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Irish rockers U2 have long feared the band’s music career would end in a row over frontman BONO’s tireless political campaigning.
The singer has been involved in charity campaigns and philanthropic activities for years, setting up numerous projects for Africa, organising benefit concerts and meeting world leaders.
And Bono’s never-ending campaigning has been a big worry for his bandmates, with the other musicians fearing the singer’s sidelines would eventually overshadow the band and end their music career.
U2’s drummer, Larry Mullen Jr., recently admitted some of his friend’s political meddling makes him "cringe", while guitarist The Edge admitted it was "uncool" for the singer to meet with former U.S. president George W. Bush.
But Bono is glad his colleagues have chosen to stand by him, even though life in the band has been stressful at times.
He says, "It’s dangerous. And it worries Larry, and it worries the whole band, if truth be told. But, you know, here’s the thing - they thought, all of them, Larry, Edge, Adam, that my campaigning would sink the ship.
"Edge pleaded with me right at the start not to meet Bush. (But) when I’m with U2 doing U2 work, they have me 100 per cent or we would not be here now. I give my time to my family, my band and my interest in the wide world. It all seems to be fuel for me."

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British rocker MORRISSEY has cancelled the opening dates of his world tour due to illness.
The former Smiths frontman was due to begin a string of live shows across the globe with a concert in Boca Raton, Florida on Saturday (28Feb09) night.
But the singer has scrapped the gig, along with four other shows in the state, in Orlando, Jacksonville and St. Petersburg, after reportedly falling ill.
No details on Morrissey’s condition were available as WENN went to press.
The tour is now due to kick off in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on 6 March (09), ending with a show in Russia on 1 July (09).

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AXL ROSE has slammed his former GUNS N’ ROSES bandmate SLASH, branding him a "cancer better removed".
The rocker, the only remaining member of the band’s original line-up, has dashed fans’ hopes of a reunion with Slash and bassist Duff McKagan after lashing out at the iconic guitarist.
In an interview with AOL Music’s website Spinner.com, Rose says, "I suppose Duff could play guitar on something somewhere, but there’s zero possibility of me having anything to do with Slash…
"In a nutshell, personally I consider him a cancer and better removed, avoided - and the less anyone heard of him or his supporters the better." Rose also attacked Slash’s musical skills, claiming he has failed to make the most of his talent and turned into a media "whore".
He adds, "I prefer listening to others in general, especially those who both push their talents and infuse them with a level of energy that I’ve seldom heard in his efforts over the years.
"I’m not taking anything away from the man that are his to claim for his past efforts; it’s just that for whatever reason for me, whether the approach, style or basic hands-on technique is there, the passion and true dedication to the art of guitar in his chosen area other than being, in my opinion, a whore for the limelight has generally seemed absent or lacking with most efforts for a long time." Slash quit the band in 1998 and later formed Velvet Revolver with McKagan.

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Award-winning science fiction writer PHILIP JOSE FARMER has died, aged 91.
Farmer passed away on Wednesday (25Feb09) "peacefully in his sleep," according to a posting on his official website.
His first success initially shocked audiences in 1952, when the American author depicted humans having sex with aliens in his tale The Lovers.
The book became more widely accepted in the years after its release and won Farmer the title of "most promising new writer" at the 1953 Hugo Awards, which celebrates authors for outstanding contributions in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.
He won another Hugo for his 1967 novella Riders of the Purple Wage and again for his 1971 release To Your Scattered Bodies Go.
Farmer wrote over 75 books during his career, which have been translated into 22 languages and published in more than 40 countries.
He is survived by his wife, Bette, a son, Philip, his daughter, Kristen, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Model and one-time reality TV contestant SARAH WELCH is suing the producers of a 2007 Hollywood fashion show after falling through a hole in the runway.
Welch fell straight through the gap, created by a martial arts star who performed before her, during a show at the Mondrian Hotel on 18 October 2007.
In a lawsuit filed in a Santa Monica, California court in early February (09), the model, who once appeared on dating series The Bachelor, claims she suffered "great injuries to her body, shock and injuries to her nervous system." She is seeking unspecified damages for negligence.

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Actress KIRSTEN VANGSNESS is to wed her longtime girlfriend MELANIE GOLDSTEIN.
The star, known for her role on U.S. TV drama Criminal Minds, is planning a Texas wedding this spring (09) for her nuptials to Goldstein, an assistant editor on TV show 24.
Same-sex unions are only recognised in two U.S. states - Massachusetts and Connecticut - but Vangsness is hopeful the new government under President Barack Obama’s leadership will work to change the law.
And Vangsness admits even she is surprised by her own marriage news.
She tells People.com, "I never thought I would want to do it. Then when you meet the person, you’re like, ‘I want to marry you. I don’t care if there’s a law against it!’ "We’re going to get married in Texas because her parents have this great place there. And since it’s not official anywhere until things change - which I have total confidence that they will - we’re going to do it there just to completely thumb our nose (show scorn) at the government."

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Beloved U.S. TV personality ED MCMAHON is fighting for his life in hospital after he was admitted to the facility almost a month ago suffering from pneumonia.
The 85 year old has been suffering from various other ailments, but his condition is "serious" and he is currently in an intensive care unit, according to his representative, Howard Bragman.
Bragman confirmed McMahon is being treated in an unnamed medical centre, but poked fun at the star’s legal issues with a Los Angeles hospital, which he is suing for malpractice, by adding, "He’s not in Cedars-Sinai." He did not confirm the hospital where McMahon is being treated.
The former Tonight Show sidekick’s lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center officials relates to his treatment for a broken neck in 2007, reports TMZ.com.
He has also been battling a number of financial problems and faces lawsuits from a pharmacy and a New York law firm.

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Actress SALMA HAYEK skipped her honeymoon with new husband FRANCOIS-HENRI PINAULT - flying straight back from her Paris, France nuptials to shoot TV show 30 ROCK.
The Frida star married her businessman partner on St. Valentine’s Day (14Feb09) in a romantic ceremony in the French capital.
But the couple was forced to postpone plans for a relaxing post-wedding break, as Hayek was due to film her guest spot on Tina Fey’s hit comedy series immediately afterwards.
The news was confirmed by Alec Baldwin, who plays Hayek’s love interest in the show: "She flew right from her wedding to come shoot with us again. Her husband is a doll." Series creator Fey adds, "(Hayek) spent her honeymoon working with us! She told me, ‘You must go the parties with me and elope! You must party with me!’" Hayek originally announced her engagement to Pinault in March 2007, but they called off the wedding in July 2008.
They are parents to 16-month-old daughter, Valentina.

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U2 frontman BONO has been forced to apologise after insulting CHRIS MARTIN during a live radio broadcast.
The Irish rocker called the Coldplay singer a "w**ker" during an interview on British station Radio One on Friday (27Feb09).
The show’s host, Jo Whiley, stopped the session and forced the star to apologise to listeners for the outburst.
Bono retracted his previous comment, saying "Oops! Sorry, sorry, I’m a reformed character - I don’t do that (swear) any more," before going on to label Martin "a completely dysfunctional character and a cretin" instead.
Bono insists that no matter what his opinion of Martin as a person, he is a big fan of Coldplay’s music - calling the singer a "genius melodist up there with Ray Davies and Paul McCartney".
The two singers recently teamed up for a performance in London for the charity War Child, performing together alongside The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers and Take That’s Gary Barlow.

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LINDSAY LOHAN is reportedly keen to collaborate with her rocker pal BRYAN ADAMS after spending time with the musician at his London home.
The Mean Girls star and her girlfriend, Samantha Ronson, are currently visiting the British capital and are staying with Adams at his luxurious Chelsea property.
And Lohan, who is set to release her third record later this year (09), is hoping to team up with Adams for a new track.
A source tells British newspaper The London Paper, "She�s really keen on making another album. Last time she was in town, she spoke to Bryan about working together. She loves his music and wants to write some songs with him.�

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Hollywood actress JULIA ROBERTS turned down an invitation to the Oscars - so she could spend the night at home with her children.
The former Best Actress Academy Award winner was offered a place at the glitzy Los Angeles event on 22 February (09), but decided not to attend.
Roberts admits she is no longer a fan of star-studded awards ceremonies, and is much happier spending a cosy evening in with her husband, Danny Moder, and their three kids: four year old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and Henry, 20 months.
She says, "My husband had been away and just returned home so I felt it best to stay home and be with my family. That was my priority so we watched the show on television. My life at home gives me absolute joy."

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Singer JEWEL has brushed off reports she’s pulled out of U.S. reality TV competition DANCING WITH THE STARS to nurse her recent knee injury.
The newlywed, who will compete with husband Ty Murray on the show, revealed earlier this week (begs23Feb09) she’s been suffering from tendinitis.
The star admitted the injury jeopardised her rehearsal schedule, writing in a blog to her fans, "Now I’m just worried I won’t even be able to dance! Hopefully these steroids will really do the trick and I can keep bad flare ups at a bay in the future." But Jewel now insists she plans on making a full recovery, and will be back on the dance floor before the show kicks off on 9 March (09).
She tells Usmagazine.com, "Yes, it is true I have had a minor setback in my training… but I am dedicated to getting better and showing the judges and America that I can cha-cha with the best of them. Don’t count me out."

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Rockers U2 have defended their decision to keep the majority of their wealth out of their native Ireland’s tax system - insisting they are "hurt" by accusations they have robbed the country’s economy of millions of dollars.
The One hitmakers were targeted by protesters this week (25Feb09), with activists from campaign group the Debt and Development Coalition Ireland (DDCI) voicing their concerns about the band’s finances.
U2, who are all based in Ireland, moved their publishing company to the Netherlands in 2006 after the Irish government changed the rules over the country’s tax-free status for artist royalties. The ruling capped tax-free earnings for artists at 250,000 Euros ($320,000/£281,000).
The protesters claim the group have deprived their native country of millions of dollars in tax revenue by storing their wealth in bank accounts abroad. Many have also accused frontman and human rights activist, Bono, of hypocrisy over the decision, claiming U2 have been denying the Irish government the chance to help impoverished nations.
The band have now hit back at the accusations, calling the claims unfair and hurtful.
Bono says, "We pay millions and millions of dollars in tax. The thing that stung us was the accusation of hypocrisy for my work as an activist. There was no hypocrisy for me. We�re just part of a system that has benefited the nation greatly and that�s a system that will be closed down in time. It hurts when the criticism comes internationally.
"But I canâ��t speak up without betraying my relationship with the band. So you take the s**t. People who donâ��t know our music - it’s very easy for them to take a position on us, they run with the stereotypes and caricature of us.â�� Bono’s bandmate The Edge adds, "Itâ��s our own private thing. We do business all over the world, we pay taxes all over the world and we are totally tax compliant."

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BLACK EYED PEAS star TABOO has promised fans the band is not planning to retire any time soon - even though their forthcoming album is entitled THE E.N.D.
The quartet has focused on individual projects over the past four years, with female star Fergie, Apl.de.Ap and frontman will.i.am working on solo material, while Taboo stars in the next Street Fighter movie.
But the wannabe actor - real name Jaime Gomez - insists the musicians haven’t turned their back on the Black Eyed Peas, and will work together for years to come.
He tells MTV.com, "(I’m) getting back into Black Eyed Pea mode.
"All four of us are back, for the people that are wondering if Fergie is coming back, of course. will.i.am is back, Apl.de.Ap and myself, so it’s gonna be much more uplifting. It’s a dance album. It’s for people around the world.
"No, no, no, it’s not a retirement."

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A note written by JOHN LENNON complaining about the lack of security at the New York apartment where he was eventually shot dead is selling for $54,000 (£38,300).
The Beatles legend aired his concerns to his aide Fred Seaman about access to his home at the historic Dakota building on Manhattan’s Central Park West on 28 April 1980.
Just seven months later, on 8 December 1980, he was shot dead in front of the building.
The tragic Beatle wrote: "Explain to me why we are sleeping here with a front door that any nut can open (it doesn’t lock). People know I’m here…" The handwritten note is being sold on momentsintime.com, reports the New York Post.

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Modern dancer/choreographer PEARL LANG has died, aged 87.
Lang, who took over a string of roles from dance pioneer Martha Graham, passed away on Tuesday (24Feb09) in Manhattan, New York after suffering a heart attack while recuperating from hip surgery.
After concluding her studies at the University of Chicago, Lang moved to New York in 1941, when she was accepted into the Martha Graham Dance Company and created parts in several of its productions. She later took over Graham’s own role in works including El Penitente, Appalachian Spring, Letter to the World and Clytemnestra.
Lang was a member of the company until 1952, when she founded the Pearl Lang Dance Theater.
In addition to her contributions to modern dance, she performed in several musicals throughout the 1940s and ’50s, including One Touch of Venus, Carousel, Finian’s Rainbow, Allegro and a revival of Peer Gynt, starring Academy Award-nominated actor John Garfield.
Lang also choreographed for the Dutch National Ballet, the Boston Ballet and the Batsheva Dance Company of Israel, and taught dance at prestigious universities including Yale, the Juilliard School and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, where she last taught in December (08).
She is survived by her husband, actor Joseph Wiseman, two nieces and a nephew.

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A rare copy of the comic book which introduced SUPERMAN to the world is expected to sell for up to $400,000 (£282,685) at an upcoming auction.
Bidding on the "untouched" copy of Action Comics No. 1 will begin on Friday (27Feb09) and continue for two weeks at comicconnect.com. Only 100 copies of the graphic novel are known to exist.
Co-created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, it sold for a meagre 10 cents (£0.07) when it first hit shelves in 1938.
The comic book’s owner, who has not been named, kept the book for 58 years after purchasing it for 35 cents (£0.25).
Comic expert Stephen Fishler tells the New York Daily News, "It’s the Holy Grail of comic books. One bidder wanted to trade (me) his Ferrari for the comic book."

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American basketball star and sports broadcaster NORM VAN LIER has been found dead at his home in Chicago, Illinois, aged 61.
Firefighters went to Van Lier’s home on Thursday (26Feb09) in response to a request for a well-being check by staff at Comcast SportsNet after he failed to show up for work on Wednesday (25Feb09) night.
He was found unresponsive and pronounced dead shortly before 1 p.m., a Chicago Fire Department spokesperson said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed the sad news, but didn’t give any details about the cause of death.
Van Lier, dubbed Stormin’ Norman by his loyal fans, was a three-time All-Star player and standout guard for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Chicago Bulls team.
He played there for over six seasons and earned the third spot in leading career assists and steals - ranking behind basketball greats Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Van Lier finished his career with Milwaukee in 1979 and began covering the Bulls as a TV and radio analyst in the Chicago area.
In 2002 he also had a supporting role in movie comedy Barbershop, starring rapper Ice Cube, in which he played a customer.
He is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Hilary and Heidi, and one granddaughter.

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