Bono: Sunglasses are due to glaucoma

LONDON — U2 singer Bono says his ever-present sunglasses aren’t a rock-star affectation — he has suffered from glaucoma for 20 years.

The condition — a buildup of pressure that can damage the optic nerve — can make the eyes sensitive to light. Bono told the BBC’s “Graham Norton Show” that he had the condition, but “I have good treatments and I am going to be fine.”

He said people would now think of him as “poor old blind Bono.”

He also acknowledged that some people had been annoyed when U2’s new album, “Songs of Innocence,” was sent unsolicited to millions of people with iTunes accounts. In comments released Friday by the BBC, Bono said, “We wanted to do something fresh, but it seems some people don’t believe in Father Christmas.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Water from the Snohomish River spills onto a road on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How we covered the record-breaking flood

A special edition of Eliza Aronson’s newsletter detailing her and photographer Olivia Vanni’s week of flood coverage.

‘Golden Promise’ is a striking Japanese Cedar that I have and love. (Sunnyside Nursery)
Part 3 of the Conifer Trilogy – Stunning yellows, bright whites

Let the Trilogy of Conifers continue with the finale! Two weeks ago… Continue reading

The Olson Bros Band, 9 to 5, Northwest Perspectives, and more

Music, arts and more coming to Snohomish County

Inside Timothy Walsh’s Little Free Library on Sept. 3, 2025 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Big stories live in small boxes

Little Free Libraries offer free books for all ages, if you know where to look.

Cascadia visitors mingle among the art during its 10th anniversary celebration, on Sept. 12, in Edmonds, Wash. (Jon Bauer / The Herald)
A small museum with a big impact on northwest art

Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds celebrates a decade of art and forgotten voices.

Our “Evergreen State” of Washington filled with native conifers like Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Red Cedar, among others. (Sunnyside Nursery)
Conifers Large and Small

With old man winter approaching shortly, December presents a perfect opportunity for… Continue reading

Sweet and spicy, Honey Sriracha Shrimp is a no-fuss fall classic for seafood lovers

Honey Sriracha Shrimp is a deliciously sweet and spicy dish we are… Continue reading

Information panels on display as a part of the national exhibit being showcased at Edmonds College on Nov. 19, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds College hosts new climate change and community resilience exhibit

Through Jan. 21, visit the school library in Lynnwood to learn about how climate change is affecting weather patterns and landscapes and how communities are adapting.

Stollwerck Plumbing owner J.D. Stollwerck outside of his business along 5th Street on Nov. 5, 2025 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Happy 1 year anniversary of bridge withdrawals’

Residents of Everett and Mukilteo live life on the edge … of the Edgewater Bridge.

Many outdoor gems, such as Camellias, bloom in the winter, some of which offer fragrance as a bonus. (Sunnyside Nursery)
Holiday Gifts for Gardeners

With the holiday season now in full swing and Christmas just around… Continue reading

Kicking Gas Campaign Director Derek Hoshiko stands for a portrait Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Climate justice group Kicking Gas is expanding efforts to Snohomish County

The nonprofit aims to switch residents to electrical appliances and can help cover up to 75% of installation costs.

Snohomish PUD crews repair a power line that was hit by a downed tree along Cypress Way on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
High wind warning in effect for northwest Snohomish County

Key developments:

  • “Damaging” wind gusts of up to 55 mph are expected.
  • Residents should prepare for downed trees and widespread outages.
  • Flood warning extended for Skykomish River near Gold Bar

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.