andPOP » Bono

U2 Planning Another Tour

Sara Harowitz — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:47:34 +0000

While Irish rock band U2 is still in the middle of their North American 360 stadium tour, they are already planning to come back next summer, according to CHARTattack.

The band’s website has yet to release any dates, but a USA Today article says the band will begin their second leg of a North American tour in Mexico City, Mexico on May 30, 2010. The tour is then expected to continue through June and July, hitting cities not visited this year.

U2 already hit Toronto and Vancouver on their current tour. Each show is estimated to rake in about $750,000 U.S., so it is not difficult to see why the band wants to continue their jaunt. More Canadian dates could be added on the second leg, with such possibilities as Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

The tour, which is in support of the band’s latest album, No Line On The Horizon, is confirmed to hit Europe beginning in August and run until early October. The opening date for that leg of the tour is at Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, Germany on Aug. 10.

The band is offering new memberships to their fan club, with one of the perks being presale access to 2010 concert dates.

U2’s previous Vertigo tour had a similar plan as No Line On The Horizon, with the band visiting western Canada and the U.S. in the spring of 2005, before returning for another round of shows in the fall of the same year. That second stint included a five-night stay at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre that September.

In other news, the USA Today article also stated that U2 had dreams of having their own Rock Band game last year, but decided against it due to some compromises they were not in favour of. But that could change, and the band is still very interested in the idea.

U2’s tour continues:

Oct. 9 Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium w/ Muse
Oct. 12 Dallas, TX @ New Cowboys Stadium w/ Muse
Oct. 14 Houston, TX @ Reliant Stadium w/ Muse
Oct. 18 Norman, OK @ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium w/ Black Eyed Peas
Oct. 20 Phoenix, AZ @ University Of Phoenix Stadium w/ Black Eyed Peas
Oct. 23 Las Vegas, NV @ Sam Boyd Stadium w/ Black Eyed Peas
Oct. 25 Los Angeles, CA @ Rose Bowl w/ Black Eyed Peas
Oct. 28 Vancouver, BC @ BC Place w/ Black Eyed Peas
Aug. 10 Frankfurt, Germany @ Commerzbank Arena
Aug. 12 Hannover, Germany @ AWD Stadium
Aug. 15-16 Horsens, Denmark @ Casa Arena
Aug. 20 Helsinki, Finland @ Olympic Stadium
Aug. 25 Moscow, Russia @ Luzhniki
Aug. 30 Vienna, Austria @ Ernst Happel Stadium
Sept. 3 Athens, Greece @ Olympic Stadium
Sept. 6 Istanbul, Turkey @ Ataturk Olympic Stadium
Sept. 15 Munich, Germany @ Olympic Stadium
Sept. 18 Paris, France @ Stade De France
Sept. 29 Seville, France @ Olympic Stadium
Oct. 2 Coimbra, Portugal @ Stadium

Entourage Season 6×12 Review: Give A Little Bit

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:59:11 +0000

This Week On Entourage:

On the day before he leaves to Italy, Vince tries to get the boys to come with him, but only manages to get Drama. Turtle still trying to get over Jamie, and tries to forget about her with the college dorm girl. And Eric says he’s going to try and get Sloan back -but the guys think it’ll be pretty hard.

Meanwhile, Ari and his wife meet with the therapist to discuss why his wife should lend him $12 million to help buy Terrance’s agency. But after Ari admits why he truly wants to buy it and pours his heart out, she agrees to spot him the money.

Despite Lloyd’s suggestion, Drama decides not to read for any acting gigs, saying he’s taking a break from it for a while. While shopping with Vince, the two run into Matt Damon who tries to pressure Vince into donating a cheque for his children’s charity.

Eric drives Sloan to a surprise location, refusing to reveal the day’s events. But after he takes her to a special restaurant that they went to while they were a couple -to tell her that they should get back together- Sloan refuses to listen to him, and tells him to take her home.

Turtle tries to forget about Jamie with the college chick, but realizes he can’t. He decides that he should go New Zealand to get her back.

At the agency merging meeting, Ari finds out that Terrance put a last-minute clause in the buying contract, stating that the agency name must remain in Terrance’s name.

Back at home, Vince and Drama get a call from Matt Damon who continues to pressure Vince into donating money. Turtle comes home and tells them that he’s been lying to himself about getting over Jamie, and that he’s going to see her. After seeing Turtle’s performance, Drama reconsiders his decision about leaving the industry, and realizes that he was born to be an actor.

Terrance drops by Ari’s office, and the two exchange their nagging thoughts that they’ve been carrying all these years. After Terrance apologizes, Ari finally accepts peace, and assures him that he’ll keep Terrance’s name in the merger.

Drama gets another shot at the Melrose audition, and nails it. Meanwhile, driving back home, Eric pulls over and confesses his love to Sloan, swearing that he’ll be committed and proposes to her.

Ari strolls through Terrance’s agency on a celebratory rant with a paintball gun, pegging everyone who he had grudges with- including Adam Davies. Though, he gives Lloyd a 24-hr window to come back to the Miller-Gold agency.

While about to takeoff on his flight, Turtle calls Jamie, but she tells him not to come to New Zealand, and that the long distance aspect will never work out. But the plane takes off, so he decides he’ll meet up with Vince in Italy.

And about to leave to Italy with Vince, Drama gets a call from the Melrose producer who admits that he and the network both loved his performance, but that he’s too old for the part. As a result, they want to give Drama a holding-deal to create his own show.

Lloyd comes back to the Miller-Gold agency in agent-fashion, giving Ari a ballsy rant. But when Ari apologizes and shows him his new agent office, Lloyd happily accepts.

About to take-off, Vince and Drama are ambushed by Matt Damon who brings along LeBron James to persuade Vince to donate $150,000 for Matt’s charity.

Eric and Sloan meet them at the airport to break them the big news that they’re engaged- Sloan showing them the diamond ring. As Vince and Drama leave on the private jet, Eric carries Sloan to the car in bliss.

Watching the new couple leave, Vince and Drama wonder which one of them will be next to get hitched.

Hookups:

None

Celeb Cameos:

Matt Damon, LeBron James, Bono, Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Overall:

Let me put it out there. Despite the opinions about the unorthodox story-line this season, if there’s one thing this show knows how to do, it’s to close the deal. Entourage knows how to close perfectly.

Not only that, but this one episode presented two of the top greatest moments in the show’s history.

A) Seeing Ari Gold go Terminator a la paintball gun through an agency.

and

B) Through an unpredicted turn of events, seeing Eric get hitched with Sloan- a feat that makes any guy, no matter how much of a man-whore he is, wish to god he found the “Sloan.”

And the celeb cameos were overflowing like a fresh bottle of Dom Pérignon. Matt Damon, a webcam Bono, LeBron James. I mean this episode was awesome, upon awesome.

Not to mention that Matt Damon gave one of the funniest celeb cameos this show has ever seen. I mean pressuring a celebrity Jason-Bourne style to donate to the charity. Hilarious.

So let’s recap.

—> Ari Gold: He buys Terrance’s agency, makes peace with his foe, and becomes the King Kong of Hollywood. And did a celebration fit for a king- paintball storming through the agency, pegging off any people he had grudges with. And putting the hardships aside with Lloyd, and surprising him with his induction as a real agent back at Miller-Gold was the icing on the cake. Who were we kidding, Ari needs Lloyd just as much as Lloyd needs Ari.

—> Vince: Funny seeing him be pressured by Matt Damon. But he’s off to FINALLY begin filming his next project, which means…the real Vinnie Chase in Season 7.

—> Eric: Oh boy, what can we say about our lovable Irish buddy. Well for starters, Mazel Tov. That spontaneous proposal couldn’t have made any dude more happier. The Sloan n’ E Saga continues.

—> Turtle: Bruuuutal. Dude, always stay with the smoking college chick. But he had to find out the hard way that long distance relationships rarely work out. We left off with him making his way to Rome. We’ll see what happens.

—> Drama: The guy finally put his antics aside and realized his passion for acting. And what did it do? It made the network want him more than ever. Way to go buddy.

ED note: It’s been a pleasure doing this blog for you guys, and I will see you come season seven.

Rating:

5/5 (Yes. That’s right, I went there)

Best Line(s):

1) Drama to Vince, after Matt Damon pressures Drama to get Vince on the phone to donate money to his children’s charity-

“Sorry, he Jason-Bourned me.”

2) Ari’s epic rant in the therapist’s office to his wife as to why he truly wants to buy the new company-

“Ok yes. If I could gauge out Terrance McQuewick’s eyeballs for what he did to me, I would. And I would sell that Benedict Arnold Adam Davies in a white slavery if we lived in a place that had a market for it. And Lloyd, that little queen, who I welcomed into my home, play with my children and care for my dog, I would tie him up and allow for the entire Screen Actors Guild to anally rape him if not for the fact that I think he would enjoy it. I hate’em all. And yes I would like to see them destroyed. But THAT is not the reason why I want this company. I want, no I need this company because it’s good business, good god damn business. And if I don’t buy it someone else will, and that’ll be VERY, very bad for my business. And my wife of all people should know that when it comes to business my judgment is never clouded. So please, please support me like you always have, and I will deliver for us, like I always have.”

3) Ari storming through the new company, paint balling everyone who he had grudges with-

“I’m back…and you’re fired.”

Best Moment(s):

1) Ari going “Terminator a la paintball gun” through the new agency.

2) Ari’s beautifully acted rant at the therapist’s office.

3) E proposing to Sloan.

4) Matt Damon pressuring Vince into donating money.

Joelle’s Top Five: Celebrity Activists

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:28:57 +0000

5. George Clooney

This actor, was dubbed the sexiest man alive, is slowly shedding that reputation in place for one as one of Hollywood´s leading activists. Clooney is known for his passionate beliefs about ending the violence in Darfur and has said he will build support for the work the UN carry out,”critically important work in some of the most difficult, dangerous and dire places in the world”.

4. Sir Bob Gedolf

Best known for organising the 2005 Live 8 and 1985 Live Aids benefit concerts, this scruffy singer/journalist is tremendously well-informed on a broad range of global and national issues. Currently, he is heavily involved in the Make Poverty History Campaign, a campaign against third world poverty. Bob was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 2005 European Hero’s and made the front cover of their European Edition in 2005. With such an impressive portfolio, it´s a wonder this philanthropist has any time for making music.

3. Angelina Jolie

If Princess Diana created the template for a new breed of celebrity activism, it’s actress Angelina Jolie who is the current exemplar of the model. Like Diana, Jolie is a beautiful, privileged, formerly silly and wild girl with a messy romantic history who remade herself into a doting mom and world-class do-gooder. Also like Diana, she has devoted herself to her causes with a new convert’s rigour. As a goodwill ambassador for the UN high commissioner for refugees, she has put her safety and health at risk to visit some of the planet’s most troubled and forgotten places, donating millions of her own dollars and spending her spare time boning up on international law.

2. Oprah Winfrey

Would this list be worth its salt if Oprah Winfrey wasn´t present? Founded in 1998, Oprah´s Angel Network, makes “grants to organizations… in underserved communities that provide educational initiatives” and “assist people in fulfilling basic human needs and regaining dignity.” OAN has raised over $50 million which is all given out, since Oprah pays for all administrative costs. Oprah personally donated $10 million to rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. Inspired by her 2004 South Africa trip when she distributed Christmas gifts to 50,000 children, and encouraged by Nelson Mandela, Oprah established a Leadership Academy for Girls ”to nurture, educate and turn gifted South African girls from impoverished backgrounds into the country’s future leaders.” The academy’s doors opened in January 2007 with 152 students. You go girl!

1. Bono

Bono has been instrumental in raising awareness of global poverty and the AIDS epidemic with his ONE campaign, which has gotten stars such as George Clooney (there he is again!), Matt Damon and Brad Pitt on board. His charity work earned him a spot as one of Time’s 2005 people of the year. According to World Vision Canada, an accurate description of Bono would be ¨a tireless crusader for issues affecting Africa. He is the type who prefers taking an activist role by making his views known to politicians, policymakers, and others who are in positions of influence.¨ This outspoken rock star has made a massive impact with his activist work, and demonstrated that helping others is the best way to celebrate your success.

Bono ‘Offended’ By Illegal Downloading

Joelle Tomlinson — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:00:58 +0000

In the current music industry today, it is not uncommon to download an entire album from the comfort of your home, without spending a cent. Bono, from the rock band U2, takes offense to this and made it public when interviewed by the USA Today newspaper.

Bono admitted he was overpaid when he told the newspaper that illegal downloading “offended” him, according to chartattack.com.

“People think people like me are overpaid and over-nourished, and they’re not wrong,” he told the newspaper. “What they’re missing is, how does a songwriter get paid? There’s no space for a Cole Porter in the modern age.”

“It’s not the place for rich rock stars to ask for more money, but somebody should fight for fellow artists because this is madness. Music has become tap water, a utility, where for me it’s a sacred thing, so I’m a little offended.”

U2’s No Line On The Horizon was downloaded at least 445,000 times before its March 3 release, according to USA Today. Although it debuted at the top of the U.S. album sales chart, it only sold 484,000 copies during its first week of release.

Bono Insults Coldplay’s Chris Martin

andPOP Staff — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:10:17 +0000

U2 frontman Bono appears to be getting a tad bit jealous of Coldplay’s new label as “the new U2 of our generation”. According to E! online, in a radio interview promoting U2’s new CD, No Line on the Horizon, which drops this week, Bono also “dropped a couple of verbal bombs on Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.”

The interview was held by BBC Radio 1 deejay Jo Whiley, who asked Bono if Martin was as talented as Paul McCartney. This question appeared to rub Bono the wrong way, as he replied “I think he’s a good melodist, but he’s a wanker”.

He went on to elaborate that Martin was “obviously a completely dysfunctional character and a cretin, but he happens to be a great melodist and up there with Ray Davies, Noel Gallagher and Paul McCartney.”

Whiley asked Bono for an apology, but Bono was insistent on his original opinion, E! online reports. He responded with “I’m a reformed character, I don’t any more.”

Bono must have realized the negative consequences his comment could have, as he tried to smooth over his earlier comment later in the interview. His version of an apology was, “I think [Coldplay] are a great band, and actually, it turns out [Martin’s] a great soul as well. Sorry about that. I was joking entirely.”

Bono Gets Writing Gig

Eva Lam — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:31:22 +0000

Bono is trading in his guitar for the almighty pen with his latest gig.

According to Billboard, the U2 frontman has been invited to write a column for the New York Times next year.

The unpaid position will see him contribute six to 10 pieces for the newspaper on a range of subjects, including Africa, poverty and Frank Sinatra.

A Times spokesperson said the paper is still finalizing the details.

Chris Martin, Bob Geldof and Brian May are among the musicians who have written for the Times in the past.

Bono himself has dabbled in journalism before. Besides acting as a guest editor for Vanity Fair last year, he recently blogged for the Financial Times.

U2 is expected to release a new album, the followup to 2004’s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” next year.

Bono’s Art Auction Raises $42M For Charity

Eva Lam — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:15:22 +0000

U2 frontman and all-around humanitarian Bono teamed up with British artist Damien Hirst to raise $42 million US at a charity art auction in Manhattan on Thursday.

The event’s proceeds will go toward supporting the UN’s relief programs against HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Dubbed the (Red) Auction after Bono’s fundraising effort to fight AIDS in Africa, the contemporary art sale was organized by auction house Sotheby’s and Manhattan’s Gagosian Gallery. It featured 83 works by artists include Hirst, Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Banksy, Tracey Emin, Willem De Kooning and Julian Schnabel.

Hirst’s “Where There’s A Will, There’s a Way” was the top item, selling for $7.15 million US. The work, one of his famous pill cabinet installations, was filled with medication used to treat HIV.

Bono called the night “historic” and said of the artists, “They’re my heroes tonight.”

He also led the crowd in an a cappella rendition of “All You Need Is Love.”

The auction drew a number of famous faces, including actor and modern art collector Dennis Hopper, Jordan’s Queen Noor, publishing guru Martha Stewart, hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons, R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, model Christy Turlington and former tennis pro John McEnroe.

Bono, The Edge Play Surprise Show

andPOP Staff — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:51:45 +0000

Irish rockers The Edge and Bono shocked a crowd of 250 lucky concertgoers Friday in London by showing up unannounced to a charity gig.

The concert in north London was held to benefit Mencap, which helps people with learning disabilities and their families.

While the audience was told there would be some “very special guests” before the headlining act Scottish rock group Biffy Clyro, they weren’t expecting the world famous musicians.

“Don’t tell Larry [Mullen] and Adam [Clayton] we’ve done this,” Bono joked about his two missing U2 bandmates, CBC reports.

The duo started off the set with Stay, followed with Desire, Angel of Harlem and a song inspired by Bono’s 1985 trip to Ethiopia entitled Wave of Sorrow.

The stunned crowd gave the pair a standing ovation after the four-song performance.

“I’ve used all the battery on my phone taking pictures of them,” said fan Simon Dowling to BBC News as reported by CBC.

U2 Stars Join R.E.M. For Residency

andPOP Staff — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:37:46 +0000

BONO and THE EDGE were among the sold out Olympia Theatre audience in Dublin, Ireland checking out R.E.M’s latest material on Saturday night.

The Losing My Religion band are staging five ‘Working Rehearsals’ at the venue to test new songs ahead of an upcoming album and tour.

R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills told the crowd the band chose Dublin for their pre-tour workout because R.E.M. consider the Irish to be “some of the best fans in the world”.

Walking onstage holding a Guinness, frontman Michael Stipe started the set with new songs Living Wells and Staring Down, admitting some of the new tracks had yet to be performed by the whole group.

Other new songs included Mr. Richards, Houston, Man Size Wreath and Till The Day Is Done.

R.E.M. wrap up their Dublin residency on Wednesday and then return to America to complete work on a new album.

Bono Guest Edits Variety

andPOP Staff — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:01:28 +0000

Rocker BONO has become the first guest editor of Variety, and has made his mark by giving the July issue of the U.S. magazine 20 different covers.

The crusading U2 singer has published a special Africa issue and gathered a galaxy of stars to feature in pairs on the many covers, which were all photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

Among those teaming up are Muhammad Ali and Maya Angelou, Bono and Jordan’s Queen Rania, Desmond Tutu and Oprah Winfrey, and U.S. President George W. Bush and Secretary Of State Condoleeza Rice.