Now here is a rock star for you

Entertainment Showbiz Pakistan , Bollywood & World Entertainment
1

People say rock stars are egomanics, doped out weirdos who burn out before their 35th birthday. Now here is a pop star for you. My all time fav. :slight_smile:

**Bono! **The guy with a funny name and an absolutely wicked voice.

The reason I bring him up here, is not to heap laurels on him for his fabulous singing. I bring him here because of the work he is doing for the Africans. The world’s biggest rock star is also Africa’s biggest advocate. But Bono knows he has to make the case for aid with his head, not his heart.

http://www.gupistan.com/gallery/1/_1986677_bono_ap_300.jpg

He is the one working tirelessly to convince world’s most powerful economy that helping Africa is in its own interests. When right-wing opponents called for “tough luck” he teamed up with Bill Gates to fight back for the betterment of the dark continent.

http://www.gupistan.com/gallery/1/photo_quote.jpg

  • Bono—founder, spokesman and chief benefactor of DATA, a nonprofit, debt-relief advocacy group*

Less than a month ago, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, he sat on a dais with Bill Gates and discussed ways to save a continent; two days later he sang for a TV audience of 130 million at the Super Bowl half-time show. Not a bad week. Can you blame the guy for being a little full of himself?

Talk aboutodd couples – Paul O’Neill, the ramrod straight, silver-haired Republican Treasury secretary, and Bono, the shaggy-haired, Irish rock star with the wraparound sunglasses.

They are pairing up, not for the summer concert circuit, but a 10-day tour of some of the most destitute countries in the world in sub-Saharan Africa.

Bono’s concern about Africa dates to 1984 when his rock band U2 participated in concerts to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. Bono and his wife spent six weeks working in an orphanage in Ethiopia to learn first-hand how bad conditions were.

Since then, he has become a tireless advocate for Africa, first in a lengthy campaign to get the Group of Eight top industrial countries to provide greater debt relief for the world’s poorest countries and now as the founder of Debt, Aid, Trade for Africa (DATA).

It is possible for the two of us to see life through each other's eyes,'' O'Neill said last week in previewing the trip. I’m going to get a set of blue wraparound glasses and I’m going to give him a gray wig.‘’

2

Living a carelessly wealthy life in mansions, expensive dinners, flying in private jets & then talk about hungry poor of Africa, in my opinion is not so praise worthy. And this goes for a lot of NGOs that work in Africa. They do social service but their actions show its not about passion or service but more about publicity & government funding.

Yeah Bono is different, and better than other artists of today but nothing outstanding. I would use the phrase; "AndhooN maiN kana raja"

Lastly, let me make it absolutely clear that I am not in any way trying to judge his intentions. I am just pointing out the fact that I personally find his actions conflicting with his words.

[This message has been edited by ahmadjee (edited May 16, 2002).]

3

I think right from their beginnings U2 had been about a political message. Infact they epitomize the politically aware rock-bands. They became popular and earned millions, yes. They live a lavish life-style, yes.

I have yet to see any other non-black person using his fame and influence, to do so much to help the people of Africa. I think it started with U2's tour of Africa (but I am not sure).

Whether its just a popularity stunt (if we insist on being cynical) or genuine desire to help the dark continent is a matter of personal opinion. But to see a really intelligent pop-star is a proverbial myth. And especially when he is doing so much, for so long, for such poor people, at such high levels. You can not go this far with only a lot of gas and a flair for publicity.

I just wish more famous people, use some of their clout to raise awareness on other important issues. Songs and dance are fine, but there are more important things in life too.

4

I am always cynical Pristine bhai, of all people you should know that by now! :)

>>But to see a really intelligent pop-star is a proverbial myth<<

It shuoldn't be and its sad that it is.

5

A pic with Bush, doesn't make him a happier man.

“WatCh youR tHoughtS; they become words.
WatCh youR wOrdS; they become actions.
WatCh youR aCtiOns; they become habits.
WatCh youR hAbiTs; they become character.
WatCh youR chaRactEr; it becomes your dEsTinY."