OK, OK – Bono didn’t say that U2’s music will annoy people for 100 years. Bono said that U2’s music will still be around in 100 years. But it won’t get any less annoying, will it?
In an interview with American TV show 60 Minutes, Bono also took time out from blowing his insufferably smug trumpet to announce that he doesn’t intend on retiring from music any time soon. Great – it never rains but it pours.
Bono took time out from his busy schedule of hawking video iPods,
selling his songs to lower-league football highlight shows, dancing to
his own music, reminding everyone what a visionary he is and finding
ways of disguising the fact that U2 (CDs) have only every really written two
songs to have his ego massaged on the CBS show 60 Minutes at the
weekend.
And it was on 60 Minutes that Bono decided that U2 would still be
remembered in 100 years time. Why? Because the songs that U2 perform
occupy:
"an emotional terrain that didn’t exist before our group did."
So, Bono and U2 invented emotional music. Remember that one in case anyone asks. Bono also took the time to announce that he will never retire, ever:
"You know I’m still hungry. I still want a lot out of music."
Also
in the 60 Minutes interview, Bono brought up the subject of his endless
political activism. Over the last six years, Bono has been one of the
most vocal lobbyists for the poor, starving and AIDS-stricken. He has
campaigned for heads of state and lawmakers around the world to help
abolish third world debt. However, he doesn’t want his good work to be
remembered:
"I think my work – the activism – will be forgotten. And I hope it will. Because I hope those problems will have gone away."
It’s going to be a long century, isn’t it?
Read more:
Bono says his music will last 100 years – CBS
[story by Stuart Heritage]
juliana says
what’s wrong with being a musical genius and having the courage to recognize it in public?
What’s wrong with wanting to change the world, to cure the sick, to feed the hungry?
I don’t understand your problem!
chad says
did bono shave his head? looks like he did in that pic.
ryan says
i think the bald head photo is pop-era bono.
oh, and the phrase was “emotional terrain” not “emotional music.” if we’re going to be critics, let’s be a little more precise with the language we’re attacking, eh?
Sarah says
I’ll massage Bono’s ego for him.
U2’s music will live on for longer than the next 100 years.
The guy’s a humanitarian. But I guess he’s not in the same league as, say, Paris Hilton or P. Diddy or whatever his name is now. He’s actually doing something with his life.
How ’bout you?
Elizabeth says
Finally a website where they’re not afraid of Bono, Thank you! Thank You! Thank You Heckler Spray. Wish we had some of this freedom of speech in the US.
What all those bitches in the mainstream media here intentionally keep from the public is the fact that Bono and U2 enjoy tax exempt status. That’s right folks, the hundreds of millions of euros they earn via their music are 100% TAX FREE.
“Income earned by artists, writers, composers and sculptors from the sale of their works is exempt from tax in Ireland”
Source: http://www.revenue.ie/revguide/artistexemption.htm
Despite their enormous wealth, Bono and U2 continue to take advantage of a 1969 tax break that was initiated to help struggling artists. In fact according to accounts in the Irish press, members of U2 have threatened to leave Ireland if the exchequer abolishes their tax exempt status.
Source: http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=personalFinanceNews&storyid=2005-11-03T120402Z_01_NOA343272_RTRUKOC_0_ANALYSIS-IRISH-BUDGET.xml
For a group who have forced Americans to send $25 billion tax dollars abroad, isn’t it totally hypocritical of them to avoid paying taxes at home? Of course it is. I took the time to inform Ed Bradley at 60 Minutes of this before the U2 story ran, and CBS predictably omited the information. How’s that for fair and balanced journalism?
It seems to me that U2 shows are something akin to the old-time gospel hour, with brother Bono at the pulpit preaching to the faithful about the weak and the poor, the sick and the dying, while he and his brethren line their pockets with hundreds of millions of tax free euros and quietly stick someone else, namely the American tax payer, with the bill for the ministry’s ”good” work. When one starts to analyze the substance of this act, it seems more like televangleism for MTV. But the media of America never bother.
And if ANYONE can ask HOLY BONO one thing for me, it is this: How the –k can you read a “Declaration of Human Rights’ every single night from stage and continue taking the checks from Wal-Mart?
Sorry for my tone people, but this is one subject that pisses me off like nothing else. Go Heckler Spray!
Matt says
Wow, it amazes me how some people are so jealous of the success U2 have had that they constantly attack Bono’s humanitarian efforts and downgrade U2’s genius music. Only 2 songs worth mentioning? How about 200. Stop criticizing the best band of our era and start making something out of your own life.
L.M.R says
I THINK YOU, ELIZABETH MISSED THE POINT.
IT’S NOT BONO OR U2’S FAULT THEY DON’T PAY TAXES AND I SAY GOOD LUCK TO THEM.
I WISH I DIDN’T HAVE TO PAY TAXES THEY ARE A PAIN IN THE BUT.
ITS THE GOVERMENTS FAULT THEY ARE THE ONES THAT MAKE US LITTLE PEOPLE PAY TAXES. SO WHY DON’T WE ALL COME TOGETHER AND GET RID OF TAXES.
NO I THOUGHT NOT. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT TAXES AND NOT DOING ANYTHINK ABOUT IT.
AND BONOS NOT ALL HIGH AND MIGHTY.
AT THE END OF THE DAY HE IS JUST TRYING TO DO WHATS RIGHT.
HE DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE ANYTHINK TO DO WITH HUMAN RIGHTS. HE COULD TELL THEM ALL TO PISS OFF.
COULDN’T HE NOW.
HE IS OBLIVISLY DOING IT BECAUSE THATS WHAT HE WANTS TO DO SO WHO ARE YOU TO RUN HIM DOWN.
SO THERE =)
GRC says
He’s a twat. I could add more but that pretty much covers it.
CLO says
“Stop criticizing the best band of our era and start making something out of your own life.”
If The Bono can take time off from creating genius songs to criticize the rich and urge them to spend more on the poor, surely a common prole of the masses can follow suit and, in turn, ask the Bono to give even more freely? Because so far his Love and Caring haven’t quite trickled down to where some of us stand financially.
“He’s actually doing something with his life.”
Genius, Prophet, Philantropist… the list just goes on…
David says
Too Sarah-
And you are telling me you don’t take advantage of any tax break you can? If Ireland created that stupid tax legislation, more power to those who can use it. I don’t see you forking over thousands of extra dollars to the government if you aren’t required to!
And why do rock fans care about taxes?
Alright, if you are going to combine something as boring as finances with rock and roll I’ll spill my 2 cents…
U2 & Bono have donated millions upon millions of dollars to tons of causes including DATA & other debt relief.
Regarding his 100 year music comment – Let’s not forget Bono isn’t the only member of this band. What about Dave Evans? Adam Clayton? Larry Mullen, Jr? Bono constantly gives more credit to these guys and in his opinion are the stronger side of the band. Although I like Bono as a singer & frontman, he isn’t the band. U2 is the band, and U2 makes great music.
Hey, its cool if you disagree about the music, to each his own, but don’t rip on the poor guy about his relief work, he’s just trying to help; and I have a feeling that’s more than you do.
Dean says
Bono is amongst the greatest rock stars of all time and as a group U2 will always be remembered for their powerful anthemic contributions to the music world. If you couple this with Bono’s intent to help the helpless then I certainly think people should afford the man a degree of respect.
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinions but all you critics out there sit yourself down, get some U2 on the stereo and start injecting some good taste in to your life’s!
Roll on the next album!!!
Allen says
Bono your music is the best I love Sunday Bloody Sunday!!!! Please e-mail me!!
GITRDUN says
Il wow. lei sa che il mondo è corrotto quando critichiamo il più grand’uomo per essere qui poiché il lennon di john. perché fa non lei scende dal suo asses di rifiuti grasso,, repubblicano, bianco ed aiuta questo mondo. il wankers.
learn italiano.
L.M.R says
i so get what everyones saying except for elizabeth.
so they don’t pay taxes but like david said they would have donate millions apon of millions of dollars to all sorts of causes and what not. and thats better than giving taxes to your goverment.
so the award for the best person on here goes to well… it is a tie… between matt & david
thank you your words have said… well more than what that guy who wrote the article ever could.
thats me over and out =)
Cindy says
Elizabeth –
I noticed on your website that you are an activist yourself, standing behind the peace process in Northern Ireland. I am confused as to why, then, you would so vehemently oppose a fellow activist. U2 attracts huge audiences because of their music, and Bono spends time every show to rally support for the poorest people in the world. Likewise, I am sure you bring up NICIE at every show you play. If you were in Bono’s shoes, and could donate your money to NICIE instead of paying taxes, I think you might make the same decision.
I’m not sure why you dislike Bono so much when it appears that you are working toward such a similar goal – to make a better life for people in the world. We can’t reach that goal fighting each other.
steve says
i just saw U2 in Atlanta. it was my 7th show. my date said “wouldn’t it be great to be Bono, and have EVERYONE worship you??” i tried to explain that AIN’T the case. maybe i’ll refer her to this page. i don’t know what to believe about the things i hear on Bono….about Rush Limbaugh swearing he’s having an affair, or people saying he’s stashing his money, etc. all i know is that U2 is a long lasting great band, and fame has put them under a huge microscope, especially since they are trying to make a change. i WILL say, however, that if any of the people who made negative comments here were in FRONT of bono and U2, they wouldn’t be so bold in their accusations. you can say you would, and we’ll never find out, but deep down you KNOW it’s a powerful band, that is rock and roll, and doing it’s best to make a dent in the world.
Jacques says
It is always to shoot down the person who is trying to do something. What Bono is doing is very ‘un-cool’. There are not many people out there who are willing to nail their colours to the mast. Some people can only shoot down – taking aim with a jaundiced eye. U2’s music will be around in 100 years – whether or not it will be listened to nobody knows. If the US would like to learn a few lessons on how the world views them then they best listen to the little Irish singer… However irritating he may be. Change is never easy. Inane criticising is.
Jerk616 says
Why are celebrities accorded political power over politicans that ordinary people don’t have. its part of the same problem. thats why I don’t like bono.
Jacques says
for the same reason Apple doesn’t have you as the face of Ipod… You have no influence and you wont sell more of their product…. Pretty much the same principal with politicians.
Bono is using his celebrity to get into high places and to twist the ears of otherwise deaf politicians. I live in Africa and have a lot of respect for what he is trying to do – and it is working. The evidence is here to see!
Elizabeth says
Hi All,
Thanks for all of the great posts in response to last week’s rant. Maybe I should have cooled off and composed myself before raving, clearly the safer choice. But the myriad of replies suggests otherwise.
Just want to respond to a few points. J.W.R.’s contention that “it isn’t Bono or U2’s fault that they don’t pay income taxes” is in my opinion the weakest defense of Bono’s tax avoidance practices. Bono Can help it. He can call his accounting firm today and instruct them to pay his fair share (42% for his income bracket) of taxes. As his current tour is grossing $250 million, and 74% of the Irish public want this loophole abolished, this would be the ideal year to start paying his share.
If Bono stuck to entertainment and strictly funded his social agenda privately, as many celebs have the good sense to do, I would be the first to applaud him for it and would not criticize him at all. But whether Bono or his fans like it or not, the price of admission to the realm of public policy making is scrutiny. Bono decided to force myself and 143 million of my coworkers (the majority of whom don’t want more money going to Africa) to “give” to Africa. We tax payers in turn have every right to question him about the “moral” responsibilities of governments and fellow tax payers.
The one point that no picked up on, likely because it’s even harder to defend than Bono’s tax hypocrisy, is the one about human rights and Wal-Mart. Even though I regularly tune into BBC’s Radio Ulster news broadcasts and scan UK papers on-line, I can’t accurately gauge how much makes it into the Uk press about Wal-Mart. I just want to point out two of their practices, again practices that Bono, Pearl Jam, REM and all of the other usual suspects gladly profit from.
Wal-Mart gives welfare applications for three major federal programs (food stamps, section 8 housing and medicaid) to its employees. They have also been busted (earlier this month for example) for smuggling illegal immigrants into America to build and clean their stores. The Waltons, who own Wal-Mart, are five of the ten wealthiest people in America. We in the county of Los Angeles went to the polls the spring before last and outlawed Wal-Mart until such time as they are willing to comply with labor, environmental and human rights standards. It is possible to just say no to them. I only wish Ed Bradley had asked Bono how he squares his professed beliefs in human rights with human trafficking and how his Christian ethos justifies benefiting from workers who are forced onto the dole for food, shelter and medical care after putting in an honest day’s work.
And how great would it have been if Ed Bradley had turned to Bono on that private airplane of U2’s while the champagne was flowing and asked, “Bono, what it’s like for an Amnesty International activist to shake the hand of a pro-torture President?” You can HATE me for asking that. But you have to admit, it would have been memorable television.
Maybe my “non-insane automatism” (remember that gem from Peter Buck’s air-rage trial?) compels me to make these postings, but I can’t leave without mentioning that in early November Bono and an Apple exec bought a $300 million gaming company. Will one of the U2 following please explain to us why it is that Americans and Canadians have been saddled with the chore of feeding Africans when off-stage Bono gets to spend so much money on games?
Anyway, glad to see such a spirited debate and look forward to reading more of your thoughts, criticisms and ideas. BTW, after seeing all of your posts last night, I was inspired to ring the Irish Finance Minster’s office. A U2 fan who works there flatly (but unofficially) stated, “that loophole was never intended for big boys like Bono.” I’m am delighted to report that next Wednesday, the 7th of December, we will all find out whether or not Bono and U2 will be joining the ranks of the full tax rate paying masses. That is the day that the Irish budget will be made public and a decision on the artist exemption is expected then. In the meantime, here’s to equality and social justice.
All the best,
Elizabeth
L.M.R says
well, well, well elizabeth
arrr who cares so they don’t pay taxes and what they don’t pay in taxes they give most of that to charity anyway and thats a fact!!!
don’t you think that it is better than the government getting it and spending it on pointless stuff that nobody wants to use?
have a think about it!
Jaberwalky says
L.M.R.
Could you elaborate on the “pointless stuff that nobody wants to use”? Do you mean stuff like Healthcare, education, transportation, Job creation, to name a few? Catch a grip! Even the Queen of England pays taxes. Why should Bono “Queen of Ireland” get a free ride? Maybe you should use some of that ‘education stuff ‘to help improve your writing ability.
Elizabeth, I agree with you completely .
p.s. Hope you’re not the Queen.
L.M.R says
WELL YOU MUST COME FROM THE MAGICAL “LAND OF YOUR SO VAIN”
ARRR WHAT YOU DON’T REALISE IS THAT IN AUSTRAILA WE PAY TAXES SO OUR BIG FAT GREEDY “PM’S” CAN GO OUT TO SPAIN AND HAVE A HOLDIAY WHILE US TAX PAYERS FORK THE BILL SO THATS WHAT I MEANT WHEN I SAID POINTLESS STUFF.
AND MOTORWAYS THAT GET BUILT FROM OUR TAXES AND WE STILL HAVE TO PAY A TOLL?
G THAT SEEMS POINTLESS TO ME AND REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL NEVER GET NOTHING FOR NOTHING!!!
AND AS FOR HEALTH CARE AND ETC, ETC IF THATS WHAT THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF TAXES GO TOO, WELL DAMN THATS JUST THE MOST SHODDYIEST PIECE OF WORK THAT I HAVE SEEN…
SO TO YOU JABERWALKY I SAY WHY DON’T YOU GET A GRIP!!!
I TRYING HARD NOT TO BAG YOU OUT BUT I DO HAVE TO SAY I SEE BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY… =)
Jaberwalky says
Wow! Ease off the Caps Lock there L.M.R. It gives the impression your about to bust a blood vessel. Anyway, I apologise for not not understanding what you were talking about, but I’m sure I’m not alone. I thought we were talking about Bono, and therefore the IRISH tax system that he doesn’t want to participate in. Didn’t realise you wanted to steer this conversation to Australian politics. Let me assure you, In Irish republic there are a lot of people enjoying government benefits, weather their entitled to them or not, and all that money does not come from the magic money tree. Sounds a bit like the system Bono wants to set up internationally where we all pay an EXTRA tax to pay for Aid to Africa. So you see, unlke youself, even Bono ain’t completely Anti-Tax.
Sorry to hear about your motorways. In Ireland, we just get the E.U. to pay for the motorways. Life just Ain’t Fair.
Elizabeth says
Thank you Brian Cowen, for closing the tax loophole! Can’t wait to see Bono and the boys start coughing up those millions! It’s a beautiful day.
L.M.R says
YEH well i have got news for you luv. they will never ever and i mean ever pay taxes.
so elizabeth it is a beautiful day well maybe a beautiful life for the members of u2.
does’t it just torment you that they will never ever pay taxes
Jabewalky says
L.M.R. You make about as much sense as a tit in a frying pan. What are you… 12? Why don’t you contribute a little more after your stones drop and you start paying taxes yourself.
Thankyou Brian Cowen. And Thankyou for dropping the betting tax, for now I won’t have to pay so much when I place my bet on how quick Bono and co are at sellin up and moving to Saudi! Mind yer heads boys!
James says
It seems this running debate has unhinged L.M.R some what. I’m expecting his next post to be along the lines of “Ner ner ner ner ner you stupid willy head ner ner ner”
amy says
journey south are the best so shut up loosers
GRC says
Love the ‘tit in a frying pan’ comment..
J. T. Mitchell says
Liz,
Got your can wooped didn’t ya?
I’m a little busy now but I’ll be back to post my comments on your under informed ramblings about Bono. If any one would like to see what I wrote to Liz, drop me a line and get a peek at her 2nd grade response. Not exactly a blistering debate. J.T.
Elizabeth says
And I thought that all Santa was bringing me this year was the closing of the artist exemption and the death sentence of Tookie Williams. But no. Mr. J.T. Mitchell, Jeromy, took the time to write to me at my email address to personally notify me of his post. Tis the season I suppose.
Hecklerspray is the BEST! There are just so few places on the Net these days where one can have this much fun for free. let alone read about a tit in a frying pan. I’d gladly hand over cash for this many laughs.
Now on to Jeromy who didn’t post his entire rant for all of you to enjoy. No, I’m not an Irish tax solicitor. Thanks for pointing that out. I am however befuddled as to why you’re still raving in laborious detail about Irish tax laws. Bono lost. The loophole has been closed. Can you please try a little harder to keep up with the rest of the class? And reducing your arguments to name calling, now really. Is everyone who doesn’t see the world the same way as you do “stupid” and “ignorant”? Your e-mail, etitled “Ignorant ramblings, is nearly as good as J.W.R. going on about the Australian government in all CAPS. I bet he’s the culprit behind all of those riots down there. Well, in any case, it’s great to finally see white folks mad as Hell and NOT taking it anymore.
Anyway, Jeromy, privately you’re quite exercised. I get that way myself from time to time. A good night at the local irish pub generally alters the mood. As, it’s Xmas I went online to find something special for you.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/apply/now/index.cfm?&
Thanks a million. You honestly made my day. Anyone who wants a copy of Jeromy’s email, is welcome to write to me, too.
And even more LOVE to Brian Cowen – he reduced the betting tax, too? Now there’s a man who deserves a pint and to be elected Taoiseach!
Happy holidays to all of you. Though in my home, we won’t be dining on fried tits. There are far better uses for the girls here.
Elizabeth
J. T. Mitchell says
Liz,
Sorry I couldn’t post my comments for everyone to read, I have two little ones that thankfully take up most of my time. I find little time to concern myself with the outdated tax laws of Ireland. If they closed this loop hole good for them. Frankly I don’t give a rats ass if Bono lost or won. The man has more money than Midas and does alot of good with it. The new tax law just means that there will be less for him to invest or spread around. The point I was trying to make that you still havn’t grasped is Bono didn’t pass this tax law that helps strugling new artist. You talk as if he is an activist for it and he’s not. Your disdain for this law should be focused on the government which has allowed this law to exist. I responded to your last comment which didn’t mention any new tax reform laws that have recently passed. Do you now get my point? Or do I have to translate it into Dr. Suess vernacular?
By the way I never called you any names (although a few came to mind)I stated that you were “either incredibly stupid or incredibly unconcerned with poverty”, you picked stupid. What does that say about you. I also didn’t state you were ignorant, although your response reminded me of a playground bully who doesn’t have anything intelligent to say so he mocks the smarter and stronger kids. I stated your ramblings were “ignorant” and “uninformed”. I’m sure your a genious. And I don’t pretend to think everyone should see the world as I do. Just be able to back up your claims with facts and hardcore proof or be prepared for the wrath your recklessness will elicit. By the way it’s L.M.R. and I find him quite amusing, even the caps lock problem. It’s like he’s shouting all the time with a Fosters in his hands. OYE! In fact I think I’ll ask if he would be my official mascot. J/K L.M.R. but at least I got your name right. By the way Liz, are you suggesting I’m an alcoholic because I’m Irish. I was so irate when I read this that I spilled my Guiness all over my mouse pad. I guess I’ll have to buy another U2 Vertigo mouse pad at U2s official web site. It must drive you nuts that another two bucks went to Africa’s impoverished via U2 and Bono. Helo Helo…I’m at a place called Vertigo. I’m sure if I was sitting next to you I’d get a jovial slap and belly over laughing my arss off. J.T. Mitchell
Rob says
With Elizabeth all the way here. Sorry, JT Mitchell, you simply make no sense whatsoever.
the sloanes says
BONO: Not a great musican,but has managed to get a style of singing quite unique. A lively front man. He’s not a saint, he does coke, he has flings with french girls (so i’ve been told). He genuinely believes he’s doing whats right. Of course he dodges taxes, in the end of the day he’s human, theres charity, and there having wealth and security for your family. He’s not anything special, he has some talents and passions, and has a heart, but nothing more….He is popular because middle america are christians, pretty dull, and think its “cool” liking u2, but the music is basically mainstream pop, and pretty cheesy.
J. T. Mitchell says
Rob,
For you the Dr. Suess vernacular.
Bono is rich.
Don’t hate rich people for being rich and good.
Bono didn’t make law.
Hating wealthy people for just being wealthy is ignorant.
Makes you seem jealous and pathetic.
Back up your claims with known and proven facts. I.E. the sloans above
Don’t disguise your opinion as fact.
Simple enough for you Rob?
Sorry I don’t have time for
s-o-u-n-d s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g.
And I am not looking for support anyway Rob. Hell look at the name of the website. J.T.Mitchell
J. T. Mitchell says
The sloanes??
Not a great musician? The multiple music awards, not to mention album of the year award and nominations would suggest otherwise. You don’t have to like him but don’t deny that he has been a succesful musician for nearly 30 years. Does Coke and has flings with french girls? I’m sure you have proof. I heard Sadam was really an alien from the planet Hesbolah, so i’ve heard.
Mr. “Not anything special” has erased over 4 billion dollard in debt to underdeveloped countries.
And if these people are happy in their own country maybe they will stay there. See the benefit sloanes. And there is D.A.T.A and a clothing company called EDUN started to provide jobs for the impoverished in these countries. Sounds like he may be just a wee bit special. You’ve heard of time magazine right? True U2 is mainstreem now. A victim of enormous success. J.T. Mitchell
B.V KROUD says
U2 80S, 90S, MIGHT BE REMEMBERED, BUT COMMERCIAL U2 00S, FORGET ABOUT IT. I DO GIVE THE NEW MUSIC SOME BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, HOWEVER. THE MORE COMMERCIAL THE MUSIC THE MORE INCLINED IT IS TO REACH THE SUPERFICIAL AND BRAINLESS TASTELESS FOLKS. HENCE, MORE MONEY IN THE BANK. RESULT MORE MONEY TO REDIRECT TO THE NEEDY WORLDWIDE. OR HAS HE NO INTENTION OF DONATING ANY OF HIS EARNINGS? HMMMM!
L.M.R says
hope you all had a nice christmas.
and i will try to refrain from using the caps lock button if it torments you all so much.
anyway i thought i would clear up a few questions for you all.
1) i am not 12 years old as that was some time ago.
2) i am not about to blow a blood vessel just because i type in cap lock i am just use to it thats all.
3) i am not some drunk aussie male
i am in fact a women. (thank you, J.T Mitchell but as much as i find it hard to admit i agree with everythink that you say)except for the whole drunk aussie thing.
4) and as for you elizabeth my name on here is L.M.R so just remember that.
and as for every one on here i am as you call just “shit stirring” don’t take it to heart.
J. T. Mitchell says
L.M.R.
Sorry for asuming you were a male.
I have found that men are more likely to use caps lock than women. Alot of us are too lazy to use the “shift” key. My apologies.
I also feel compeled to mention that I didn’t call you a drunk Aussie. I stated that your caps lock problem seemed as if you were shouting with a Fosters in your hand. I didn’t mention if you were drinking it. It was just my attempt at humor, although not to succesful. And it’s O.K. to admit you agree with me…..cause I’m right. Merry New Year L.M.R.. Keep stirring the shit. J.T.Mitchell
L.M.R says
thank you, j.t.mitchell and i hope you have a nice new year and i really look forward to stirring the shit.
J. T. Mitchell says
Did this continue somewhere else
L.M.R. or did we shut it down…?
Liz, I miss your pesamistic sarchasm. JTM
Spanish Eyes says
There couldn’t be a better band that deserves the tax break and it is very much in good hands. They should be poor martyrs because they “speak” for the desolate? NO!!
Their music is REAL and it opens the eyes and ears of thousands with beautiful harmony to really hit your soul.
Pick on Miss Hilton, the other end of the extreme. I’m sure she gets tax breaks on her multi faceted “business trips” and “advertisements” for the Hotel….something worth while, right?. And what’s her goal? To be the biggest “partier” ever….oh, how deep. She annoys me…..enough said.
U2 has been my favorite band for now 19 years, and my love affair with their music will forever last. U2 IS a “heart”, in a spiritual sense of the word.
Bono, is not U2, he is a human, and has his flaws, and he knows it, and doesn’t WANT to be known as a saint. But I’ll tell ya one thing, I wish I was French (hee hee).
Rory says
“You know, we pay a lot of tax by the way, a lot of tax, enormous, millions of tax,” Bono told Dave Fanning in an exclusive interview in the Sunday Independent.
The Minister for Finance Brian Cowan is currently reviewing all tax exemption schemes available to wealthy Irish residents after it was dramatically revealed that 41 businessmen paid no tax at all on declared incomes of over €500,000 a year.
Exemptions on stallion fees, which allow multimillionaires such as John Magnier to pay no tax on vast earnings, have come in for sustained criticism.
Wealthy lawyers and businessmen are also allowed to write off tax on investments in hotels, nursing homes,private clinics and urban renewal schemes.
Other schemes allow artists, writers and musicians to live in Ireland without paying tax on music royalties.
But Bono, who was instrumental in the cancellation of African debt after personally intervening in negotiations with US President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, said that while the tax exemption “encouraged us to stay in Ireland”, the band would not leave the country if it was abolished.
Millionaire rock star residents such as U2, The Corrs, Enya and others can avail of a section of the Taxes Consolidation Act which allows them tax-free earnings from musical “composition”. But as Irish residents, they have to pay tax on millions earned from concert tours and CD sales.
“People think that artists in Ireland are tax free. Our publishing, which is about one third of our income, we have tax breaks on, and that’s great and that’s encouraged us to stay in Ireland and if that changes, it’s not going to affect anything for U2 – but young U2s might have to leave and that would be a shame,” said Bono.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/music/story.jsp?story=648411
Daniel says
Sarah (22 November 2005)
You really are economic genius. An academic in fact. If only you were in any way correct.
Firstly, do you have any evidence to suggest that U2 do not pay tax, as Bono himself states otherwise.
Secondly, we must weigh up the immense cultural, social and economic benefit gained to Ireland, through hosting the world’s biggest, and most widely recognised band. Realistically, the ammount lost to the Irish government, and inadvertedly the Irish people, through tax breaks (if, in fact, U2 do not pay tax) will not, in any way, equal the incredible benefit gained.
Learn basic economics then start your preaching. Heathen.
jeromy says
Daniel my boy, I think you meant to reference Elizabeth. Sarah is on our side. I think? Check Liz’s rather wordy log for the 29 of Nov. I love how she states that Bono “forced her and 143 million
of her co-workers to donate to Africa”. Wow! how terrible that in the process of buying a cd or going to a u2 concert you donate a few pennies to the poorest continent on earth!!! There’s a special place in hell for a synic like that. Hey! Liz admitted to buying a U2 CD. I knew she was a closet fan! How Apropriate. Ah Lizzie my lass, how I miss thee. J.T. Mitchell
L.M.R says
hi!!!
i am really missing the shear wit that liz comes up with. i wonder why she is yet to reply with something deep and meaningful yet again. oh come on liz what you waiting for?
i was waiting for u2 to visit australia but they cancel =( how sad.
anyway great to see this all fired up again!!!
Nick says
I’d have a little more respect for the diminutive bespectacled bard if he didn’t spend inordinate amounts of $$$ adding another 3 floors to his already too large mansion instead of preaching to the rest of the world about how to spend their money. The phrase ‘practice what you preach’ springs to mind. Easy to give away cash when you have so much that it no longer makes a difference. And insisting on how governments spend their money?? then complaining when it doesn’t go his way.. oh please. Enough of him, and tell him to take that other attention whore Geldof with him. God knows why people bring music into it, whether or not he can write a good tune has nothing to do with politics and he’s barged himself in way out of his depth. Do the world a favor and go back to writing pop songs.
money tree says
MONEY REALLY DOES GROW ON TREES…………
JoelB says
Look, forget about tax, that guy is a twat.
Many musicians are twats, but he’s a hypocritical twat.
Some little evidence:
a) Buying gaming companies making first-person shooters set in third world countries.
b) Supporting a Credit Card company.
c) Supporting iPods.
Depending on the level of outrage I might post more.
J.T. Mitchell says
Joelb,
So he’s a twat because he’s endorses a credit card company or I-pods? First of all does anyone even say “twat” anymore. Do you have any proof of point “A” that you made? if not..Shut your pie hole or try and make sense. Bono has done more for impoverished countries than any rocker in history. He single handedly helped to erase billions of dollars in debt from 3rd world countries. So by your reasoning if you have been incredibly succesful and are amazingly wealthy even though you may be considered one of the greatest philanthropist of our generation and raise millions of dollars to advance the causes of the poor and destitute all over the world…. you are a “twat” and a hypocrit????? I guess Joelb has no credit cards or an I-pod????
Can you say jealousy? So I suppose if you were rich you would give all your money away and live like a bumb. Why not use your substantial money and influence to help those less fortunate?? I would say this is a more noble cause.
Do your research homie.
http://www.time.com/time/archive/collections/0,21428,c_bono,00.shtml
http://www.stopcapitalpunishment.org/coverage/171.html
J.T. Mitchell
JoelB says
Hi JT,
I’ve posted a response to Point A) in http://www.hecklerspray.com/bono-defends-own-self-righteousness/20051337.php#comment-1794, as it’s better off there.
Regarding Credit Cards, well yes I do have one. But I don’t pretend my excessive western livestyle paid for by credit card is going to stop world hunger. Unlike Bono.
Regarding iPods, again, yes I was given one and promptly gave it away in turn. iPods are the pinnacle of marketing hype (like Bono). They are disposable. To expand, as you obviously can’t be fucked to do your own research.
Disposable: aka Planned Obsolescence. The Lithium-Ion batteries in IPods die (often just after warranty expires). They are not replaceable by the user, and most likely as newer and “better” iPods come onto the market dead iPods end up in landfills. Lithium is a heavy metal. It’s not like you can take the battery out and recycle it. Very poor and not at all environmentally friendly.
There are also DRM issues with iPods but I can’t be arsed.
Hope to see you in “bono-defends-own-self-righteousness”
Cheers!
David Smith says
To put this honestly…this article is complete crap.
‘Stuart Heritage’, the prat who writes this shite, seems to have a personal vendetta against Bono and U2, I wonder why? Is it because he likes some other type of music, or band that hasn’t got anything on U2 and the idiot is in denial? Probably.
Most of the time, this guy actually gets traffic coming to the site to explain to him that he’s wrong about everything, which he is, so why can’t he do us all a favour and shut the hell up? But that’s not gonna happen though is it? So we have to put up with his complete bullshit about Bono, U2 and other famous people.
I mean comeon, who gives a damn what you think about Nicole Kidman getting married ‘atlast’, you seem to think people care for your opinion. They don’t.
J.T. Mitchell says
Joel b,
So you use nothing that is disposable????
Dude, you simply come off as a jealous tree hug’n poser.
Doesn’t nearly everything we use eventually become obsolete???
T,V , Cars, cell phones etc. I could go on and on.
And Bono will not stop world hunger, but he’s put some major dents in it.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that his lifestyle has had a better impact on the impoverished than your has…..
Stop sounding so pathetcially jealous and critisize someone who deserves it.
I’m off to listen to my I-pod and then hug a few trees. Maybe a bowl of granola too. I hope it doesn’t turn me into a blubering idiot. JM
JoelB says
Hi J.T.
Come on J.T., you know I re-use what I can.
I have guinea pigs and a goose to mow the lawn, I’ve got a Cattle dog to keep the cats away. But it’s just too complicated to go into here.
By way of example, The dog and goose need water so we have a small pond, but because of mosquito’s we have a fish to eat them, but the fish needs plants and oxygen. So we have plants and an aerator.
Dr K (my Wife!) breeds pyrethrum, the only natural and effective insecticide. But indoors I’ve started natural insect “traps” consisting of native “sun-dews” to catch very small insects, Venus Fly-traps to catch middle sized ones and large Pitcher-Plants to catch those enormous blow-flys we get down here.
Just don’t call me a tree-hugger. There’s nothing I love better than seeing a truck with a 300year-old tree on the back on its way to the pulpmill!