Bono Reads Some Romantic Words From A Young Mandela

In one of the most touching moments of the 9th Annual Los Angeles Italia Film Fest opening night, Bono read a letter that Nelson Mandela while incarcerated wrote to Winnie Mandela. The romantic words showed a side of Mandela that most were not privy to know.

Naomie Harris Talks About Bono

Naomie Harris who plays Winnie Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, gave a speech for Bono at the Los Angeles Italia Film Fest opening.

Al Pacino Tells A Bono Story At The Los Angeles Italia Film Fest

Al Pacino gave a heart warming speech about Bono before the U2 frontman and activist received an award for "Ordinary Love" an original song for the Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom film.

BONO of U2 B4 Rosebowl shot by KAT

Here's the video of one of my favorite men on the planet Bono signing for fans outside the Chateau Marmont before U2's historic Rosebowl Concert in Pasadena. Bono doesn't have to sign and keep so close to his fans but he does. This is greatly appreciated by those who get it. The other swill that just sell his autographs and are obnoxious blocking everyone else, don't get it. Bono and his assistant had to hold the rude ones back. I decided to just get out of the way and shoot from another side. On this day, Bono was the only member of U2 that signed. The other members were waiting down the street in limos. For Bono to take the time to sign before soundcheck reflects how kind he is and his understanding of what it means to be a Rock Star. I love Bono for that...

Jared Harris of MADMEN on his way to U2

Caught up with Jared Harris on his way to U2 recently and I asked him a few things...

Passion of the BONO

I've had some of the best times of my life going to concerts, hanging backstage, sneaking in for free. U2 has been one of my favorite bands for so many reasons. Besides the great music, the global mastery of marketing, the charitable causes, the concerts turning into a religious experience, BONO is so damn likeable. There is something about him on the same level as MJ when it comes to giving so much to his fans. Maybe too much but I'm thankful for it. Somehow Love exudes from BONO after all the years that I've seen the band. So much hope he has always had when you talk to him about Politics. As a showman, he is a master. I have great respect for him and the band. Adam Clayton is also one of my favorites. He is one of the sweetest men on the planet.
This time around BONO held court solo with the fans waiting for him before the Rosebowl Concert on the last leg of U2 2009 American Tour.





I like several others waited for hours. And of course there were the autograph hounds who sell their merchandise who showed up at the last minute and stuck their wares and pushed and shoved. I wasn't having it. BONO grew tired of it as well. And many of the respectful fans kindly got out of the way after BONO was kind enough to sign and let the vultures have at it. It is very hard to photograph when you have people hitting you on the head with albums and trying to push their way from the back to the front. But one has to play it like basketball and block them. I play mad defense. Anyway, I would happily spend my Sundays photographing BONO and the rest of the band anytime that are paths meet. To me it is a joy to see stars like BONO interact with his fans. Although I wonder if it gets overwhelming for him.
I feel very blessed to be around so many talented people who genuinely seem to care about others. BONO is definitely in my top 3 of all time if not top 2. Michael Jackson will always be first.

KAT and 1/2 of U2 (Bono & Adam Clayton)

So I was doing some recognisance because the biggest band in the world was in town. U2 has been on top for 25 years. What an accomplishment.
With a new album out NEW HORIZON the media blitz had begun so I was on their trail.
The Chateau Marmont was the place to be earlier today. By the time I got there I was told that I had missed the Edge by ten minutes. There was a rumor that U2was going to be playing at Capitol Records. I was hoping they were going to do a roof top gig so I went by early to see if I could see any tell tale signs. There was none so I went by and saw the crowd and waited and waited and waited. I thought my bladder was going to burst actually. But as the time went closer and closer to 5:00 pm and the meter maids were given out tickets, Adam Clayton made his way out to the fans.





Adam took time to sign and take pictures while Larry Clayton made a mad dash inside the hotel.
Bono



came out near 5:20pm apologizing that he had to leave to do the show...

I Found My Angela Bassett Pictures

As I stated in a previous blog, I was having difficulty finding some pictures that were on my other computer. I did find some so that was good. I can't tell you how many photos can be evaporated by the wrong click of a button on a hard drive. One must have a copy on a CD or DVD and then make another copy on an external hard drive just to be safe. It is far better to be anal retentive in regards to your art/work then to loose it and try to get from an uninterested agent.
Anyway, I shot Angela Bassett last year getting her star on Hollywood Blvd. I decided to make a video of just women called "Les Chats" (The Cats in French). The following video features besides Ms. Bassett, Giselle, Victoria Secret Models, Holly Madison (who seems to be the most popular celebrity on my youtube page) & Kendra formerly of The Girls Next Door, Janet Jackson, Brigette Nielson, Kim Kardashian and some other models/actresses in the mix. I may have made a mistake though I used an old U2 song "Even Better Than the Real Thing" it may not be current enough for people to respond to but I thought it was perfect for the clips. I hope you enjoy.