at 13:36 on March 29, 2007, EST.
By SHAWN POGATCHNIK


Bono holds his honorary knighthood at the British ambassador's official residence in Sandyford, Dublin, Thursday. (AP File/Julien Behal/PA)

DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - Irish rock star and global humanitarian Bono became a knight of the British empire Thursday - and joked that his youngest son thought he was about to become a Jedi instead.

Bono, 46, was named a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in an informal, laugh-filled ceremony in the Dublin home of British Ambassador David Reddaway.

"You have permission to call me anything you want - except sir, all right? Lord of lords, your demigodness, that'll do," he told reporters afterward.

Because he is an Irish citizen, Bono won't have the title of "sir" before his name. That honour is reserved for citizens of the United Kingdom or British Commonwealth countries. Ireland left the Commonwealth when it became a republic in 1949.

Reddaway paid tribute to Bono's work as a campaigner against poverty and disease in Africa - but first asked whether he was disappointed that becoming a knight no longer involves a sword or kneeling.

"Please, I wasn't expecting you to kneel," said Bono, his hand on the ambassador's shoulder.

Accompanying the rocker were his wife, Ali, and their four children - Jordan, 17; Eve, 15; Elijah, 7; and John, 5. U2 guitarist The Edge and bassist Adam Clayton also attended.

John was disappointed that his dad wasn't presented with a light sabre, said Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson. "He thought I was becoming a Jedi."

Bono sported lapel pins for two of his previous European government awards, the Legion d'Honneur from France and the Order of Liberty from Portugal.

Such official accolades "really help me get through a few doors I wouldn't get through. And that's the truth, that's the way the world is," he said.

-

On the Net:

U2:

http://www.u2.com/


©The Canadian Press, 2007

luv4u said:

[Edited 3/30/07 4:22am]

ALL HAIL MASTER BONO!

FuNkeNsteiN said:

He's got a funny kid.

269 said:

here here!!

What a DICK.

He's quick enough to jump on the stop-the-debt bandwagon but he doesn't have any qualms about taking their knighthoods?! Doesn't he see that they're only doing it to shut him up?! If he really meant it he would tell the powers that be to shove it and spend the money on the starving Africans.

Oh, he really gets my goat up wanker.

susannah said:

I don't get your reaction.

live4lust said:

Its hard to explain, I just really don't like him. He just seems like a bit of a wanker, and I don't like it when people who spend their lives opposing the government, then take presents off them

Cause IMO, it would "get him through more doors" if he told them to shove it
[Edited 3/30/07 15:55pm]

susannah said:

I highly doubt it(where has it gotten those who oppose the World Bank?), but you're entitled to your opinion.

live4lust said:

Ok so maybe I mean with the [predominantly working class] fanbase he has based his career on. Geldof too. The day they stop saying "you know what Thatcher? Fuck off" I don't respect them as much. It's going to open doors for him with the world bank types, but close doors on working class Irish types. Scots too.

But I know where you're coming from, definitely

susannah said:

I feel I should apologise for this now. A wee bit strong... Sorry Bono fans.

susannah said:

That's OK. I've heard anti-Bono sentiments before and I'm sure I will again. You were still very civil with your org audience.

live4lust said:

Well, I do try to be diplomatic...

He is a cock.