Paul Hewson (aka Bono) was born on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland. He was raised in a religiously divided household and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School. He received his nickname Bono Vox from a hearing aid store in town when he was in high school.
In the summer of 1978, U2 was formed at a high school in Dublin by Bono, guitarist The Edge (David Evans), bassist Adam Clayton; and drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. The band won a school talent contest, began playing in local clubs, and in 1980 released its debut album, Boy.
The group began touring internationally the following year and earned a small, underground following in Britain and the United States. In 1982, Bono married Alison Stewart. They have two girls, Jordan (born May 10, 1989) and Memphis Eve (born July 7, 1991). U2's third album, War, was released in 1983 and became internationally successful.
With the albums The Unforgettable Fire (1984) and The Joshua Tree (1987), U2 became one of the most popular and respected bands in rock music.
U2 has subsequently grown famous for its commitment to political causes, including Bono's prominent support for international human rights.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox