Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Musician

Bono

Bono is the stage name of Paul David Hewson, an Irish singer-songwriter, musician, and activist born in Dublin in 1960.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Bono is the stage name of Paul David Hewson, the Irish frontman of the rock band U2. He is also a prominent activist for global poverty and human rights.

Who is Bono?

Bono was born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, on 10 May 1960. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of U2, a role he has held since the band's formation in 1976. His lyrics often explore social, political, and religious themes.

Music career and songwriting

As a member of U2, Bono has won 22 Grammy Awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His songwriting is recognized for emotional delivery and frequent use of imagery addressing social justice, spirituality, and human experience.

Activism and Canadian connection

Outside music, Bono is known for his advocacy on poverty, HIV/AIDS, and human rights. He co-founded organizations like ONE and (RED). U2 has toured Canada multiple times, making Bono and his band widely familiar to Canadian audiences.

In short

  • Bono's real name is Paul David Hewson.
  • Lead singer and primary lyricist of U2 since 1976.
  • Won 22 Grammy Awards with U2.
  • Co-founded ONE and (RED) campaigns for global health and poverty.
Canadian angle

Bono has toured in Canada with U2 and is widely known to Canadian audiences through the band’s concerts, recordings, and activism.

Quick questions

What is Bono's real name?
Bono's real name is Paul David Hewson.
What is Bono best known for?
He is best known as the lead singer and primary lyricist of U2.
What causes is Bono associated with?
He is associated with activism on poverty, HIV/AIDS, and human rights issues.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bono
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, origin, U2 role, songwriting themes, awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bono
    Supports: Identity, birth date and place, U2 lead singer, activism.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musicians/bono
    Supports: Real name, Dublin birth, U2 career, humanitarian activism, honorary knighthood and Time recognition.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0095104/bio/
    Supports: Birth information, U2 role, Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  5. ONE — https://www.one.org/us/person/bono/
    Supports: U2 formation, activism, co-founding ONE and (RED), awards and advocacy.