We Are Called U2, Gay

Bono, lead singer with U2, talks to Gay Byrne about making the video for 'New Year's Day', playing the Dandelion market and why he thinks drugs are boring. He also introduces his wife Ali.

Presenter Gay Byrne interviews Bono of U2. Bono wears a sleevless denim jacket over a leather jacket. The front of his hair is dyed blonde. Bono talks about making the video for the single 'New Year's Day' which is to be on the band's new album 'War'. He talks about being a singer in the band and learning the business of rock and roll. He recalls the band's early gigs including those at the Dandelion market.

Gay Byrne asks are the band new wave, punk rock or pop or what category?

Bono replies, "We are called U2, Gay that's it."

He says he doesn't like to put a label on what U2 do. Asked about the clean living and religious image the band have, Bono says he is not into drugs and does not consider himself religious but has a personal belief in God.

Bono introduces his wife Ali who is sitting in the audience.


Title:	We Are Called U2, Gay
Clip Duration:	00:05:58
Material Type:	Video
Clip Title:	We Are Called U2, Gay
Series Title:	The Late Late Show
Information:	This is part of Bono's first interview on 'The Late Late Show' broadcast on 22 January 1983. U2 had played on the show in January 1980. 'The Late Late Show' was intended to be a summer "filler" but proved so successful with the public that it became part of the regular schedule. The idea for the programme came from the show's producer, Tom McGrath, who wanted to present an Irish version of the American talk show 'The Tonight Show'. Gay Byrne was to be the show's presenter and would remain so for the next 37 years. Tom McGrath's original idea was that the show would be informal and have the feel of people dropping in for chat. 'The Late Late Show' became an important forum for the airing and debating of many issues in a changing Irish society. The first programme of 'The Late Late Show' was broadcast at 11.20 pm, 6 July 1962. At the time, it was unusual to have a live talk and entertainment show on so late in the day's viewing. Pat Kenny replaced Gay Byrne as presenter in 1999 and remained in that position for ten years. The programme is still running today and is presented by Ryan Tubridy.
Local Keywords:	Music, Pop Music, Bono, Ali Hewson
Coverage:	Ireland
Topic:	Arts and Culture
Contributor(s):	Gay Byrne (Presenter)
Publisher:	RTÉ
First Broadcast Channel:	RTÉ One
Broadcast Date:	22/01/1983
Production Year:	1983
Country of Production:	IRELAND
Original Identifier:	96D00714
IPR Restrictions:	Rights Reserved - Free Access
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Item Type:	part/extract
Colour:	Colour
Sound:	Stereo
Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Language:	English (eng)
Original Language:	English (eng)