Bono Interview by Bill Hybels (Leadership Summit 2006)
12th August 2006
If you are a U2 fan, you may also be interested in my recent post, “My Top
1012 Spiritually Significant U2 Songs.”
I was lucky enough to catch the interview with Bono Friday (11 August 2006) at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. I thought the interview was amazing. Bono is very articulate — for a rock star 
The taped interview by Bill Hybels was peppered with great footage from U2’s Elevation 2001 – Live From Boston DVD (Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com), their Vertigo 2005 – Live From Chicago DVD (Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com), and Rattle & Hum (Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com).
I thought the interview was a great introduction to Bono, U2, and the various campaigns Bono is involved with, such as DATA and the ONE Campaign.
There were many highlights in the interview for me. Perhaps the most refreshing thing he said was in regards to his “celebrity” and how ridiculous the world is to pander to celebrities as it does. He sees his celebrity as currency, and he’s decided to spend it to raise awareness for important causes such as global poverty and the AIDs pandemic. Bono’s challenge to the church? Get involved! “‘Love thy neighbour’ is not advice; it is a command.”
I was going to type out a transcript of the interview, but instead decided to make an mp3 of it available for download (see below). I have edited out all of the music and down-sampled it so it is not too large a file. This is a personal recording I made of the interview and I am making it available for free for personal use only because I believe that Bono’s message needs to be heard and acted upon.
Bono and the Willow Creek Association are going to make the DVD available to churches, so make sure to bug your pastor to get a copy to show to your congregation!
Here is the link to the mp3 file of the interview:
- Bono-Hybels_interview.mp3 (7727 KB; right-click to download)
The only question I wish Bill Hybels asked Bono was if the rumours that U2 is scheduled to return to the recording studio this September! That would be sweet!
UPDATE: As you can see from the latest comment, someone over at Willow Creek (who didn’t even include their name in the comment!) thought that making this this personal recording available for download is some sort of copyright infringement. Of course, I’m not sure what a U.S. organization could really do to me up in Canada, but I took down the mp3, though more because it was maxing out my download limits on my server. I find it a bit odd for a Christian organization (who said they were going to make DVDs available of the interview for churches for free) to be so uptight about this MP3 version — especially since it is a message that you would think they would want spread through whatever means possible. Such is life. If you really want a copy let me know and we can perhaps arrange something privately.
August 12th, 2006 at 11:38 am
Thanks for letting us know about this over at the blog for the Get Up Off Your Knees U2 book.
August 12th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
I hope they stop making music because How To Dismantle was so freaking good, I fear there’s no possible way to beat it and everything from here on out will be downhill and disappointing.
August 12th, 2006 at 9:16 pm
Tyler – Thanks for posting the mp3.
August 13th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Tyler,
Thanks for the great post every Christian should be aware of this; although I’m still trying to figure out who “Bobo” is from “Bobo-Hybels_interview.mp3″
August 13th, 2006 at 7:38 pm
Thanks for posting this file. I hope to highlight it soon on James the Just.
August 13th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Chip… you mean to tell me you’ve never heard of Bobo the clown?!
August 14th, 2006 at 7:47 am
Ah yes good ol’ Bobo, the clown. He was the subject of many a childhood nightmare
September 28th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
The link to the willow/bono Mp3 isn’t working- can someone email me the file or send me a link that is active? Would love to hear this. Thanks much!- John
jschall@mac.com
October 9th, 2006 at 12:13 am
Gday guys can someone please send an attatchment of Bono interview – my email is
lm_norman@hotmail.com
Cheers Luke
October 13th, 2006 at 5:17 pm
Glad you enjoyed the interview. I attend Willow Creek regularly & got to see it a couple weeks ago. Bono really has done his research & had some very good insights.
BTW, Willow is not the one concerned about the copyright issues. U2’s label was/is pushing the issue because of the concert footage interjected between interview segments.
October 15th, 2006 at 8:09 am
I’m not bothered about paying to view the interview, just need to know where it’s available for purchase! Anyone know where to order a dvd?
October 18th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
Could you please email me a copy of the interview? Thanks.
October 21st, 2006 at 11:04 pm
Could you please send me a copy of the interview? I Cant find it anywhere online and my mum wont get off my back. Thanks.
October 26th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
It’s a shame you had to taek downt he link – the interview is causing quite a stir on e groups and the blogosphere. I wold appreciate a copy, however no doubt you are being bombardfed with requests! my email is greg(dot)colby(at)uchunter(dot)org(au) thanks and blessings
Greg
November 7th, 2006 at 5:04 am
Hi there. I only just caught the end of the Bono interview on a local radio station today because U2 are kicking off their Australia tour here tonight. I got all excited when I searched and found a link to the mp3 download on your site, only to find that it was no longer working. I would really love to hear the full interview and have a copy for my wife to listen to. Can anyone help out a desperate Aussie by emailing an mp3 file of the interview?? My email address is fandina72@yahoo.com.au Thanks.
November 9th, 2006 at 11:00 am
Dear Codex,
I listened to your MP3 file before it was locked up and would really like a copy. I teach a course about the culture wars with an emphasis on the diversity of evangelical voices. I wanted to use a clip from the interview today (topic is “social justice”) but could use it in a coulple weeks too (topic will be “music”). I checked Willow Creek site and see interview is still “not available.” I can’t understand why — it was such a powerful exchange. Can you help me?
Thanks, Susan Harding
Professor, UCSC.
November 12th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
could you please also email me the mp3 at andrewsheehan@gmail.com
November 21st, 2006 at 8:21 pm
Um, sorry to add my request for the audio to the list, but u2 are playing here in nz and i want to play a couple a couple of clips on the radio!
asherbastion@gmail.com
crazy that they wouldn’t share this around.
November 23rd, 2006 at 1:33 pm
Please Please Please email the mp3 of this to m! I saw it at church and was blown away. I have wanted so badly to share this with friends but have been unable to find it. I would be SO grateful!
Sincerely
Kurt
November 26th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Hi there, I watched the interview today at my church, I go to an evangelical church and it was mission sunday today and this is how they chose to give our word today. What an amazing interview and truly how disappointing that its not more widely available for people to see. I see it as a tool, a way for people to see how the church of today wants to live. Anyhow, just wanted to tell people that if they have to opportunity to watch it, to jump on it and take it for all that its worth. Its awesome!!!
November 30th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Can someone PLEASE send me the MP3 of the interview…. I would LOVE to see it! Thanks!
December 3rd, 2006 at 8:36 pm
I was wondering if someone out there could email me a copy of the mp3 file, I would greatly appreciate it. my email is:
jakeobina@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Peace & Prayers
Jack
December 4th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Can someone please e-mail me the mp3 to download of the interview with Bono and Bill Hybels. Thanks.
hfox@reddeeradvocate.com
December 17th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
I would also like the .mp3 interview if possible. My e-mail is modeuce2@gmail.com Thank you
December 18th, 2006 at 9:31 am
Could you please send a copy of the interview. I’d love to see it. Thanks!
January 3rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Could you please send me an mp3 copy of the interview? I saw it in church – it’s fantastic!
January 4th, 2007 at 10:59 am
I would also absolutely LOVE a copy of the interview.. im looking everywhere.. THANKS
January 7th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
please email me link also
January 8th, 2007 at 2:36 am
Hi and thanks so much for posting. I’d also really appreciate hearing the mp3. Please send me a link if you are still able. Thanks again.
January 8th, 2007 at 7:40 am
What an inspiration! Left me speechless, covered in goose-bumps and wanting to show the world! Can someone PLEASE (with cherry on top) email me a copy of the mp3 to alix.taylor@gmail.com
Cheers!
January 12th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
If possible I’d like to get a copy of that interview as well. I have a good friend who watched that interview and was in tears she was so touched by it. I was hoping to get it to her. If available can email me at Ebon_Fire@hotmail.com
God Bless.
January 21st, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I just saw the interview in church today and really liked what bono said especially about the church and his own struggle with the church. Can I please get the video I want to show it to some people.
Here is my email
derek_e_wilson@hotail.com
Thank you and God Bless
January 22nd, 2007 at 7:00 am
I would really love to have a copy of the mp3. Our church is showing the video this coming weekend. I would love to have a preview before I go.
January 27th, 2007 at 7:18 am
I just heard about the interview and would really love to watch it with my small group. Could someone please email the video to me if possible?
My email is:
kelley@halehouse.net
Thanks
January 29th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Can you please email me a copy as well. My church is showing this to the leadership group in a couple days but I will not be able to attend that showing.
I’d also like my teenage sons and my small group to see this.
Thank you very much!
Rick Radcliff
Indianapolis, Indiana
January 30th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Could I please get a copy emailed to me. Our church showed it during an ice storm so not all were able to attend. They said they have no plans to show it again but I really wanted to share it with some of my friends.
Thanks,
Amy
February 5th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Interested in a copy of the Bono/Hybels interview. Don’t need to repeat all of the above comments that apply, sufice to say it is powerful.
Chris
February 5th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Very Interested in a copy of the Bono/Hybels interview. I tried the Seed Bookstore at Willow and it is not available. I am surprised Bono would not want the word spread….
February 7th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Could I please get a copy emailed to me.
jb_egstoltzfus@verizon.net Thanks, Jimmy
February 7th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
could i get a copy of the bono video also?
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Could someboady please email me a copy of the MP3? That would be very, very much appreciated.
Thanks.
February 26th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Bono specificly requested that the number of copies be limited to one per church for the church’s use only.
His deal, not theirs. I personally think he wanted the church to be able to use it to bring people in and ultimately to the way of the cross!
I’m lucky enough to get watch it frequently because I work media/sound at my church! It is an awesome DVD.
March 4th, 2007 at 12:31 am
Can you please email a copy of the MP3 thank you! That’d be so awesome!
March 4th, 2007 at 12:33 am
great commentary on the summit btw, and oh, my email address for the mp3 is danielaleigh@yahoo.com, thank you!!!
March 10th, 2007 at 9:33 am
love to have a copy of the mp3; have heard nothing but great things about it
March 18th, 2007 at 1:29 am
can you email me the link, thanks – Johnm I missed it at our church in Australia
March 18th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Hey it sounds like our requests are alll the Same been in Perth Australia we all missed it i would love a copy via emial or any way possible!
Its a shame as we have seen nothing or heard nothing of Bono’s interview been available to Church’s. We all love U2 Gr8 vband Gr8 musice gr8 entertainers.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
I saw the interview today in my church and it really impacted me. I would like to pass it on to some others. Please email me a copy if possible or let me know where I could purchase a copy of the interview. I would also like to show it at our Christian school. It is something everyone should be seeing!!
Thank you.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Hi ,
Would love to hear the interview . If anyone has it could they please forward it to ; jane.sheridan87@ntlworld.com
Thanks
March 29th, 2007 at 5:30 am
Would also really like to hear it.
Please forward to: sokkanet@gmail.com
April 1st, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Would love a copy if possible!! please forward to matthew.driller@gmail.com
thanks!
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:23 pm
If there is any way you can email me a copy, I’d be really grateful!!
Many thanks
April 7th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I would really like a copy of this interview if you have it. Was keen to show it to seeking friends. Can you let me have a copy.
Blessings,
Keith
April 9th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Is there anyway to get a copy of the Bono-Hybels MP3 interview?
thanks
ronf
April 11th, 2007 at 6:20 am
Believe it or not, I would also like a copy of this mp3. Thanks, bobbyandlynn@yahoo.com
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:35 am
Can someone forward me the Willow Creek interview? I think it’s very important to have and share…
coachvan@comcast.net
April 24th, 2007 at 8:00 am
I’m sitting here in Cape Town, South Africa surfing the net for more than an hour having absolutely no luck in tracking down this mp3 whatsoever. If possible, could someone please, please, please email me a copy of the Bono interview. Thanks!
trainafrica@gmail.com
April 24th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
hey i missed the interview it was on the radio monday in western australia… could someone please email me a copy lesbc@yahoo.com
god bless
April 26th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Would be very grateful if someone could email the MP3 to me in Australia.
email, bandj@tsn.cc
many thanks
May 8th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
[...] I read John’s post Bono on Christian Music. John then gave me a heads up on this interview Bono Interview by Bill Hybels (available as an MP3 audio download on that page). (Who is Bill [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:45 am
Please help me with a copy of this interview with BONO, if possible….Here in the Southern tip of Africa it is difficult to find. ccschmidt@telkomsa.net
Thanks Carl
November 30th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I would also be really grateful if anybody could send me a copy of the mp3 file. Thanks in advance. John
January 5th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
[...] was recently interviewed (11 August 2006) by Bill Hybels at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit (mp3 here). Lots of amazing moments from Bono at his best! This is why I love the guy, this is why my website [...]
February 19th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Hey this is Sam from India, i really need an mp3 copy of the Hybels Bono interview
Thanks
February 28th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Hi, I would love to listen to the interview! I have just finished reading “The Volunteer Revolution” by Bill Hybels, and it is brilliant! I would like to know what Bill asked Bono!
December 16th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Hi- any chance of a copy of the Bono interview still?
regards, Darren