Being a frontman of a rock band is no easy feat. The image of singing all night and embodying a rock god may sound appealing, but the real challenge lies in keeping oneself intact while engaging the audience and creating authentic connections. Bono, despite his reputation as one of the most divisive frontmen of all time, holds one musician in particularly high regard when it comes to stage presence.
Throughout Bono’s performances, it’s clear that he’s always crafted moments that resonate with the audience. He never abandoned his rock and roll roots, even as U2 became a global phenomenon. Some fans might see Bono as a messianic figure, but he has always approached his music with the audience as a crucial element, often blending their energy into the band’s sound. Bono’s ability to work a crowd is legendary, with his iconic performance at Live Aid competing with Queen’s unforgettable moments.
Though U2’s success eventually led them to stadiums, Bono was keenly aware of the difference between his style and Mick Jagger’s. Jagger’s stage presence—his swagger, energy, and ability to command massive venues—was inimitable. The Rolling Stones, despite not being the most original band in their early days, built a brand around Jagger’s magnetic performance, one that U2, while evolving into their own, couldn’t quite replicate.
However, Bono acknowledges Jagger’s unrivaled prowess as a frontman, admitting that while U2’s vision aligned more with The Beatles’ artistic approach, they couldn’t ignore the powerful influence of The Stones. Bono confesses, “Though Mick Jagger was the greatest frontman ever, we wanted to be The Beatles more than we wanted to be The Stones.” He points out that The Rolling Stones, though diverse over the years, have always worked within a more familiar sonic range compared to U2’s expansive musical exploration.
Despite Jagger’s unmatched charisma and rock star vitality, Bono had a different goal for U2, seeking to push boundaries and create music with depth and longevity. While Jagger and Richards continue to rule the riff with a timeless sound, Bono’s perspective on frontmanship is shaped by his desire for artistic evolution rather than simply pleasing the crowd in the moment. As with any great frontman—whether it’s Jagger, Bono, or Paul McCartney—the gift of performance is ingrained long before stepping on stage.
