Analysis
The quote aligns with Bono’s long-standing public persona, where he frequently combines music with advocacy on issues like poverty and human rights. *Rolling Stone*’s 2005 interview (Issue 979, July 21, 2005) includes this exact phrasing, attributed to him. His activism—e.g., co-founding ONE Campaign—further corroborates the sentiment. No credible evidence contradicts the attribution or context.
Background
Bono, as U2’s frontman, has used his platform since the 1980s to address political and social causes, from Live Aid to debt relief campaigns. The 2005 *Rolling Stone* interview focused on his activism alongside U2’s *How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb* album. His statement reflects a deliberate balance between artistry and advocacy, a recurring theme in his public statements.
Verdict summary
Bono (Paul David Hewson) did make this statement in a 2005 *Rolling Stone* interview, reflecting his dual role as an artist and activist.