Bono gives a thumbs up as band U2 are among performing artists bestowed with Kennedy Center Honors

Irish rock band U2 are among the artists awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for his lifetime of contributions to American culture.

While the band’s contribution to American culture began with their incredible catalog of music dating back to their first release in 1980, they have also made an impact as activists for nonprofit and social justice causes, such as U2. as individually.

The event of the day included a White House reception for band members Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar, vocals), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums), as well as actor/director George Clooney, the composer Tania León, the singer Gladys Knight and the singer Amy Grant.

Honored: Legendary rock band U2 were among artists awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime contributions to American culture during a White House reception held before the official gala; the band includes Adam Clayon (bass), Larry Mullen Jr. (drums), The Edge (guitar, vocals) and Bono (vocals)

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their respective spouses attended the reception and photo call at the White House.

From the East Room, Mr. Biden shared a few words about each of the honorees, highlighting some of their accomplishments that deserve recognition from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Recalling his love for Irish poets, the president proceeded to call U2 ‘four sons of Ireland, poets in their own right’, while declaring that their music ‘has changed the world’, according to the Associated Press.

“We would do well to remember today at a time when there is too much hate, too much anger, too much division here in America and, frankly, around the world,” Biden said.

Achtung Bono: Singer Bono (born Paul David Hewson), 62, flashed a proud smile as he was escorted to the White House reception for honorees.

Big deal: Guitarist The Edge (born David Howell Evans), 61, seemed equally proud of the honor.

Bono approved: The legendary vocalist gave a thumbs up to all the pomp and circumstance

Bono and The Edge on the list as President Biden shared a few words about the honorees, which include singers Amy Grant and Gladys Knight.

Irish scream: Recalling his love for Irish poets, the president proceeded to call U2 “four sons of Ireland, poets in their own right,” while declaring that their music “has changed the world,” according to the Associated Press.

“We have to remember today, as his song says: ‘We are one, but we are not the same. We carry each other,'” he added, referring to his classic song One, from his studio album. Achtung Baby (1991), which was released as a charity single with the proceeds going to AIDS research.

The group often uses one to promote human rights or social justice causes, and the theme lends its name to Bono’s charity, the ONE Campaign, which was founded to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease.

U2’s formation in the 1970s is not unlike many rock bands that emerged and tried to make a name for themselves out of the punk explosion led, in part, by the Sex Pistols and the Clash, who are considered heroes by fans. U2 members.

Mullen Jr., then 14 years old and living in Dublin, posted a note on his school’s notice board looking for musicians for a new band, which caught Clayton’s attention, The Edge (born David Howell Evans). and Bono (born Paul David Hewson). ), And some others.

The 2022 Honorees: All of the honorees posed for some photos at the White House reception; honorees include Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, George Clooney and Tania León, along with U2

The Criteria: The prestigious Kennedy Center Honors are awarded to those dedicated to the performing arts for their lifetime contributions to American culture.

Humble Beginnings: U2 formed in Dublin, Ireland in the late 1970s, releasing their first studio album, Boy, in 1980.

But while their formation is a familiar story to many musicians, their long and storied careers to stardom are far from typical.

Using themes ranging from love and heartbreak to politics, war and social injustice, U2 have released 14 studio albums and have since become one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time, selling between 150 and 170 million records worldwide.

And they paved their way to stardom, which includes 22 Grammy Awards, with the same four original members for 45 years and counting.

Catching up: During the festivities, Clooney chatted with The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.

Monumental moment: Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr drenched in the moment with Clooney and Grant

Kennedy Honors: Founded in 1978, five honorees are celebrated each year, culminating in a gala held at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, DC in December.

The prestigious Kennedy Center Honors are awarded to those dedicated to the performing arts for their lifetime contributions to American culture.

Founded in 1978, five honorees are celebrated each year, culminating in a gala held at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, DC in December.

While the awards are mainly given to individuals, they have occasionally been awarded to musical couples or groups, as is the case with U2, as well as a Broadway musical and television show.

Mullen Jr., then 14 years old and living in Dublin, posted a note on his school’s notice board looking for musicians for a new band, which caught Clayton’s attention, The Edge (born David Howell Evans). and Bono (born Paul David Hewson). )

Making a Difference: While U2’s contribution to US culture began with their incredible catalog of music dating back to their first release in 1980, they have also made a huge impact as activists for non-profit causes and of social justice, both as U2 and as individuals.