LONDON – Bono was a guest editor of Tuesday's edition of The Independent newspaper, filling its pages with stories on HIV/AIDS in Africa, poverty and global warming.
The 46-year-old Irish rocker, who has long complained that Africa's problems get little attention in the news, was invited to sit in the editor's chair to highlight his latest venture, Project RED, which enlists corporations to donate the proceeds of products made under the "RED" brand to humanitarian efforts in Africa.
The newspaper's front page featured a headline saying, "No News Today," with the footnote: "Just 6,500 Africans died today as a result of a preventable, treatable disease (HIV/AIDS)." The message was illustrated with several images symbolizing life and death by artist Damien Hirst.
Half the revenue from the sale of Tuesday's Independent will go to aid groups in Africa, the newspaper said.
"Our readers have already shown, by their contribution to our annual charity appeals, their interest and concern in Africa," said Independent Editor in Chief Simon Kelner in a press release.
In an editorial, Bono, the frontman for U2, asked readers to support his Project RED initiative, which includes corporate sponsors such as American Express, the Gap and Converse footwear.
The newspaper also included an editorial by Bob Geldof, an interview with Giorgio Armani by Stella McCartney, observations by U2 guitarist "The Edge" on rebuilding efforts by New Orleans musicians in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the top 10 favorite musical works of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
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