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 A Crusader for the poor. Humanitarian. Rock Star. These are just few of the titles musician Bono holds. As leader of the most popular and influential rock band in the last 30 years, U2, Bono is a figure adored and admired both within and outside the music world. Born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, he attained his nickname from Bonavox, a Latin phrase that translates to "good voice."
He is, co-founder of organizations such as DATA and the ONE Campaign, he has gained deep respect from politicians and global statesmen as well as music fans. His rare ability to effectively straddle the spheres of both entertainment and politics remains rivaled by few in the realm of popular culture, and his determination to change the world for the better continues to inspire millions on both sides of the political divide. His work as an activist was inspired by Live aid, which saw him visit Ethiopia to work in a feeding camp with his wife Ali and the charity World Vision. This spark set a off a wild fire of other philanthropic efforts to make the world a better place especially for the under- privileged. This has seen him travel to Central America as part of the Amnesty International benefit tour and campaign with Greenpeace against nuclear power in Sellafield, England. Since the millennium his attention has moved closer to the plight of the Third world. Combining efforts with actors, artist and other campaigners to end Third world debt, end AIDS and end extreme poverty in Africa.
He recently, co-founded with Bobby Shriver the Product (RED) campaign. This initiative seeks to persuade large companies with global brands to sell specific lines of products from which a portion of the profits will be donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. Yet despite all his influence among the wealthy and famous, Bono's greatest impact arguably lies with the millions of ordinary individuals whose lives he has touched and transformed, many of whom have been inspired by him to try and make the world a better place. His capacity for action, his unwavering belief in the potential for individuals to change the world, and his extraordinary powers of persuasion when faced with those hostile to his cause remain unrivalled both within and outside of the music industry. His life has been, and still is, a remarkable example of the triumph of optimism in the face of cynicism and indifference, not to mention how to resist the rock n' roll cliches. View Gallery 
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