U2: causes and crusades

CONTRACEPTION ACTION CAMPAIGN

Back in 1978, U2 played a gig at Liberty Hall to support the free availability of condoms in Ireland. In later years, they supported the Irish Family Planning Association. Another cause in the early days was Rock Against Sexism. A benefit gig pulled an estimated 50 people into the Magnet Bar in 1978.

BAND AID/LIVE AID

Despite early reservations from Principle Management, Bono and Adam appeared on the 1984 Band Aid single, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’. As funding and concern about Ethiopian famine relief became a world issue, Bob Geldof upped the stakes with a day of international events, July 13th, 1985. U2 played a powerful set at Wembley Stadium, a show that accelerated their rise. Bono and his wife Ali travelled to Ethiopia to serve as aid workers. Later they visited Nicaragua and El Salvador, as Bono’s political understanding deepened.

ARTISTS UNITED AGAINST APARTHEID

For the first time, Bono wrote a lyric, ‘Silver and Gold’, in advance of a tune, imagining a scene in the worst moments of Apartheid in South Africa. Rolling Stones guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood played on the first studio version, which was then presented to Artists Against Apartheid and their Sun City album in 1985.

A CONSPIRACY OF HOPE

A benefit tour across America for Amnesty International in 1986. Featuring U2, Lou Reed, The Neville Brothers, Sting and Peter Gabriel. Membership of the organisation increased dramatically, and $4 million was raised for the organisation’s 25th anniversary. The Amnesty International stall became a regular feature at U2 shows, and contact details appeared on album sleeves.

SELF AID

Ireland’s answer to Live Aid, aimed at improving job prospects at home. U2, like many prominent acts from the island, donated their services for a gig at the RDS Stadium. Some political commentators noted that the event was hopelessly naïve. U2 responded by playing a version of Dylan’s ‘Maggie’s Farm’, turning it into a rebutt to Margaret Thatcher.

FRISBEETARIANS

U2 gave some straight-faced support to this religious minority, who believe that when you die, your soul gets stuck in a roof and no-one can get it down. The creed is thought to have been inspired by the thinker and comedian, George Carlin. A pet subject of U2 during The Joshua Tree era.

STOP SELLAFIELD

The concern was that emissions from Sellafield nuclear plant were causing pockets of Leukaemia on the east coast of Ireland. Worse, the plant was also planning a recycling facility, processing international waste. So in June 1992, U2 took to the sea in a rubber raft and dumped polluted Irish effluent back on the British coastline, near the site.

THE GOOD FRIDAY REFERENDUM

Belfast, May19, 1998. U2 played alongside Ash at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast – a free show for schoolchildren – aimed at raising support for the referendum on the Belfast Agreement. Support was faltering after a series of messy PR problems. Bono helped to stage manage a photo session at the concert, in which Unionist and SDLP politicians Trimble and Hume shook hands. Positive press coverage followed, helping the referendum to ease through.

DROP THE DEBT/JUBILEE 2000

In which Bono and his associates have used every scrap of charm and status to get access to political and religious leaders, to push for third world debt relief. More than $100 million of debt has been written off thus far. Expect some interesting chart action around Christmas as the cause develops.

THE SPRINGFIELD GARBAGE SITUATION

Homer Simpson, angry at the running of civil amenities in Springfield, interrupts a U2 show to tell his side of the story. Bono is interested and then excited, planning to agitate on behalf of his new friend. Edge rolls his eyes and heads off to Mo’s tavern for a stiff drink. Adam is more interested in his burgeoning spoon collection. Another fine cause bites the dust.