It’s October 9, 1999, and Bono is about to go on stage at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey to perform in NetAid, an anti-poverty gig. Big cause, small crowd. Despite the U2 frontman, Sheryl Crow, Puff Daddy, Sting, and Slash being on the bill, ticket sales have been abysmal and the stadium is less than a quarter full. U2 manager Paul McGuinness is there, even though the band isn’t; just Bono, who is about to perform to “nobody”. “I spent my life making sure this never happened to you,” McGuinness says in the singer’s ear. “Look what you’ve done…

Want to continue reading?

Join today with an Annual membership and get full access to The Currency for just €200 (68c per day) or try monthly membership for just €5 for your first month.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .