U2's Bono Gets Knighted, But Don't Call Him "Sir"

Bono gets knighted in a lighthearted ceremony that some Irish criticize.

Bono, Irish rocker and U2 front man, was crowned Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on Thursday. It was an informal ceremony at the home of British Ambassador, David Reddaway in Dublin. "You have permission to call me anything you want except sir, all right? Lord of lords, your demigodness, that'll do," Bono, 46, told reporters. Bono was recognized for his accomplishments in bringing world-wide attention to poverty and disease in Africa. When Reddaway asked Bono if he was disappointed that knighting no longer involves kneeling or a sword, Bono replied, "Please, I wasn't expecting you to kneel," Bono deadpanned, his hand on the ambassador's shoulder. Bono's wife and the couples' four children attended the ceremony. The Edge, U2's guitarist, and British-born bass player Adam Clayton were also present. Some have criticized Bono for accepting the British honor, but the singer scoffed and said that this was an act of warm relations between Ireland and Britain. "I think Great Britain is great," Bono said. "And Irish people support British football teams. And Irish bands sign British record labels. And Irish people speak English. And we even have one (Englishman) in our band."