Paul David Hewson, famously known as “Bono” is the lead singer of the mega band U2. Born on May 10, 1960 Bono has used his musical talent as a vehicle to become a world leader. Personally writing lyrics for almost all of his songs, Bono has used his music to speak politically, socially and spiritually.
One of U2’s most famous songs Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bono speaks politically to the necessity of peace in Ireland. Despite the violent sounding title, the song denounces the senseless killing of innocent citizens by the Irish Republican Army. Bono is very courageous to challenge the leadership of his home country by writing and performing this song.
In another example, the song Pride honors the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The lyrics state, “Free at last, but they could not take your life - they could not take your pride!” Bono shows compassion, respect and honor for a fellow leader who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Citing one final example from U2’s Joshua Tree album, the song titled I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For, Bono appears to speak spiritually of his quest to discover god. His deep meaning lyrics, connected to key historic events challenge his audience not only to hear the music but to ponder his message. U2’s leadership goes well beyond the music.
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:44 PM, February 17, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bono#Humanitarian_work
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
John,
ReplyDeleteI especially like your reference to Bono's spiritual connection as expressed through his songs. He uses his celebrity and talents to influence his audiences in a positive manner.
Fullan believes that effective leaders possess personal characteristics that can be characterized as life's meaning as purported by Handy (2002), "A worthwhile life...requires you to have a purpose beyond yourself" (cited in Fullan, p. 3).
Fullan, M. (200 Leadership and sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.cdl/org/resource-library/articles/ldr_sustainability.php
Bono's words "Every generation has a chance to change the world" touch me. There are musicians who sing, rap, yodel, and beatbox for money. Bono (and U2) have transcended and are inspirations for this generation.
ReplyDeleteI truly admire a man who has turned a profession into a calling......and created a following that has the opportunity to change the world.
I first fell in love with Bono as a musician when my best friend gave me "The Joshua Tree" in ninth grade. However, I soon fell in love with him as a leader and activist after seeing my first live U2 show a few years later. I truly do not think there are words to describe the experience I had at that concert or any of the subsequent sold out U2 shows that I've attended in the past ten years, but I can say that the experience is transformative and inspirational.
ReplyDeleteEach concert is a unique experience, but they always have a philanthropic appeal and a solid message about humanity. At the most recent show last fall which was part of the 360 Tour, I was lucky enough to have "Red Zone" Tickets that were purchased via auction and all of the proceeds from my tickets went to the The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (which also receives funding from one of Bono's other brilliant ideas - the RED campaign). During the show a light rain even started falling during "Stuck in a Moment" when Bono sang about rain! I do not really think that he controls the weather, but it was a great coincidence that led into his acknowledgment of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese Prime Minister elect who has been kept on house arrest by political opponents. Bono is able to utilize his popularity and talent to bring awareness to so many important issues around the world and his approach is so important because it brings the messages to the masses along with the educated elite in order to ensure that everyone is involved and aware.
Bono shares this ability to capitalize on his celebrity with my leader, Michael J. Fox. Like Bono, Fox had a few advantages when he formed his foundation and started soliciting funds and support. Clearly, great leaders are able to increase their greatness if they have influence and equally influential friends and colleagues. Bono teams up with celebrities like Oprah and Bill Gates in much the same way that Michael J. Fox works with Lance Armstrong and Muhammad Ali. However, these networks do not diminish the individual leadership qualities, they just reinforce the need for people to work together toward common goals. If all celebrities were to champion causes like Bono and Fox, the world would benefit exponentially.
As Bono sings about the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his own quest for God, he highlights imperfections of man. I feel that he connects to such a broad audience because they can relate to this theme found in his lyrics.
ReplyDeleteIn Analog in, Digital Out Brendan Dawes says, "what if our creations somehow bore all the mistakes, the imperfect moments of spontaneity that went into creating the finished work?"
Dawes and Bono strive to highlight imperfect moments in life. This can be seen through their creative outcomes.
Dawes, B. (2007). Chapter 22, a world without undo. In Analog in, digital out
(p. 241). Berkley, CA: New Riders.