HENRY ROLLINS Questions Timing Of U2 Singer BONO's Activism

January 8, 2003

Punk rock icon Henry Rollins recently questioned U2 activist frontman Bono's motives in getting involved in so many causes, implying in no uncertain terms that the Irish singer may be using his high-profile involvement in politics to promote the group's current "greatest hits" album.

"I think if the guy is doing something, it's better than nothing — but I just wonder if he's following through," the ex-BLACK FLAG frontman told Britain's Sunday Mirror.

Although Rollins is in no way a U2 fan, he respects Bono's convictions. "I hate this guy's music, but I like the idea of absolving Third World debt, because otherwise these people are going to die," he said. "So if he's using all that rock-star power, well, right on. Like he's Mr. Africa Third World Debt Guy, which is a huge issue, but now, he's Mr. AIDS Guy. Well, wait a minute, how did you go from Third World debt to AIDS?"

Rollins is skeptical about the timing of the activism as well, suggesting to the Mirror, "Is this a crusade or really good promo for U2's new 'Greatest Hits' album? I have to think his heart's in the right place. I think he's a boring singer, but I don't think he's a bad man."

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