My Buddies Live

Sotheby’s in New York was the location of Bono’s charity auction on Thursday night, and it was a RED Valentine’s Day. At the end of the event, they had raised over $42 million.

Bono and artist Damien Hirst sold more than 60 pieces of art to raise money for Bono’s charity which was orgainized to support HIV/AIDS relief programs in Africa. Celebrities in attendance included Christy Turlington, Brian William, and Michael Stipe from R.E.M.

Bono commented, “I see myself as a servant of Africa. Tonight is about the awareness of AIDS and the medical treatment that can strongly aid in the demise of this disease.”

Bono, Concert Tour, Performance, Rocker, U2

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250 fans attending a charity concert in London were surprised as U2 members Bono and The Edge gave an unannounced performance.

The stars showed up unplanned and performed as a warmup act at the fundraiser. The concert was hosted by Mencap, a charity that seeks equal rights for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Bono laughingly warned fans not to tell the other two U2 band members about the impromptu concert. “Don’t tell Larry (Mullen) and Adam (Clayton) we’ve done this.”

Bono and The Edge, serving as an opening act for Scottish rock group Biffy Clyro, played four songs - “Stay”, “Desire”, “Angel of Harlem”, and “Wave of Sorry”. They lit up the small stage at Union Chapel in London.

Fans were shocked when the stars appeared onstage and were thrilled to be able to see them. One fan stated,”I’ve used all the battery on my phone taking pictures of them.”

Next time, U2 should call ahead so ticket prices can be doubled!

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Accepting the Liberty Medal for his humanitarian work in Africa, Bono exhorted Americans to keep working to solve the world’s problems and spoke of those who are without freedom.

“When you are trapped by poverty, you are not free. When trade laws prevent you from selling the food you grew, you are not free,” the Irish rocker and activist said Thursday night as he stood steps away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

“When you are a monk in Burma this very week, barred from entering a temple because of your gospel of peace … well, then none of us are truly free,” he said.

Bono and the organization he co-founded, Debt AIDS Trade Africa, received the award from former Liberty Medal recipient President George H.W. Bush at the National Constitution Center.

The award comes with a $100,000 prize, which Bono said will be donated to the organization. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former finance minister of Nigeria who sits on the group’s policy advisory board, accepted the award for the Washington-based group.

Bono, front man for the band U2, co-founded DATA in 2002 to work with religious groups on global disease and hunger issues.

In 2005, U2 was a headliner for the Live 8 concerts held to raise awareness about African poverty and pressure world leaders to cancel debt for the poorest African nations.

Calling America “my country,” Bono said he’s a fan of the United States despite its problems because of its contributions to the world.

“Your America is where Neil Armstrong takes a walk on the moon,” Bono said. “Your America gave Europe the Marshall Plan. Your America gave the world the Peace Corps.

The medal was first awarded in 1989, and six recipients have subsequently won the Nobel Peace Prize.

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