August 2005 Archives

By: ChartAttack.com Staff

There's nothing like expecting a lecture from Bono and not receiving it. According to the Kings Of Leon, who opened for U2 on the beginning leg of their world tour, the supposed Bono Talk is a fable.

"Yeah, there's no talk, really," says KOL guitarist Matthew Followill.

"Well, there's supposed to be a talk," interjects his first cousin, bassist Jared Followill. "Everybody says it, but we didn't get it. I mean, they called us KFC instead of KOL 'cause we have chicken legs." Both men laugh. "But in a funny, cool way. They're the nicest guys."

That may be, but U2 are Irish, have been playing music for decades and are all in their mid-40s. By contrast, the Kings are one cousin (Matthew) and three brothers (Jared, vocalist/rhythm guitarist Caleb and drummer Nathan) from the Southern U.S. who decided to form a band only five years ago. That's not much common ground to go by. As one would expect the band to say, though, the presence of girls made things easier.

"Their daughters were around a lot and they were always hanging out, so they kept it cool 'cause they're around our age," Jared explains. "And anytime Bono would start talking about something, they'd be like, 'Tell them about Adam' and he'd be like, 'Yeah, Adam has this problem with farting' and it'd be like, 'Yes! We don't have to talk politics.' It was awesome."

Irish rock band U2 have been awarded Portugal's highest honour for their humanitarian work.

President Jorge Sampaio bestowed the Order of Liberty honour on the group hours before they went on stage for a concert in Lisbon on Sunday.

Singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr all attended the investiture ceremony at the presidential palace.

"It is of course for the four of us a great, great honour," said Bono.

'Better world'

Bono played a major role in the Live Aid concert for African famine relief 20 years ago and has since campaigned to alleviate global poverty - including taking part in the recent Live 8 concert.

He has also brought many human rights issues to public attention.

After receiving the honour, the U2 frontman urged the Portuguese to help Africa, saying it was unacceptable for children to go hungry and for 3,000 a day to die from malaria.

Irish rock band U2 will receive one of Portugal's highest honours before giving a concert in Lisbon on Sunday.

President Jorge Sampaio will present the Order of Liberty to the veteran four-piece in recognition of their humanitarian efforts.

"Over the past 25 years the band has allied its public exposure to the defence of human rights," said a presidential spokeswoman.

Sunday's concert marks the end of the European leg of U2's world tour.

According to the president's office, the Order of Liberty honours efforts "to defend civilised values, dignify mankind and the cause of liberty".

It praised the band's campaigning for Third World debt relief, most recently in last month's Live 8 concert in Hyde Park.

U2 opened the event by singing Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band with Sir Paul McCartney.

All four members of the group - Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen - are expected to attend the investiture ceremony.

U2 will conclude their world tour in the United States in December.

Copyright © 2005 BBC. All rights reserved.

In the name of love - and big ticket sales - Irish supergroup U2 are likely to play Wellington next year as part of their world tour.

Music industry sources in Australia told The Dominion Post that U2 were seriously considering playing New Zealand early next year once the band confirmed dates in Australia.

U2 are touring Europe till late August, then the United States for the rest of the year. They plan to play Japan and Australia in January and February.

The band has the pulling power to fill Wellington's Westpac Stadium, which sold more than 30,000 tickets to Neil Diamond's show in March.

But sources said U2 had preferred indoor venues on their tours and this was likely to influence their decision. Wellington's biggest indoor venue, The Events Centre, can hold about 5000, which could mean more than one concert.

Centre manager Neville Brown said he had had no contact about U2 playing at the waterfront venue.

The boss of Auckland's planned 12,000-seat Vector Arena said in May that there was "more than a chance" U2 would play Auckland next year.

Industry sources in Wellington said contracts had been signed in New Zealand to supply sound equipment for U2 shows in the capital.

Westpac Stadium chief executive David Gray said he had not been directly contacted about U2 playing there next year. But it was possible promoters - without mentioning U2 by name - were considering bringing the band here.