U2 frontman Bono has revealed an unexpected side effect of his recovery from near-fatal heart surgery in 2016: a deep dive into the world of reality television. In a recent cover story for Esquire, the singer shared how, after undergoing open-heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm, he found solace and distraction in a variety of TV shows, including the unlikeliest of genres.
Bono, now 65, had been hesitant to speak about the health scare for years, referring to it as a "brush with mortality." The surgery, performed at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, was necessary to correct an irregularly shaped valve that had caused a dangerous "blister" in his aorta. The chances of it becoming fatal increased over time, hence the eventual procedure. Following the eight-hour operation, Bono made a full recovery.
Confined to his home during his convalescence, Bono initially resisted the idea of watching television. He recounted how his family encouraged him to engage in "regular" activities to pass the time. Someone in his office suggested the Netflix docuseries Chef's Table. Bono's initial reaction was dismissive. However, he soon found himself captivated by the program, which explores the lives and culinary artistry of renowned chefs from around the globe. He specifically mentioned being drawn to episodes featuring Francis Mallmann, whom he had previously met on tour, Buddhist nun Jeong Kwan, and chef Evan Funke.
His newfound love for Chef's Table opened the door to other shows as well. His oldest daughter, Jordan Hewson, introduced him to the critically acclaimed comedy-drama Fleabag. Perhaps most surprisingly, his second daughter, actress Eve Hewson, got him hooked on the reality show The Kardashians. Love Island was also in his viewing rotation.
Bono's embrace of reality television offers a glimpse into the very human side of the rock icon. It underscores how even the most extraordinary individuals turn to simple pleasures during times of vulnerability and recovery. It also highlights the power of family in encouraging those activities.
The singer's journey back to health and his newfound appreciation for television come as he prepares to release Bono: Stories of Surrender on AppleTV+ on May 30. In the past, Bono has described the experience as "an extinction event." In liner notes to his 2017 album "Songs of Experience", Bono said he was "on the receiving end of a shock to the system...A shock that left me clinging on to my own life. It was an arresting experience. I won't dwell in it or on it. I don't want to name it." The documentary promises to delve into various aspects of his life and career, including the health scare that led him to appreciate the simple act of watching television. He told Esquire that he was "so grateful" to have undergone the procedure.
