Tulsa World: U2: A rock Crusade

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U2: A rock Crusade

BONO
More than music: "Bono made it cool to care about poor people," one source says.

By KIM BROWN World Scene Writer
Published: 5/13/2009 2:20 AM
Last Modified: 5/13/2009 3:49 AM

Brad and Angelina need to tip their celebrity caps to U2, and specifically lead singer Bono.

Lending their famous faces to causes and charities around the world was a trend the Irish rock superband started in the 1980s, and countless others have since followed.

Whether you snagged tickets to the October U2 concert in Norman or not, you might be interested in "U2: A Rock Crusade: The Unauthorized Story on U2," out on DVD Tuesday. The documentary-style film highlights the band's philanthropic efforts instead of their music.

From their early days in the late 1970s to Bono's being named Time magazine's "Person of the Year" in 2005 with Bill and Melinda Gates, this film shows that they've come a long way from rock kids to philanthropic crusaders.

In an interview with Stephen Koepp, Time's deputy managing editor, he says Bono used his rock star status to make real world issues hit home with the masses.

"Bono made it cool to care about poor people, and especially about extremely poor people," Koepp says in the film. "What he did was he leveraged his own incredible celebrity to really persuade politicians around the world of rich countries to relieve the debts of poor countries..."

To stay so cohesive as a band and remain friends over the years is another feat the DVD highlights, noting that the band has the same lineup as when it formed in 1976, and that they won't perform unless all members are present.

Bono isn't the only familiar face when it comes to U2 philanthropy — guitarist the Edge also lends his name and his voice to a lot of charitable causes.

But the success of Bono and the band in raising awareness also lies in their affable approach.

The narrator notes that "like a brilliant salesman, (Bono) doesn't seem to be selling anything at all," in his speeches and public appearances.

From famine relief and peace in Northern Ireland to ending the debt of Africa, the DVD covers all Bono's and U2's charitable bases.

The only question about this DVD is that it's an unauthorized documentary, meaning that the band and their numerous causes might not be getting any proceeds.

Still, it's an interesting story of a fascinating group of musicians.

U2 in Oklahoma

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18

Where: Memorial Stadium, Norman

U2: A ROCK CRUSADE

Stars:
Paul “Bono” Hewson, Larry Mullen Jr., Dave “The Edge” Evans, Adam Clayton

Running time:
48 minutes

Rated:
NR

Quality:

1/2

Kim Brown 581-8474
kim.brown@tulsaworld.com By KIM BROWN World Scene Writer

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	Report Comment Arbythree, Tulsa (5/13/2009 9:36:21 AM) Nice.
	Report Comment SS_Hippy, Tulsa (5/14/2009 8:41:12 AM) If the TW can post stories about American Idol...
	Report Comment R U 4 Real?, BA (5/30/2009 5:29:31 PM) Looking forwad to seeing this

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