Bono has reportedly been ordered to lose weight before U2 release their new album and start a proposed world tour next year. The U2 frontman and humanitarian/activist has been told he needs to lose his excess pounds before the band start their promotional duties again. A source told the New York Post newspaper:

“U2 have an album coming out around January. And then the band is going on another world tour in March and April - so the boys have been told to start exercising all the summer weight off.”

Well that’s great news for all of us U2 fans…we have a tour to look forward to come next spring. The bad news is for Bono and his bandmates. No one likes the prospect of having to lose weight. In recent photos it has been more and more apparent that Bono has packed on a few pounds…must be the good life and all that yachting around with famous friends…you know, eat, drink, and be merry. Maybe Bono just needs to cut down on his portion sizes. I completely sympathize with him. Well, whatever shape he, The Edge, Adam, and Larry are in, I can’t wait for the tour and I can’t wait for the new album!

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Tracks believed to be from U2’s new album have been leaked on the internet.

A fan who was reportedly passing Bono’s villa in France’s Cote D’Azur recorded a series of unheard songs and has since posted them on YouTube.

Four tracks have appeared online, although the sound is barely audible, including ‘Sexy Boots’, which is thought to be the band’s comeback single taken from their forthcoming album.

The new album is reportedly titled ‘No Line On The Horizon’ and will be released in November.

EDITED TO ADD:  By the time I went over there for a second listen, the audio had been disabled.

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The new U2 album will be called “No Line On The Horizon”, according to reports. The band have been working with producer Brian Eno on the follow-up to 2005’s “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb” over the last 12 months. An unofficial fansite has now stated that with the record nearing completion, a title has also been decided. The website URL nolineonthehorizon.com was apparently registered by Universal Music Operations Ltd of London last month. The release date is expected to be Nov. 14. Rumors are flying that the first single from the album is titled ‘Sexy Boots‘.

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How does U2’s Bono keep his singing voice in tip-top shape? Very simple…he sniffs salt water. The water is used as an antiseptic solution for his throat and ensures he can hit those high notes, according to The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue. Says O’Donoghue:

“Snorting salts - it’s actually a singing technique.

“Myself and Bono share a vocal coach. Whenever the high notes aren’t feeling that high or in the morning you’re groggy, you snort salt water up your nose.

“It cleans out cavities, it’s a natural antiseptic for your throat.”

Interesting. I didn’t know that Bono still used a vocal coach. Maybe it has to do with his “aging” voice? There are a lot of older rockers who can’t come anywhere near those high notes they used to hit so effortlessly. Looks like Bono doesn’t want to become one of them, at least vocally.

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This is great news for U2 fans, of which I am!  On September 29th, U2 will re-issue their concert from Red Rocks Colorado that was recorded back on June 5, 1983.  Ahhh yes, that was in the band’s early days.  I’ve seen this concert before and it is magnificent!

The new re-issue will feature five previously un-released tunes (oh yeah!) plus the director’s commentary.   Now mind you, this is going to be a deluxe edition because not only will you get the DVD, but along with it you’ll receive the remastered live album “Under A Blood Red Sky”.  This newly remastered gem will feature live recordings from 3 of U2’s shows from their War tour.

I hate to mention Christmas when it’s only the middle of August, but this makes a great gift for any U2 lover on your list.  Hint, Hint!

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This could be the greatest comment on RollingStone.com ever:
U2 Bono was reading Rolling Stone’s reviewer David Fricke’s review of the new reissue of ‘Boy’, and was moved to respond. For Bono’s comments, go here.

I just LOVE that man! He’s so articulate (and sexy).

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From U2.com:

Just a note to correct reports that tickets are becoming available for planned U2 shows.

The reports are mistaken, there are no tour dates for the band at the moment - so please don’t buy tickets for U2 shows you see advertised.

You can be sure any future live announcements will be made on U2.Com as soon as they are confirmed.

I hope they tour again soon………I’m dying to see them again. One of the best concerts I’ve ever attended.

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An online petition calling for Bono to retire has been launched. The organizers behind the initiative claim the U2 frontman is “self-righteous” and have pledged to donate all the money it raises to charity. However, they will only do so if the rock star removes himself from public life,

“so he’ll stop leading misguided counter-productive philanthropy efforts. The grassroots leaders of the global fight against AIDS didn’t ask for Bono to be their frontman. It’s time for Bono to step down. We will give money to Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. But we will only pay if we meet our objective”,

the petition states. For more information on the proposal, visit Thepoint.com. U2 are currently thought to be putting the finishing touches on their new album, a follow-up to 2004’s ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’.

I think this is so wrong. I admire Bono’s efforts very much. I can’t believe someone who is trying to do good things in this world is being criticized.

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reportedly asked Bono to be godfather to their newborn twins. The movie star couple recently became proud parents to a baby boy and girl and are said to be “inspired” by the U2 frontman. According to reports, he was happy to accept the request. A source said,

“Brad and Angie think the world of Bono. They have been friends for years. Brad is a massive U2 fan and told Bono how much he admired him when they were introduced at a party a few years back. Since then, they’ve become very close, which Brad is thrilled about. Angelina is inspired by Bono’s humanitarian work and has become friends with his wife Ali Hewson.

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U2 frontmen Bono and The Edge have won a 4 year legal battle in Dublin, Ireland which will entitle them to remodel the hotel that they own, in partnership with property developer Paddy McKillen.  ‘The Clarence’, the property in question,  is an old-fashioned, riverfront hotel in the Temple Bar district of Dubin, an area which is packed with pubs and tourists.  The $235 million dollar plan is to expand the number of rooms to 166 and to include an enourmous, flood-lit atrium which will be called the “Flying Saucer”.  The opponents of this ambitious plan say that, in essence, they were given the go-ahead basically because of who they (Bono and Edge) are….

“We would obviously condemn the decision. It undermines national legislation on architectural heritage because of the number of protected sites being demolished,” said Ian Lumley, an officer with An Taisce, Ireland’s heritage-protection organization.

As if this wasn’t enough, plans are in the works for a U2 Tower to be built, which when completed will be Ireland’s tallest building.  The 120 metre tall building should be completed by 2012 and will house U2’s brand new recording studio at the very top.  I think this project, as well as refurbishing The Clarence, sound like wonderful ideas.  If U2 wants to revitalize their city and make it a better place for its citizens as well as tourists, I say let them have at it.  I’d love to visit there someday when it’s all said and done!

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