Bono took a break from his usual stadium shows for an intimate and acclaimed “quarter-man” performance at New York’s Beacon Theatre in 2023. The solo show, filmed live on stage, was a mix of music and theatrical performance that showcased Bono’s storytelling abilities. He drew from his autobiography “Surrender,” sharing anecdotes about his recent heart scare, Dublin childhood, and post-Live Aid charity work.
Bono also opened up about two important figures in his life: his mother Iris and father Bob Hewson. His mother passed away at her own father’s funeral when Bono was 14, an event that had a profound impact on him. He internalized the pain of their complicated relationship, which was marked by silence and a lack of expression.
Bono has long struggled with how to discuss his personal life in public. However, he made an effort to be more humble in this performance, sharing stories about his relationship with his parents and bandmates. While his wife Alison and U2 bandmates were not extensively featured in the show, Bono still managed to convey a sense of rock humanism, moving from his iconic stage persona to a more relatable and vulnerable individual.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/16/bono-stories-of-surrender-review-megastar-tries-out-humility