February 28, 2013 10:31

Bono: 'I'm an insufferable jumped-up Jesus'

The U2 frontman makes the confession at the TED conference in California

Photo: PA

Bono has described himself as an "insufferable jumped-up Jesus" during a speech about world poverty.

The U2 frontman also said that he was a "nerd" as he told the TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in Southern California that he believed technology could eliminate extreme poverty by 2030.

"Forget the rock opera," he told the invited crowd. "Forget the bombast. The only thing singing today is the facts. I have truly embraced my inner nerd. Exit the rock star. Enter the evidence-based activist. The factavist."

Speaking to the audience, which included Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Bono went on to say that more people with Aids are getting life-saving treatment and that deaths from Malaria have dropped. He also said the child mortality rate has fallen, with 7,256 fewer children dying each day than 10 years ago.

He added: "The rate is still too high, but it is mindblowing, heart-stopping stuff. If we get to the Zero Zone, for number crunchers like us, that is the erogenous zone. I am sexually aroused by the collating of data."

Bono also joked that his target to end extreme poverty in 2030 isn't as far away as some might think, adding that it was "only three Rolling Stones farewell concerts away". However, the singer was clear to point out that his goal is only achievable if people keep up pressure on governments to invest in technology and research to tackle world poverty.

Meanwhile, Bono recently revealed that U2 are working on their 13th album, believed to be titled '10 Reasons To Exist'. However, the singer also said that the album will only be released when it's completely ready.

The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.

Share on Facebook