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U2 ARE SET to make history as the first-ever Irish songwriters to receive an Ivors Academy Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the prestigious music organisation.
Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. will join an elite group of songwriters, including Sir Elton John, Kate Bush, Sir Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, who have all previously been honoured by the UK-based Fellowship.
The Ivors Academy (formerly known as British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors) is one of the largest professional associations for music writers in Europe.
The induction ceremony will take place on 22 May at Grosvenor House in London, where U2 will be officially admitted into into the Fellowship.
Adam Clayton expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the recognition was “very special indeed”.
“The appreciation of one’s peers is a humbling honour, and we are immensely grateful. We’ve been playing our songs in this country for over 45 years, thank you to all those who have not just supported us, but carried us… producers, engineers, crew, fans, management, label.”
Speasking on the band’s induction, Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, praised U2’s impact on pop music.
“With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music,” Gray said.
“Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2’s induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft.”
The band’s illustrious career includes 22 Grammy Awards and their 2005 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bono was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year by then-US President Joe Biden, in recognition of his work advocating for poverty alleviation and HIV/AIDS awareness.
The induction ceremony will take place shortly after the release of a new documentary about Bono’s life and one-man show on Apple TV+.
Additional reporting from PA
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U2. Meh. Must be 40 years since they had a decent tune. Catalysts for zzz!
@Anthony Curran: one, hold me thrill me kiss me kill me, stuck in a moment, in a little while, staring at the sun, every breaking wave, walk on. Just off the top of my head they are all great U2 songs less than 40 yrs old.
@Brian Dunne: “Bad” from Live Aid all time classic performance. Plus,The Joshua Tree album and many more iconic songs before and afterwards. You don’t hear many people belittling Thin Lizzy or Rory Gallagher nowadays,but at the peak of careers were well respected by all. Van Morrison 80 yrs old and still touring. Legend.
@Larry Betts: yeah I wouldn’t even be a huge u2 fan larry but you’d have to recognise their talents
@Anthony Curran: They’re not your cup of tea, Anthony, that’s okay. But in my humble opinion, that comment makes zero sense.
@Anthony Curran: wouldn’t expect you to have much taste
Has bono not done us all a favour and drove off that cliff yet
@Dixie: No. Ever since they split up he has stayed away from the edge.
@Larry Betts:
Disgusted at their apparent silence over the Zionist genocide.
@Fergus O’Donnell: and the Palestinian terrorism as well, surely.
@Fergus O’Donnell: were are the calls for the hostages to be released??
@Fergus O’Donnell: it baffles me why people need celebs to voice this answer voice that. Worry about what you can do
@Fergus O’Donnell: If they did people would moan that they shouldn’t have an opinion on matters that don’t concern them …..or just stick to the music.Damned if they do or don’t.
@Dave Harris: Bono was never shy to voice his opinion on anything, and probably was one of th original celebs to pioneer wading into political issues.
@Setanta O’Toole: Why can’t they be anti-Semitic like any decent Paddystinian
@Fran Ken: or anti-irish like people that use the term ‘Paddystinian’
@Fergus O’Donnell: It’s brilliant they are finishing off the job.
@Fergus O’Donnell: Wrong platform mate, their song writing skills has nothing to do with your opinions on the Middle East
The greatest live band of all time. Have always pushed the boundaries and have never played it safe. Well deserved.
@Bryan: C’mon, better than Taylor Swift?
Some band…Some iconic tunes…. Well deserved.
Well, whatever they’re looking for it isn’t Palestine. For such a loudmouth Bono’s silence sums up his politics.
@PhiBo: who care about that Kip lol
@Billy Meehan: People with the ability to feel compassion and empathy for others care. If you were picking up your children or your grandchildren’s body parts I suspect you would also hope that others might care. It’s easy to be all lol’s when it doesn’t affect you,
@Declan Doherty: And what’s it got to do with U2. Why should celebrities get involved in such issues?
@The Firestarter: For celebrities that stick to their lane I would agree but Bono has always put himself out there, mixing with world leaders, preaching about peace while enjoying the limelight and the glory. I’ve always been a fan of U2 and never had an issue with Bono but his silence on Gaza is hypocritical and the sight of him accepting a medal of Freedom from Biden last year was the final straw for me. I just can’t stomach that level of hypocrisy.
U2 will be inducted into Price Water House’s hall of fame 2025 for best tax dodge of the century
The predictable vitriolic , cynical comments when a U2 related story shows up … here’s one for you all , what a band . They are up there with the best in the business… read that again .
Well done! Now roll on the begrudgers……
RELEASE THE HOSTAGES. LETS PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT TO CALL FOR THE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES.
@Veil: Israel is committing war crimes by collectively punishing the entire population of Gaza. The Occupied Territories Bill is long overdue. ENACT IT NOW.
@Anthony Curran: Using women and children as human shields is actually a war crime under international law. The well fed Hamas lads with their immaculately clean and pressed (unused) uniforms don’t look like they care very much for their fellow citizens.
@Fran Ken: I’ll give ya that franny, but it’s small taytas in comparison to the blatant efforts of a land grab by elimination of an entire people, which is where we all know this is heading. (Don’t try to suggest otherwise willy)
@Anthony Curran: Israel is dishing out karma :) why don’t you go join your beloved Hamas you would make excellent cannon fodder, bring more shinners with you too lol
@Fran Ken: i know right. This needs to called out. PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDEMN THIS USE OF HUMAN SHIELDS BY THE TERRORISTS.
The pox strikes again
Coolaboola well done x
Bono Strangely quiet on Gaza Extermination wonder why!!!
Bono kneeling in the White House to get his presidential medal of “freedom” from Genocide Joe while Gaza is bombed back to the stone age by American supplied weapons says it all.
Well tonight thank god it’s them instead of you eh Bono? You utter snivelling hypocrite.
I see all the U2 fans are in.
Need to get a new photo,craggy rock comes to the fore.
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