Bono's been having a rough time in the press lately, what with mixed reviews for U2's new album, and those
pesky tax accusations.
Now he's got an embarrassing Radio 1 interview to round it off.
For all his experience of international diplomacy, Bono lasted only two minutes of his interview with BBC Radio 1's Jo Whiley to make a potentially embarassing faux pax.
The BBC has recently been criticized for 'handing' U2 a shitload of free publicity ahead of the new album, including a rooftop performance atop the BBC headquarters in central London.
Whiley had just played a Coldplay track before U2 entered the studio and asked him if he thought Chris Martin was as talented as Paul McCartney...
Bono: I think he's that good a melodist, but he's a wanker.
Whiley: Would you
like to apologise for what you've just said live on my show?
Bono: I'm a reformed character, I don't do that any more.
Whiley: You're not showing any signs of being reformed.
Bono: He's [Martin] obviously a completely dysfunctional character and
a cretin but he happens to be a great melodist and up there with Ray
Davis, Noel Gallagher and Paul McCartney.
Whiley: I'm sorry if anyone is listening at the moment who were
offended by the words that Bono said. I will apologise on his behalf.
Bono: I'm sorry, it's early.
Then later...
Bono: I think they [Coldplay] are a great band and actually, it turns out he’s a great soul as well... Sorry about that. I was just joking entirely.
Last week Bono and Chris Martin shared a stage in west London at a post Brit Awards charity concert with Take That's Gary Barlow and The Killer's Brandon Flowers.
Gary and Brandon must be wondering what Bono's saying behind their backs.
Hey, if it sells a few more albums...