U2'S Joy At Release

U2 are celebrating after political prisoner AUNG SAN SUU KYI was released from house arrest in Burma.

Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma, had been detained for 15 of the past 21 years because of her political views.

The Irish rockers showed their support for the longtime social activist during their world tour last year (09), urging their fans to don face masks during their track Walk On, which they dedicated to Suu Kyi.

And they were overjoyed to learn she had finally been freed over the weekend.

A statement from the band reads, “There is a cautious joy amongst the campaigners for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. Over the years we have feared for her life, and until Burma’s leadership better reflects its people, we should continue to be vigilant in our concern.

“Her struggle has become a symbol for all humanity, of what we are capable of - best and worst. Her very grace so infuriating to the bully government whose brutish gorging of the country’s rich resources have left the people of Burma poor and hungry.”

Released ! Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi - On Saturday after her latest term of detention expired was freed by the Myanmar military government. A smilling Suu Kyi wearing a traditional jacket and a flower in her hair, appeared at the gate of her compound as the crowd chanted.

“If we work in unity, we will achieve our goal. We have alot of things to do”

U2 has always supported Aung San Suu and even had masks made during the last leg of the tour in support of her.

U2's Bono Married to Cher

Former US President George W Bush has paid a warm tribute to Bono, describing him as a very impressive man who really understood the issues facing the Third World.

In his book ‘Decision Points’, Mr Bush tells how he was wary of do-gooder rock stars before their first meeting in the White House on March 14, 2002 — shortly before St Patrick’s Day

“I was sceptical of celebrities who seemed to adopt the cause of the moment as a way to advance their careers,” he writes.

But he says in the book that Bono came bounding into the Oval Office with his “high voltage personality and signature shades” and “quickly dispelled the notion that he was a self-promoter”.

“He knew our budgets, understood the facts, and had well informed views about the challenges in Africa.” Mr Bush says that Bono brought him “a thoughtful gift — an old Irish Bible”.

Mr Bush says that his respect for Bono grew over time.

“Do you know that 2,003 verses of Scripture pertain directly to the world’s poor?” Bono asked Bush.

“People are quick to point out the obvious sins like marital infidelity.

“But sometimes we ignore the most serious ones.”

The President was impressed with Bono’s knowledge of scripture, saying he was “a man of genuine faith”.

However, when one of his staff asked if he knew who Bono was, Mr Bush said that of course he did — he was the rock star who “used to be married to Cher”.



The Edge and Daughter's Cancer Fight

The Edge and his wife have spoken out for the first time of their “hell” as their daughter battled leukaemia.

The Edge and Morleigh/ The Sun 2011

Dancer MORLEIGH STEINBERG told how SIAN, now 13, was diagnosed with the life-threatening cancer a few years ago.

She said: “You’re in shock then you just go into survival mode.

“The whole thing is hell but at the same time you stay positive and you really live. You live more because you don’t take anything for granted.”

News of Sian’s illness broke around the time U2 axed their 2006 Vertigo tour but the exact details were kept secret.

She was treated in Dublin and LA and Morleigh said: “She’s through it and she’s fine.” The couple also have a son.

The Edge, 49 - real name David Evans - has three other daughters from a previous marriage.

News Story/Photo Credit: By COLIN ROBERTSON/THE SUN 



Bono's Faith and Tweens

Is Bono so big that his faith in God needs to be explained to the tween set? Apparently so.

A prominent publisher of evangelical books, Zondervan, recently came out with a book called Breaking Through by Grace: The Bono Story, aimed squarely at the nine to 12 year old market.

It’s a head-scratching choice for a kid’s Christian biography for sure, no offense intended to U2 star Bono and the amazing career he’s forged for himself both as a rock star and tireless philanthropist. Perhaps the folks at Zondervan feel he can be the next Harry Potter, too!

“Awards, fame, wealth … Bono has it all. But the biggest rock star in the world has something more important, something that has guided every step of his success: faith in God,” says a Zondervan blurb about the book.

“From growing up in Ireland during deadly times to performing on the largest stages in the world, Bono’s beliefs have kept him grounded and focused on what truly matters. Whether using his voice to captivate an audience or to fight for justice and healing in Africa, Bono is a champion of the lost and a hero to those who long for harmony.”

Bono didn’t actually sit for a series of interviews for the book. Maybe he’s even unaware that it exists. The author, Kim Washburn, who used to help publish books for the ultra-conservative group Focus on the Family, pulled her book together through Bono’s previous spoken words on his faith and the role it plays in life.

“One thing early on, I decided to only go with Bono’s words. Of course there was so much other people had said about him, but other than one quote from The Edge (U2’s guitarist) we really wanted it to be in his own words,” said Washburn, in a piece published last Friday on the site EverydayChristian.com.

“He’s a very hard person to put in a little Christian box,” Washburn added. “I thought it was really great to see the details of how he didn’t fit a lot of Christian stereotypes, and yet it’s very clear that he loves God, loves Jesus and loves God’s word.”

Amen to that! The book is 144 pages, about $6 and could make a nice stocking stuffer for the younger U2 fans out there.

Win a backstage tour

Here’s a chance for U2 fans to win a “money can’t buy” experience at the Irish supergroup’s 360* concert at Auckland’s Mt Smart stadium on Friday November 26.

You will win a backstage tour for 14 people, including 2 VIP tickets and 12 red zone tickets valued at more than $350 each.

The winning group will have to make their own way to the Auckland concert. Winners must cover their own travel to/from Auckland and the venue, plus accommodation.

Just watch out for daily clues on Breakfast all this week. You need four clues to enter.

Check out the competition terms and conditions.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION

The competition closes at 5pm on Friday November 12. The winner will be announced on Monday November 15.

THIS IS NOT A U2TOURFANS PROMOTION - We do not have any other details other than what has been posted above. Do not submit your requests to us they will be deleted without comment. - Read the terms and conditions and follow the instructions. - Good Luck and yes we will have something for North America soon -

U2 dominate

Rock acts including U2, Metallica and AC/DC were the toast of the Billboard Touring Awards in New York on Thursday, taking the night’s top prizes.

The Irish band’s 360 Degree trek was named Top Tour and Top Draw at the ceremony, while AC/DC’s show at the Anz Stadium in Sydney, Australia in February this year took the Top Boxscore honour. Metallica landed the Eventful Fans’ Choice, while Canadian rockers Rush were crowned Legend Of Live.

Pop acts were also honoured at the prize-giving, with Lady Gaga receiving the Breakthrough trophy, while the ‘Poker Face’ hitmaker’s Monster Ball tour scored an award for Concert Marketing & Promotion. Britain’s Download Festival was named Top Festival, while London’s O2 Arena was picked out as Top Arena.

Bienvenido a México

With two U2360° shows at the Azteca Stadium already sold out, the third show announced today will take place on Wednesday May 11th. As we’ve seen over the summer in Europe, the band have been mixing up the set list night after night and this additional Wednesday show is set to warm things up for those lucky Saturday fans who got tickets early.

Tickets for this May 11th show will be available starting at $350 MXN, with general admission floor tickets at $850 MXN. Additional seated tickets also available starting at $750 MXN. Tickets go on sale to Banamex cardholders on Tuesday, November 16th at 11AM and to the general public on Thursday, November 18th at 11AM.