U2 defend Bono in Paradise Papers row
BONO’S bandmates last night defended the U2 frontman almost one week after the Paradise Papers revealed his involvement in a tax-avoidance scheme in Lithuania.
London’s Trafalgar Square ground to a halt last night as the Dublin rockers were honoured by MTV as icons of music, and performed an eight-song set.
Ahead of their set, U2 took time out of their schedule to address what they believe is the unfair treatment of Bono in the coverage of the Paradise Papers revelations.
Bono was unable to attend the press briefing as he was nursing a sore throat but both The Edge and Adam Clayton revealed that the band had consulted lawyers.
‘I think it is a complicated thing,’ Edge told the Irish Mail on Sunday. ‘We are wealthy people and you could say that it comes with the territory.
‘We understand why people are angry with the system. It definitely needs an overhaul but it is a complex thing. Unfortunately there were a lot of inaccuracies reported initially and at this point there are lawyers involved.’
U2 played before 7,000 fans in Trafalgar Square. Part of the performance will be broadcast tonight as part of the live MTV EMAs in Wembley Arena.
Meanwhile, Edge confirmed that the band would bring their Songs of Experience tour to Ireland in 2018. ‘We are going to be coming home,’ he said. ‘We are looking at different venue options, so we are weighing up all our options.’