As a musician and a songwriter it is an act of the ego to believe that other people might be interested in your point of view. But it is usually an empathetic nature that gets you going in the first place. Music keeps the heart porous in many ways.

You've got to watch the politics of AIDS. The politics of AIDS can work both for and against the victims of AIDS.

Contrary to reports, this boy is not a billionaire or going to be richer than any Beatle - and not just in the sense of money, by the way. The Beatles are untouchable. That’s just a joke.

I get to hear the really good or the really bad things in the press, but I don't read it. I can afford to say that because public opinion does not drive U2's audience.

I put Catholic guilt to work pretty good for a rich rock star.

I felt rich when I was 20 years old and my wife was paying my bills. Just being in a band, I've always felt blessed.

U2 is an original species... there are colours and feelings and emotional terrain that we occupy that is ours and ours alone.