U2 help raise money for the arts

U2 donated two lots to the music memorabilia auction – a limited-edition lithograph of the War album sleeve and Bono’s green Gretsch – which were snapped up respectively by ABBA’s Bjorn and Benny, and retail magnate Philip Green who paid £150,000 for the axe in question.
Bono revealed himself to be a closet Gooner by splashing out £21,000 on a box at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium while The Edge lavished £15,000 on a Spitting Image puppet of Jarvis Cocker.
They also took to the stage to make a presentation to Lucian Grange, the Universal Music Group International Chairman/CEO, who’s currently celebrating thirty years in the industry.
“He’s great because he’s ready to take on the world for British music, and Irish music for that matter,” Bono reflected. “He’s a tough guy when it comes to deals but he’s a very tender soul to deal with if you’re U2.”
For his part, Grange used the opportunity to enthuse about the coming together of the new Amy Winehouse album.
“I’ve heard some demos, and I’ve heard some simple acoustic songs that she’s played me in the office on acoustic guitar, and what I’ve heard has been sensational,” he revealed.
Playing live at the London Grosvenor House Hotel shindig were Mike, Take That, Jamie Cullum and Razorlight who subject themselves to a thorough grilling in the current issue of Hot Press.
Bono is also expected to be in Liverpool tonight (November 6) where he’s presenting an Ultimate Legend gong to Sir Paul McCartney at the MTV Europe Music Awards.