Bono’s Family, Children, Relationships, and Closest Friends: The Full Story

Paul David Hewson, better known as Bono, is the lead singer of the Irish band U2. Raised in Dublin, he built lasting relationships with friends and bandmates. Bono has spoken often about the value of family in his life, saying, “Family is everything to me. It’s my anchor.”

Family Life and Upbringing

Bono was born on May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland. His father, Brendan Hewson, worked at the local post office, and his mother, Iris Hewson, was a homemaker. Bono’s upbringing in a working-class Irish family shaped his understanding of the world.

Growing up, he had one brother named Norman. The Hewson family lived on the north side of Dublin. Bono attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where he met the core members of what would become U2. His mother died suddenly when Bono was just 14, which was a turning point in his teenage years.

Bono married Alison “Ali” Hewson on August 21, 1982. They met while both were teenagers attending Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Their friendship grew into a partnership and marriage. The couple remained together, facing life’s challenges side by side.

Ali Hewson is an activist and businesswoman. Bono and Ali have four children together: two daughters, Jordan (born 1989) and Eve (born 1991), and two sons, Elijah (born 1999) and John (born 2001). All of their children are biological. Eve Hewson has built a career in acting, while Elijah has pursued music. The family shares a close bond, supporting each other’s paths.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Brendan Hewson	Father	Unknown
Iris Hewson	Mother	Unknown
Norman Hewson	Brother	Unknown
Ali Hewson	Wife	1961
Jordan Hewson	Daughter	1989
Eve Hewson	Daughter	1991
Elijah Hewson	Son	1999
John Hewson	Son	2001

Close Friends and Lifelong Bonds

Many of Bono’s closest friends are also his bandmates from U2. Larry Mullen Jr., Adam Clayton, and The Edge (David Howell Evans) have been in his life since the late 1970s. Their friendship began as teenagers sharing a love for music at Mount Temple Comprehensive School.

These friendships extended well beyond their time in the studio or on tour. The band regularly spends time together outside of work. Their shared experiences, both good and bad, have strengthened their bond through decades of change in their professional and personal lives.

Alongside his bandmates, Bono formed friendships with other musicians and public figures. He developed a connection with Bob Geldof through mutual work in charity and activism. Another close friend is Gavin Friday, an Irish singer and songwriter from the post-punk band Virgin Prunes.

There are no public reports of major falling outs with these friends. While each has grown individually, their connection has remained intact and supportive throughout their careers.

Name	Known Since	Profession
The Edge	1976	Musician
Adam Clayton	1976	Musician
Larry Mullen Jr.	1976	Musician
Gavin Friday	1970s	Musician
Bob Geldof	1980s	Musician/Activist