http://www.thisislondon.c...article.do

Leading cultural figure? Yes. Wants to save to world? Definitely. Feted by politicians? Absolutely. Humourless and takes himself too seriously? Too right.

This check list for U2 frontman Bono might just as well be for composer Beethoven.

Despite an age difference of nearly 200 years, the two have more in common than you would think.

Classical music magazine Gramophone found this was the case when it tried to find a way to link the Austrian genius to today's music.

It was stunned by the similarities between the classical composer and the Irish singer.

The magazine then came up with this portrait of Beethoven as a 'stylish, brooding icon' for its front cover.

Editor James Inverne said: 'Beethoven was a major cultural figure in his day, just as Bono is now.

'In the 18th century, composers were the pop stars of their day. Beethoven was also a regular guest at court and would have been a point of reference for the Austrian aristocracy.

'Bono has a comparable relationship with Tony Blair and George W Bush, and the dynamic is still the same.'

Mr Inverne also said that Beethoven had a similar outlook to Bono's.

'Beethoven believed the world should work to make itself a better place and that we should stand up against oppression,' he said.

i hope nobody shows this article to Bono... his ego is already quite large enough.

blasphemy

Oh God, they're just grasping at straws trying to come up with similarities there.

Bono's stature has not risen to such levels due to his prodigious work as a musician, as Beethoven's stature did. Bono has justifiably risen to such status for his philantropic work.

I used to think the cat was insufferably preachy, but few can argue that he hasn't walked the walk. He's demonstrated more leadership on issues of poverty, famine, social justice, etc. than all but maybe a few heads of state. He deserves the stature he's gotten, but not so as to be compared to arguably the greatest musical composer in modern history.

He was in the news recently cause he doesn't wanna pay taxes

pjh1972 said:

phew.

for a second there i thought this person was talking about the bono from u2.

Humourless?
Since when,Bono can be very funny.

Dewrede said:

Bono has more things in common with God.

Dewrede said:

he doesn't wanna pay taxes or he doesn't wanna pay 42% of his publishing income to taxes? big difference. if you're someone who gives millions of dollars to causes around the world, and somebody is going to take a huge chunk of what you earn thereby preventing you from dictating where your money goes, what's wrong with handling your finances intelligently to preserve the financial freedom you already have?

its funny that because he donates time, money, and publicity to causes he believes in, anyone would think he should willingly part with a bunch of money. its that money which enables him to be so helpful.

except for Bono's lack of real musical proficiency (I'm not saying he's not talented) , I might agree

NDRU said:

You got that right, brotha...

well, to be fair, beethoven lacked the lyrical poetry bono has. i'd say that makes 'em about equal.

sallysassalot said:

I love you, co-signin' it ALL

CinisterCee said:

that love is mutual, mofo!

He takes himself way too seriously, who does he think he is?
Leading cultural figure?

sallysassalot said:

I don't agree

BT11 said: