U2's Singer Bono Wed 'Independent' High School Sweetheart & Revealed 'Magic' That Keeps Them Together
U2's frontman Bono may have shared his impressive talent with the world through his rock band, but he keeps another essential part of himself for his high school sweetheart, Ali Hewson. The pair have been together for four decades, and Bono says it's because of their special magic.
Paul Hewson, popularly known as Bono, the lead singer from the Irish band "U2," is an expert in the business. His peculiar voice, impressive lyrics, and distinct looks: he always rocks frames, has earned the singer an indispensable spot.
However, he's always had the unwavering support of his wife, Ali Hewson, with whom he has shared forty years of his life. The pair has been through the highs and lows of marriage and fame but emerged unscathed and inseparable.
Ali Hewson and her husband Bono in a romantic pose [left] Ali Hewson and her husband Bono at the Opening Night Performance of 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' at the Foxwoods Theatre in New York City. [right] | Source: Getty Images instagram.com/memphisevehewson
Ali prefers to keep a low-key profile compared to her husband, and it has balanced their relationship while the couple continues to wax stronger. They also share four adorable kids who have made them proud.
TEENAGE LOVE
The Hewson's love tale began a long time ago, synonymous with a storybook romance. They were teenagers when they met in their hometown in Dublin, Ireland.
Recording artist Bono of U2 attends the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Although Ali did not feel butterflies in her stomach the first time she saw young Bono, who was not a famous artist yet, she agreed to go on a first date with him. The date was nothing spectacular. At the end of it, Bono walked her to the bus stop. But decades later, they created a magical story!
While recounting their history, Ali confessed that her romance with Bono was the first real relationship she experienced. It started in 1976 when "U2" was created.
U2 Singer Bono and Ali Hewson at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
They studied at the same school, and she was one of the band's first supporters. Six years later, they tied the knot. According to Ali per Hollywoodlife:
"He was my first real boyfriend. It was 1976 that we got together – the same year that the band formed. I saw their first gig in our school gym."
While writing songs for the band, Bono drew inspiration from his wife. One of the notable tracks was "The Sweetest Thing," written after he missed her birthday.
The "U2" group revamped the song before releasing it with their B-Sides compilation, and it made it into the top 20 global charts. Consequently, Ali requested the proceeds generated from "The Sweetest Thing" to be donated to Chernobyl Children's Project.
ALI HEWSON HAS A HEART OF GOLD
Ali had been connected to the Chernobyl Children's Project, following her interest in philanthropy and activism. In the 1990s, she participated in anti-nuclear efforts where she helped child victims of Chernobyl.
She also advocated preventing radioactive pollution from the Sellafield nuclear plant from flowing across Ireland. Ali was born in Northern Dublin, where she grew up.
As a young lady, she was drawn to activism, and she majored in sociology and political science while at the University College Dublin.
The activist has been open about what influences her passion for activism. She maintained in an interview with Hollywoodlife that:
"[...]you see how trusting they are, so small and so innocent. That's why I got involved in the Chernobyl project, because of what happened to the children there."
Apart from having a heart of gold, the Dublin native is also neck-deep in several businesses. She co-founded two ethically conscious brands, "Edun," a clothing brand, and "Nude," a skincare brand.
Bono of U2 performs on stage during 'U2 The Joshua Tree Tour 2019' at the Gocheok Sky Dome on December 08, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
WHY ALI HEWSON STILL MYSTIFIES BONO
Ali is many things, including an advocate, a philanthropist, a mother, and most lovingly, a wife who mystifies her husband of forty years. Bono confessed that his wife has an elusive character despite the years they have shared.
He explained that his family maintains good humor whenever he tours rather than show sad emotions. While speaking to The Sun per Hollywoodlife, he said:
"She's not easy to get to know, and other people's praise holds not much sway for her. She's a very independent, smart kind of girl who, I think, sees me as a figure of amusement."
In the same interview, Bono added that he would remain appreciative to his wife, who has been his pillar. In his words:
"I hold on to people very tightly who I think can get me through. They're sitting at this table [his band mates], but Ali is also one of those people."
Bono and Ali Hewson at the Dior Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2017-2018 show on January 21, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images
MAGIC THAT KEEPS THEM TOGETHER
One of the ways they have maintained their power couple status is by keeping their marital affairs under wraps.
However, in 2016, when his family accompanied him for an award at the Glamour's Women Of the Year Awards, he proudly shared his secret to a lasting marriage with an ET rep. He revealed:
"We feel the red carpet has kept us close. If things are going around, we say, 'Let's do the red carpet, certainly. It's been a great ride, a magic carpet ride."
Jordan Hewson at Gotham Hall on September 19, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
This was not the first time he gushed about their perfect marriage. In 2011, the actor told an interviewer per HuffPost: "I feel our relationship has changed a lot. I feel I hold on a lot tighter to her than she does to me."
BONO AND ALI HEWSON ARE CARING PARENTS OF FOUR – MEET THEIR KIDS
While Bono frequently praises his wife for being solid support, he has also been involved in creating their happily ever after, including four kids.
Eve Hewson at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA on February 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The singer is a loving father obsessed with spending time with his kids when away from tours and studio work. He became a father in 1989 when his eldest daughter, Jordan, arrived. In 1991, Eve joined her sister. The couple's first son, Elijah, was born in 1999, and John, their youngest in 2001.
The Hewson's kids are already making their parents proud with their individual choices. Jordan fills her mom's shoes as an activist, while Eve prefers to be an actress.
Ali Hewson, Bono of U2, Eve Hewson and Jordan Hewson at the Foxwoods Theatre in New York City on June 14, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Elijah inherited Bono's music genes and might establish a similar legacy as his father. But whether his success is equivalent to the rock n roll star or not, his family will continue to stand by him.
His mother once gushed on how impressive he is despite being shy. She once said he was the shyest boy and she was amazed when he turned into a frontman because she didn't know how it happened.
Elijah Hewson at Shoko on February 28, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. | Source: Getty Images
There is very little detail about Elijah's brother, John. He is still a teenager and enjoys life away from the spotlight. Following her kids' passion, Ali shared per Closerweekly:
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I am just so happy for them, each one of them; you just hope they find their way."
The "U2" frontman and his wife are an inspiration to other celebrity couples, and they have proved that having an accomplished life is possible, especially with the right partner.