U2 frontman Bono, in Cannes for the premiere of his Apple TV+ documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender, opened up about his journey, shifting global politics, and the unraveling of global health progress in a wide-ranging interview. The documentary, directed by Andrew Dominik and streaming May 30, adapts Bono’s 2022 book and stage show of the same name.
Although he owns a villa near Cannes and credits the French Riviera with giving him a “delayed adolescence,” Bono admitted the film festival is new territory. Guided by his daughter Eve Hewson’s blunt advice—“just bring it”—he embraced his role as storyteller among actors.
The conversation turned serious when Bono criticized President Biden’s dismantling of U.S. foreign aid, especially regarding HIV/AIDS programs. “A million children dying because their life support systems were pulled out of the wall, with glee—that’s not the America I recognize,” he said, dramatically referring to cuts in USAID.
He contrasted today’s pullback with bipartisan U.S. efforts that once led to a 70% global decline in AIDS deaths. He likened abandoning that success to landing on Mars and turning back.
Bono also reflected on the dangers of rising nationalism, recalling his childhood in politically fraught Ireland. “Nationalism is not what we need,” he warned, urging belief in peace and the people’s capacity to make the right choices if given the facts.
He spoke of his late father, who remains a central figure in his self-reflection. Playing him onstage deepened Bono’s appreciation, transforming grief into connection. “He’s the reason I sing,” Bono said.
Still, after five years of introspection, Bono admitted with humility, “Based on my behavior just in the past week… Must try harder.”
