Bono, lead singer of the Irish rock band U2, has been named “European of the Year” for his campaign for debt relief in developing nations, in a poll conducted by the weekly, Brussels-based European Voice. Danish film director Lars von Trier was named “Visionary of the Year.”
Ten winners were selected by European Voice readers from a list of 50 nominees compiled by journalists and opinion leaders from across the 15 European Union nations. The announcement was made earlier this month.
Each winner received $4,458 to donate to a charity of his or her choice. Bono, 41, said his prize would go to the Irish charity Concern, according to U2’s As previously reported, U2’s Elevation tour was the top-grossing trek of 2001, at $143 million from 113 shows on both sides of the Atlantic, according to Billboard sister publication Amusement Business.Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.