Valentine’s Day takes on a meaning of honor for U2
singer Bono, who will be feted by many of the entertainment industry’s elite
for his philanthropic efforts at a Hollywood event tonight (February 14)
known as “Love Rocks: Celebrating The Biggest Hearts In Entertainment.”

The gathering, at Hollywood’s new Kodak Theatre, will feature performances
by R.E.M. and No Doubt, as well as appearances by Disney’s Michael Eisner
and television personalities Drew Carey, Ray Romano, and Kevin Nealon.

Bono has long used his celebrity status toward forwarding humanitarian and
political agendas, including the conflict in Northern Ireland and AIDS in
Africa. Earlier this month, the rock star was at it again, this time
discussing international aid for developing nations aside Microsoft head
Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum in New York.

The singer has long proved an inspiration on a purely creative level as
well. R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe tells LAUNCH that Bono, along with
artists like Radiohead, P.J. Harvey, and Bjork, often moves him to do better
with his own art. “Really, when they do something great, I’m just like, ‘God
damn it,’ you know, ‘that’s great,’ and it makes me want to do better. It
raises the bar for me as a lyricist and it makes me want to be my best and
do my best. I call them on the phone and cuss them out,” he says with a
laugh.

“Love Rocks” is being produced by the Entertainment Industry Foundation
(EIF), which has distributed funds and volunteer hours to support charitable
efforts for six decades. Key players in EIF include Clint Eastwood, David
Geffen, Steven Spielberg, and Pierce Brosnan.

– Neal Weiss, Launch

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