

I’m Irish from Dublin - I sound the same as Bono but I had to figure out where Tom Power was from because Power is an Irish family name and he does have intonations of an Irish accent - he comes across as a thoughtful gentleman 👏 good interviewer.

[@GiannaFiore]

What a heartfelt interview. 🙏💜

[@n.s.8015]

Definitely uncovered some new stories and thoughts from Bono in this one, appreciate it! I had heard firsthand from U2's crew that after POP the band wasn't sure what kind of draw they would have for the Elevation Tour, and it's why it was a colosseum and not stadium tour. (I was trying to get a job on the crew for it.) I personally love some of the tracks on POP. I've always loved the band's experimental nature, they can create a great song with anything they experiment with! BTW- Bono has aways been an open book and talked about his faith. I do appreciate hearing newer experiences that you drew out of him. Bono has been invited to so many conversations and approached by so many people who shape the world, his stories are precious and so informative.