Music isn’t a contest; it’s a way to express the deepest emotions from the soul. While many artists can capture these feelings now and then, Bono of U2 has consistently done so, making fans connect with themselves through his lyrics.
However, despite his massive success, Bono feels he’s still no match for the raw energy and authenticity Patti Smith brought to her music almost a decade before U2’s rise.
Bono’s Stage Persona vs. Sincerity
Even with his mesmerizing lyrics on albums like The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, Bono’s live performances often veered into the territory of being overly preachy. His off-script moments sometimes made him sound self-righteous, much to the annoyance of some fans.
Yet, this soapbox style also had its moments of brilliance, such as U2’s fiery performance at Live Aid, and their stance on political issues like the Iraq War, which helped bolster their charitable efforts in the 2000s.
Patti Smith: The True Punk Poet
For all of Bono’s theatrics, it was Patti Smith’s unwavering sincerity that inspired him the most. Smith, who debuted with the groundbreaking album Horses, was raw, real, and never conformed to what anyone expected of her.
Often dubbed the ‘Godmother of Punk’, Smith’s delivery merged the lines between singing and slam poetry, most notably on albums like Wave and Easter.
Bono’s Admiration for Smith
Bono acknowledged his deep admiration for Smith in his memoir Surrender, where he expressed jealousy over her clarity and purpose. He saw her as the embodiment of everything he aspired to be—poet, seer, punk rocker, and pilgrim. She dared to fight the battles that Bono wished he could tackle with such singular focus.
The Influence of Smith on Bono’s Music
Smith’s influence on Bono is undeniable. In songs like ‘New Year’s Day’ and ‘Bullet the Blue Sky’, you can hear echoes of Smith’s punk spirit. Bono’s willingness to push boundaries and speak truth to power, often in a free-verse style, mirrors the very qualities that drew him to Smith in the first place.
Patti’s Legacy of Dreaming Bigger
While Bono continues to preach for change, Patti Smith remains a beacon for dreaming beyond our limits. Her music taught the world that life is about more than just existing; it’s about finding something bigger than yourself, a lesson Bono clearly took to heart.
