Analysis
The Rolling Stone interview from 2003 includes the quote, “Music can change the world because it can change people,” confirming the attribution to Bono. However, the statement about music’s ability to change the world is a subjective belief about cultural impact, which cannot be empirically proven or disproven, making it an opinion rather than a factual claim.
Background
Bono has long spoken about the social power of music, linking artistic expression to activism and personal transformation. While many studies suggest music influences attitudes and behavior, there is no consensus metric that demonstrates it directly changes global events. As such, the statement reflects personal philosophy rather than an objectively testable fact.
Verdict summary
Bono did say the line in a 2003 Rolling Stone interview, but the claim that music can change the world is an opinion, not a verifiable fact.