November 04, 2008
U2 Honors Grainge at MITs
Andrew Paine, Billboard
U2 was among the artists saluting Universal Music Group International chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge at the Music Industry Trust's Award ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
Universal-signed pop acts Mika and Take That performed at the ceremony tonight (Nov. 3), along with jazz-pop singer Jamie Cullum and indie-rock band Razorlight, which released its new album Slipway Fires (Vertigo/Mercury) today. Artists among the 1,200 guests included Girls Aloud, Sugababes, The Fratellis, The Feeling, Snow Patrol, members of ABBA, Ray Davies, Lulu and James Morrison.
The MIT award was presented to the Universal boss by all four members of U2. UMG chairman/CEO Doug Morris was also present.
Bono joked about U2's failure to release a new album this year, commenting that Grainge provides "cuddles" for the band "when we get stressed out and we haven't got the hits and we missed Christmas."
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October 30, 2008
Bono on Election: "The Whole World Has a Stake"
By Becky Bohrer, The Huffington Post
NEW ORLEANS - U2 frontman and activist Bono said Wednesday that next week's presidential election provides a great opportunity to "relaunch Brand USA" amid worldwide scrutiny.
"The whole world has a stake in how things turn out," the Ireland native told thousands of Starbucks Corp. employees in New Orleans for a leadership conference. The coffee company and Bono's (RED) label, which helps raise money for the Global Fund that pays for AIDS programs in Africa, also announced a partnership Wednesday.
The singer talked about brands and what they stand for. In Starbucks' case, he said some might see it as a place to hang out and get coffee -- but that brand can also signify social responsibility.
The way the U.S. is perceived -- "Brand USA" -- also means something, he said. And it's never been so closely watched, said Bono, who didn't endorse either candidate for president.
Regardless of who wins, "it's a great chance to relaunch Brand USA," he said.
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October 19, 2008
Live Nation Pays U2 With Shares
By BLOOMBERG NEWS
The rock band U2 will receive almost $19 million in shares of Live Nation, the concert promoter, as part of a 12-year contract with the company it signed in March.
Live Nation, based in Beverly Hills, Calif., registered 1.56 million shares in a regulatory filing on Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Live Nation has been diversifying beyond live performances by signing artists including Madonna and Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z, to multiyear contracts that include recording and merchandise, as well as touring.
John Vlautin, a company spokesman, declined to comment beyond the filing.
Lori Earl, a spokeswoman for the band - whose members include the singer and frontman Bono, the guitarist the Edge, the bassist Adam Clayton and the drummer Larry Mullen - did not immediately comment.
Live Nation fell 48 cents, to $11.93, on Friday in New York Stock Exchange trading.
Copyright © 2008 The New York Times Company
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