Welcome to part two of 15 things you didn’t know about Bono. By now you have learned about his philanthropic efforts, religious beliefs, and theatrical performances. Here are seven more interesting facts about the U2 lead singer. You can read part one here.
Number Seven: Bono Has A Clothing Line
He and Ali Hewson founded EDUN. A fashion line dedicated to promote trade in Africa. They focus on bringing safe factory production to poor communities. This helps create jobs, along with being environmentally friendly. All of the clothes are sold at a fair price.
Number Six: He Was Nominated For The Nobel Peace Prize
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, his mere dedication and commitment to helping the less fortunate have earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Number Five: He Is A Writer
Not only has he written most of the musical lyrics for his band U2. He has co-written a few screenplays as well as co-authored three books. In 2007, he was guest editor for the Vanity Fair July issue.
Number Four: He Bought A Hotel
Along with his bandmate Edge, In 1992, they purchased the Clarence Hotel in Dublin. At that time, it had 70 rooms and was considered a two-star hotel. They refurbished and converted it to a 49 room five-star hotel.
Number Three: He Is An Active Investor
Through his US based company Elevation Partners. He invested in Forbes Media LLC. which is the parent company of Forbes Magazine and includes Forbes.com and other assets. He also invested in a large amount of Facebook shares.
Number Two: He Met With President Obama
He was personally invited to attend the Global Social Enterprise Initiative at Georgetown University. He met with President Barack Obama and praised his reelection with the attendees. He also discussed poverty and the financial crisis in the world.
Number One: He Was Part Of A Street Gang
In Dublin, he was in a street gang called “Lypton Village”. The gang was notorious for giving nicknames his was “Steinhegvanhuysenolegbangbangbang”. Believe it or not, this is where the name “Bono” originated. The root of this name means “Good Voice”.