Bono turns 50

LONDON: Legendary rock star Bono turned 50 on Monday (May 10).

Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, was born in Dublin, Ireland.

His musical career started at the age of 16 when he formed a little rock band called U2 along with friend David Evans - better known as guitarist "The Edge" - while at school.

Now the band is one of the biggest in the world - winning 22 Grammy Awards - more than any other group - and selling more than 150 million records.

Bono is also known for his humanitarian work.

His campaigns to fight poverty and AIDS earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2009.

And while the singer has been criticised for his activism, he has always stood his ground.

"My name is Bono, and I'm a rock star. And where would we be without rock stars and their delusions of grandeur", said Bono.

Bono will again take centre stage when U2 headline Glastonbury in June.