The audience included director Wim Wenders, comedian Michael Mittermeier and Bono’s wife Ali Hewson. Bono recounted the early death of his mother, Iris, and reflected on the impact of the loss. Two connections saved him, he said: to his wife and to the three other U2 members. He was musically supported during the presentation – in front of a minimalist stage set with his own illustrations – by a harpist, a cellist and a percussionist.
The newly arranged songs – including “With or Without You” and “Where The Streets Have No Name” – formed the perfect basis for Bono’s voice. Rarities like “Stories for Boys” and the opera “Torna a Surriento” moved some viewers to tears.
Bono replayed important stages in his life, slipped into the role of his difficult father, allowed personal insights and proved how much humor and talent for self-criticism he brings with him. The U2 frontman called his book “a different level of navel-gazing”.