Magazine likens Bono to Beethoven

The latest issue of British publication Gramophone gives the music czar a modern make-over.

Rocker Bono has been hailed as the modern day Beethoven, according to editor of music magazine Gramophone.

HT Image

The latest issue of the British publication gives Beethoven a modern make-over, so he looks like the U2 frontman.

Editor James Inverne also claims the pair share many similarities.

"Beethoven was a major cultural figure in his day, just as Bono is now. In the 18th century, composers were the pop stars of their day. Beethoven was also a regular guest at court and would have been a point of reference for the Austrian aristocracy,” he was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying.

"Bono has a comparable relationship with Tony Blair and George W Bush, and the dynamic is still the same.

Beethoven believed the world should work to make itself a better place and that we should stand up against oppression.

The evidence that Beethoven is back in the limelight in a big way is clear - no less than six new symphony cycle recordings are either in progress or recently completed.

We tried to think of the main Beethovian character attributes. Leading cultural figure? Check. Someone who probably took himself rather seriously and seems unlikely to have had much of a sense of humour? Check. Associated with political and social ideologies? Check. One person today stood out – Bono," he added.

The 21st century Beethoven image was created by illustrator Tim O'Brien.