In a new documentary titled “Bono: Stories of Surrender,” Bono opens up about his near-death experience in December 2016 and reflects on his life. The film begins with a reenactment of the emergency operation that saved his life, emphasizing the fragility of his “eccentric heart.” Despite the success of the operation, a complication left him fighting for breath for several minutes, prompting him to take things slower and be more respectful of his physical well-being.

Now at 65, Bono’s focus has shifted towards making music rather than campaigning, influenced by a newfound understanding of his mortality. The documentary delves into his childhood, adolescence, and activist encounters with influential figures, showcasing different facets of his persona. Bono’s performance in the film offers a glimpse into his life, revealing the man behind the mask of celebrity.

As Bono reflects on the people and places that shaped him, including his father, his late mother, and the friendships that led to the formation of U2, the documentary captures moments of vulnerability and introspection. Through anecdotes and personal reflections, Bono’s journey from a rebellious teenager in Dublin to a global rock star unfolds, shedding light on the complexities of his character. He wasn’t disruptive in any way, but he was, let’s say, noisy.

According to Bono, the education that truly impacted him came from outside of traditional schooling. He recalls nights as a teenager spent discussing art and music with friends, emphasizing the seriousness with which they approached self-discovery through artistic expression.

Reflecting on his childhood, Bono acknowledges his combative nature from a young age, attributing it to early experiences of conflict in school. However, he notes that his mother’s death marked a turning point, leaving him feeling abandoned and lost.

Close friend Gavin Friday echoes this sentiment, suggesting that Bono’s mother’s death shaped him in profound ways. He highlights the honesty in Bono’s reflections on his family’s silence after her passing.

Bono’s complicated relationship with his father is also explored in the film, depicting their stilted interactions and eventual acceptance of each other. Bono admits that portraying his father on stage has led to a deeper understanding of his complexity and likability.

Despite his own success in the music industry, Bono expresses mixed feelings about his children following in his footsteps. He acknowledges the challenges and judgment that come with public exposure and hopes to shield his children from similar experiences.

In a surprising move, Bono recently stepped away from his advocacy work with the organization One, which he co-founded. This decision reflects a period of introspection and reconsideration of his priorities and legacy. It was a recognition not only of his age but also of a conscious decision he had made to realign his priorities towards his family and his band.

There were moments when he acknowledged the conflict between his two passions. In 2009, Bono admitted that his relentless activism had caused tension with his bandmates: “They were concerned it would distract me. And, to be honest, they weren’t on board with it at all.”

Reflecting on this, he concedes, “I could have risked losing the band.”

Yet, he managed to balance both roles, each of which demanded his full attention. How challenging was that?

In response, he says, “I won’t regret the time I’ve dedicated to my activism. But I may regret letting go of that one U2 song that was almost finished.”

Over the years, Bono’s practical approach to activism on issues such as African debt relief and HIV/Aids treatment has earned him praise, as well as criticism. Despite controversies surrounding his actions, he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of tangible results rather than mere outrage.

His collaboration with world leaders, including George W. Bush, has led to significant commitments to combat AIDS, saving millions of lives. While some question his alliances, the impact of his efforts speaks for itself.

However, Bono’s outlook has shifted in response to the current political climate, particularly in the face of Trump’s “America first” policies. He expresses disillusionment with the direction of US aid programs, feeling a sense of personal betrayal.

As he navigates this new reality, Bono acknowledges the need for others to continue the work he has championed. He laments the erosion of kindness in political discourse and calls for a return to moral values in decision-making.

In the midst of these challenges, Bono remains committed to his advocacy, even as he grapples with the changing landscape of global politics. The fight for justice, he believes, is an ongoing struggle that requires unwavering dedication.

The conversation then turns to Gaza, where Bono’s acceptance of a medal from Biden sparked controversy due to US support for Israel. Addressing criticism, he defends his decision based on his long-standing relationship with Biden and their shared efforts to save lives through activism.

Despite the backlash, Bono remains resolute in his belief that geographical location should not determine one’s right to live. This principle, he asserts, applies to all regions, including Gaza.

In the face of conflicting opinions and shifting political dynamics, Bono’s commitment to social justice remains unwavering. As he continues to navigate complex issues and engage with diverse viewpoints, he emphasizes the importance of empathy, kindness, and a relentless pursuit of justice.