Sir Bono

normnorm Posts: 31,146
edited December 2006 in A Moving Train
Bono to receive honorary knighthood

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK, Associated Press Writer 4 minutes ago

DUBLIN, Ireland - Irish rocker and humanitarian Bono will become a knight of the British empire — but the U2 frontman won't be called "Sir."

Britain confirmed Saturday Bono will receive his honorary knighthood from the British ambassador to Ireland, David Reddaway, in a Dublin ceremony shortly after New Year's Day.

The Dubliner, whose real name is Paul Hewson, won't be entitled to use the title "Sir" because he is not a national of Britain or the Commonwealth of former British colonies.

A spokesman said the 46-year-old singer was flattered by the honor and hoped it will help him open diplomatic doors in his campaign for more Western aid to Africa.

In a letter to Bono released Saturday, British Prime Minister
Tony Blair said the singer's lobbying had forced wealthy nations to focus on increasing aid to Africa.

"I know from talking to you how much these causes matter to you," Blair wrote. "I know as well how knowledgeable you are about the problems we face and how determined you are to do all you can to help overcome them. You have tirelessly used your voice to speak up for Africa."

Blair said he hoped to keep working with Bono "to work together to maintain momentum on Africa, and ensure leaders around the world meet the promises they have made."

The British Embassy in Dublin said the Irish government approved granting Bono the title. The issue is diplomatically sensitive, because Irish officials are legally barred from receiving British royal honors and other Irish nationals have refused nominations on political grounds. Ireland withdrew from the Commonwealth in 1949.

Previous non-British nationals who received knighthoods include Bono's fellow Dubliner and rocker-turned-humanitarian
Bob Geldof,
Bill Gates, the Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo, Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, former New York Mayor Rudolf Giuliani, and
Steven Spielberg.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_en_mu/people_bono_6
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • it's an honorary designation - there is no "sir" that goes along with it
    I'll dig a tunnel
    from my window to yours
  • i wonder if bono would receive an honorary knighthood if his name was boner??
    Another habit says it's in love with you
    Another habit says its long overdue
    Another habit like an unwanted friend
    I'm so happy with my righteous self
  • flywallyflyflywallyfly Posts: 1,453
    I'm guessing the Irish nationalists up in the northern part of the irish island wont be too thrilled with this !
  • Just what he needs...
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • CollinCollin Posts: 4,931
    Hope he doesn't turn into a pompous ass now.
    THANK YOU, LOSTDAWG!


    naděje umírá poslední
  • JulienJulien Posts: 2,457
    This is strange, considering Bono decided not to live in Ireland anymore in order to pay less taxes...!!!
    2006: Antwerp, Paris
    2007: Copenhagen, Werchter
    2009: Rotterdam, London
    2010: MSG, Arras, Werchter
    2012: Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin
    2014: Amsterdam, Stockholm
  • Collin wrote:
    Hope he doesn't turn into a pompous ass now.

    Haha. That's what his hairdresser said, when she gave him his first mullet back in 1983.

    Only joking. I love Bono, and am delighted for him. :)
  • Julien wrote:
    This is strange, considering Bono decided not to live in Ireland anymore in order to pay less taxes...!!!


    The deal in Ireland is, if you're an artist/writer/musician, you're tax exempt. However, recently the law was changed, so that people who earn over a certain amount have to pay something. Bono earns over a certain amount. I don't know if this issue was resolved.

    I can't see why the Daily Mail (a jingoistic rag set up in 1902 to spread anti-Boer propaganda) gives a shit if Bono's a tax exile. He's not British.
  • CollinCollin Posts: 4,931
    Haha. That's what his hairdresser said, when she gave him his first mullet back in 1983.

    Only joking. I love Bono, and am delighted for him. :)

    :D
    THANK YOU, LOSTDAWG!


    naděje umírá poslední
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