Bono and U2 Find Warmth During a Cold, Dark Time -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

Bono, Toronto, December 1980

December 1980 marked the best of times and the worst of times for Bono and his band, U2. Shortly after this wintry publicity shot was taken, Bono's hero, John Lennon, was killed in New York. The day after the assassination -- fueled by emotions surrounding Lennon's death -- U2 put on a stirring show in Toronto, earning the relatively unknown band some of its earliest accolades.

As a Toronto Globe and Mail critic wrote, "U2 turned out to be one of the most vital and interesting new bands I've seen in the past few years. They are four young Irishmen who range in age from 18 to 20, yet the intense and energetic music they play belies their youth." On the Dec. 9 show, the critic wrote, the band played tribute to Lennon by playing two bars of 'Give Peace a Chance' during the song 'Boy.'

Earlier this month, on the 30th anniversary of Lennon's death, U2 once again paid homage to the fallen musician, performing 'All You Need is Love' and other Beatles songs during a concert in Australia.