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    U2 Drummer Condemns Bono's Relationship With Politicians

    • Posted on Jan 2nd 2009 4:00PM by John D. Luerssen
    • Comments (108)
    Print |  Email More
    U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. is speaking out in criticism of frontman Bono over his bandmate's relationship with politicians. Mullen says he is specifically distressed by the singer's relationship former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

    "My biggest problem really is sometimes the company that he keeps," Mullen says in the new issue of Q magazine. "And I struggle with that. Particularly the political people, less the financial people. Particularly Tony Blair -- I mean, I think Tony Blair's a war criminal. And I think he should be tried as a war criminal. And then I see Bono and him as pals, and I'm going, 'I don't like that.'

    "I understand why people find it really offensive," Mullen added. "On the other hand, I think it has made people understand where Bono's coming from, in that he's prepared to use his weight as a celebrity, at great cost to himself and his family, to help other people. I don't think there's much of an upside for him and I don't think he chooses where he goes and who he meets. But as an outsider, looking in, I cringe."

    While Mullen admits he admires his lifelong friend and bandmate for his accomplishments on the world stage -- saying that along with his voice and lyrics they will be "his legacy" -- the drummer says his opinions are no secret.

    "[Bono] would know how I feel about Tony Blair," adds Mullen, who says he understood why the vocalist became friendly with President Bush. "George Bush has been very generous to his cause ... the difference between him and Tony Blair is that Blair is intelligent. So he has no excuse for what he did. Whereas I think George Bush could find a few excuses for his behavior."
    • Filed under: News, Holy Hell
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    Reader Comments(1 of 6)

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    dginascarat 1-06-2009

    Hey mullin go fuck your self.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Skimantle7rulesat 1-06-2009

    If Larry Mullen had half a brain and knew anything about the world and politics be'd be dangerous. His jealousy over Bono's celebrity is so very apparent. Although I don't agree with all Bono involves himself in, he puts himself out there for God and the better of man. Keep bangin the drums Larry. At least while you're doin that people are actually listening to you.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    Tonymacat 1-06-2009

    FINALLY, Someone who makes sense. Bono is main reason hate U2! He and band overrated and stole sounds (in late 90's) from younger popular bands. Also, Bono thinks he's God or something.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    tmellymooat 1-06-2009

    i dont think he slammed bono or sounded jealous.
    i think he sounded like a good autonomous friend.
    all he really said was that he said he didnt like tony blair.


    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    prdidopoohat 1-06-2009

    It's amazing isn't it - a friend tells a magazine something he's told Bono a million times before, and the headline has to be that he's "slamming him." Actually, his comment about Bono using his celebrity to help others, when there's no upside for himself or his family, is very complimentary, and seems to me to be the point of what Mullen is saying. It's a necessary evil that if you want to make a big difference in this world, at some point you have to court the politicians.

    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    jhnatsgcat 1-06-2009

    right on larry! bono is an a$$hat!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Dwight Townsendat 1-06-2009

    Musicians, is there anything they don't know?

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    javajenn7at 1-06-2009

    U2 rocks - and they've been my favorite band for years; however, Larry Mullen has a point. Bono does have quite a mouth and has gotten involved in which he has no business. Great band, great drummer, great singer - but stick to music, Bono!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Jimat 1-06-2009

    larry----stick with the drums....your opinions, do , in fact ---suck. Bush has kept the random killers out of the USA so that you can tour and make mega $$$ without fear of being blown to bloody bits....moron !!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    STARat 1-06-2009

    Bono has a right to befriend anyone he wants and Mullen has a right to his opinion, no matter how dumb he sounds...
    Bono has used his STAR power to get help for those suffering, there's nothing wrong w/ that.
    I expect he'll become friendly w/ Obama as well(no matter that Obama has already backtracked on some of his promises!!!), to keep his good works alive.
    Bono, keep up the good work and befriend anyone you need to, to keep up all the good you've done and will continue to do!!!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    jmurphdrumat 1-06-2009

    Bono doesn't hold the record... He IS the record...
    Yah yah yah yah...
    I would agree with javajenn... Stick to music (like that isn't political enough)

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    APat 1-06-2009

    I understand what you're saying about musicians sticking to music and leaving the politics out of it...but whatr about your own opinions regarding some of the same things...would you like someone to tell you "Hey, you're a data entry person, shut up about politics and just do what you do"...everyone has a right to be heard, whether they're celebrities, blue collar workers or anything else. And if Bono wants to use his place on the world stage to help mankind in some way, I really don't have any problem with that...and I enjoy the music too.

    vote downvote upReportHigh Ranked

    Storm Chaserat 1-06-2009

    This seems so petty, Bono has done some wonderful things with his fame. Too bad Larry Mullen has to give negative opinions, does he feel left out maybe ? Who cares who this guy likes or doesn't like. ROCK ON BONO

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    dandeeconstat 1-06-2009

    Bono cant carry a tune, his music is just so-so, and his methodology for trying to influence American foreign policy , shows his lack of intellect. Drummer boy is just another ignorant celebrity , displaying his lack of knowledge by spewing his $hit. Unfortunately there is a whole generation of knock-kneed weenie puffing nitwits that buy into this crappola, so the world keeps turning , they will live and they will die.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    APat 1-06-2009

    Ah, someone who thinks they can take Bono's place in U2...not very bloody likely

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    JW Stuartat 1-06-2009

    U2 music is so so, make a joke u r !

    U know little of U2 or music.

    A M O R O N with an opinion

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    kejavasat 1-06-2009

    LARRY: STOP TALKING AND KEEP BEATING. YOU MOST LIKELY BEAT YOUR MEAT ON THE TOILET SEAT AND YOURE A FOCKING MORON TO CALL TONY BLAIR ANYTHING, YOU PIECE OF CHIT

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    KIng Fredamehamaat 1-06-2009

    Thanks Larry- you have just saved me money!! Another zero musician I will not buy from again.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    bisimailat 1-06-2009

    For those claiming intelligence in foreign policy, it is astonishing that they are able to ignore 5,000 years of human history. Bad guys don't go away, there will always be new ones, and the only the winners get to write the history books. Mullen would seem to be content to be on the losing side, so long as Bono's Republic (aka Plato's Republic) is acheived.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    stewartat 1-06-2009

    I am a little tired of BONO-BONO-BONO and his opinions, I have my own, so do others he is not the end all and be all, he's just the troubador, nothing more.

    Reply
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