Bono receives Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in Paris
U2 singer says honour is 'unspeakably special'

Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bono has been presented with France’s highest cultural honour and praised for waging a war "in the name of justice."
The U2 frontman was presented with the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Culture Minister, Aurelie Filippettu, at a ceremony in Paris.
The award is in recognition of the Irish rock star’s lifelong contribution to music and the arts.
Commenting on Bono’s work, including his high-profile campaigning and fundraising for the world's poor, Mr Filippetti declared: “Beyond notes and beyond words, you committed yourself and dedicated your fame and career to wage some of the greatest wars of our time. Not for charity's sake but in the name of justice.”
But Bono, 53, sought to share the praise, saying: “This is a huge honour for me, but really it belongs to the band. I've got the biggest mouth and the loudest voice but the music we make comes from each other.
"Being an Irish Francophile, a student of many great French artists and writers... it is unspeakably special to receive an award from France for being an artist. Thank you.”
Past recipients of the Order include fellow Irishman and poet Seamus Heaney, singer David Bowie, former James Bond actor Sean Connery and music legend Bob Dylan.
Bono received the prestigious French decoration, the Legion d’honneur in 2003 from the then-president Jacques Chirac. He now has quite a collection, including 2005’s Time Magazine Person of the Year and an honorary British Knighthood from 2007.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments