Bono Unveils New Film, Teases U2’s Future Sound, and Reflects on a Life of Surrender
Bono, the iconic frontman of U2, is making waves with his new film, Bono: Stories of Surrender, now available on Apple TV+. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, this unique project blends rock concert intimacy with a Broadway-style production, offering fans a rare glimpse into Bono's personal journey. But that's not all - he's also dropping hints about U2's next album, promising a sound that's decidedly "future."
"We've been recording," Bono revealed. "And it sounds like future to me. We had to go through some stuff, and we're at the other end of it." This intriguing statement suggests a sonic evolution for the band, one that moves beyond nostalgia and embraces new creative horizons.
Stories of Surrender isn't just another rock documentary. It’s a deeply personal tribute to Bono's wife, Ali Hewson, his bandmates, and his late father, Paul Hewson. In the film, Bono revisits U2 classics like "Where the Streets Have No Name," "With or Without You," and "I Will Follow," stripping them down to their emotional core with the help of keyboardist Jacknife Lee, cellist Kate Ellis, and harp player Gemma Doherty.
The film captures the essence of Bono's intimate theater tour, a stark contrast to U2's stadium spectacles. "There's maximalism of the U2 show in every which way to this table and chairs," Bono explains, highlighting the creative challenge of distilling his performance to its most essential elements.
Andrew Dominik, the film's director, known for his work on "Chopper," brought a unique vision to the project. Bono praised Dominik's ability to extract powerful performances and create a distinct visual style. "It doesn't look like we just came to record that show," Bono said. "He said, 'Look, it's another art form, Bono. And you'll have to let me take it into a different place.'"
One of the most compelling aspects of the film is Bono's exploration of his relationship with his father. He embodies his father onstage, recreating their interactions and finding humor in his father's dry wit. Bono shared how an old editor encouraged him to apologize to his father, which profoundly shifted his perspective.
Beyond the film and the forthcoming album, Bono also shared his concerns about the current state of the world, stating that the possibility of another world war is more likely now than at any point in his lifetime. He emphasized the importance of globalization and expressed concern that communities haven't been credited enough for weathering the storms that globalization brought.
Stories Of Surrender also delves into the creative process behind U2's music. Bono discusses the inspiration behind tracks like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and the band's experimentation with new sounds. He hints at the challenges the band faced and how they overcame them to create something fresh and innovative.
Bono's willingness to be vulnerable and share his personal journey makes Bono: Stories of Surrender a compelling watch. It is an artistic, effectively streamlined celebration of reflection. Through its subject’s intensely personal reminiscences, a moving treatise emerges on the inherent value of identifying, exercising, and in some cases exorcising the angels and demons that most animate us.
From intimate reflections on family to teases of a futuristic sound, Bono continues to captivate and inspire. What are your thoughts on Bono's new film and U2's upcoming album? Share your comments below!