Bono has broadcast a newly written song to thousands of fans as a gift on St. Patrick’s Day while his country remains in coronavirus lockdown.
In the clip shared today (March 17) the U2 frontman is captured up close on camera as he plays the song’s introductory chords. “A little postcard from bubbling Dublin on St Patrick’s Day,” he says. “A little tune, made up here about an hour ago. I think it’s called ‘Let Your Love Be Known’ – let me know what you think.”
The Irish musician captioned the stream with: “For the Italians who inspired [the song]… for the Irish… for ANYONE who this St. Patrick’s day is in a tight spot and still singing. For the doctors, nurses, carers on the front line, it’s you we’re singing to.”
For the Italians who inspired it… for the Irish… for ANYONE who this St. Patrick’s day is in a tight spot and still singing. For the doctors, nurses, carers on the front line, it's you we’re singing to.Bono
Posted by U2 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Republic of Ireland is currently on a country-wide lockdown to help slow and manage the spread of coronavirus. The official shut down began on Friday (March 13) and is scheduled to last until March 29.
People have flocked to social media to share their opinions on the new song.
“In light of his record, how can we take Bono & his “Corona Ballad” as anything other than self-aggrandizing pish? From his white saviour Live Aid/8 projects, his propping up of war criminals Bush&Blair, his acceptance of a knighthood, to his tax avoidance Bono cares only for Bono,” one Twitter use wrote.
Another wrote: “Now would be a great time for Hollywood millionaires and Bono to stop singing bullshit songs of hope and start donating massive amounts of money to foodbanks, charities and overburdened healthcare systems.”
A third also not impressed with the song added” “Bono can fuck off attention seeking little shite hawk only pops us in a crisis to massage his fucking ego.”
In light of his record, how can we take Bono & his "Corona Ballad" as anything other than self-aggrandizing pish? From his white saviour Live Aid/8 projects, his propping up of war criminals Bush&Blair, his acceptance of a knighthood, to his tax avoidance Bono cares only for Bono
— Kerron Ó Luain (@DublinHistorian) March 19, 2020
Now would be a great time for Hollywood millionaires and Bono to stop singing bullshit songs of hope and start donating massive amounts of money to foodbanks, charities and overburdened healthcare systems.
— Purple City Soufflé (@PurpleCityCo) March 19, 2020
Bono can fuck off attention seeking little shite hawk only pops us in a crisis to massage his fucking ego
— 𝕚𝔸𝕟 (@FRZR66) March 18, 2020
Responding to the negative criticism, one fan wrote: “Bono releases a song , an easy Twitter target , leave it out . The mans just doing his thing . If you don’t want to listen , then don’t. We’ve more pressing issues don’t you think. Just weeks after the Caroline Flack thing , how quickly we forget. Practice some humility.”
Another said: “Why are people criticizing #Bono for writing a song and playing it online when a bunch of other artists are also doing online performances? Hypocrites.”
Bono releases a song , an easy Twitter target , leave it out . The mans just doing his thing . If you don't want to listen , then don't. We've more pressing issues don't you think. Just weeks after the Caroline Flack thing , how quickly we forget . Practice some humility.
— Patrick M Barrett ™️ (@arrivalists) March 18, 2020
Why are people criticizing #Bono for writing a song and playing it online when a bunch of other artists are also doing online performances? Hypocrites.
— Diane (@RDiane877) March 18, 2020
Bono isn’t the only musician to stream a live performance to fans as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. Christine And The Queens is staging live-streamed gigs every night at 10pm GMT from the recording studios where she is currently staying.
Among others, Coldplay‘s Chris Martin also live-streamed a special performance from his home yesterday (March 16).
Yungblud put on a hour-long show from LA on Monday where he played to an empty room. NME gave the show four stars, writing: “It feels like a vital, generous display of kindness and hope, something that’s essential right now.”