New Yorker magazine has posted an excerpt from Bono's memoir, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story". It's from the chapter “Iris,” that was his Mom’s name and really moving. She died in 1974 after having a stroke at HER father’s funeral. Bono was only 14 years old and he says that he and his brothers and father were typical Irishmen of that era and never talked about their feelings or even mentioned her for fear of opening such deep sorrow. He did say that his Mom Iris DID see him sing once in public before she passed away…he did an Elvis impersonation at a talent show that brought the house down. Bono said Iris was shocked that he had any musical ability and such a strong singing voice.
And don't be mistaken... Bono is a HUGE fan of Elvis!!!