Bono to write for the New York Times in 2009

Bono's got a press pass and he's gonna use it
Bono's got a press pass and he's gonna use it

Bono's got the writing bug in a big way. In addition to finishing U2's upcoming album, No Line On The Horizon, for which he's penned "50 to 60" songs, he'll sit down at his MacBook next year and make some real money - by writing for the New York Times.

As it so happens, Bono will turn in his copy free of charge, according to New York Times editor Andrew Rosenthal. (As if he needs the dough anyway.)

It is said that Bono will crank out between six to ten pieces for the newspaper, ranging on topics from Africa to poverty to the music of Frank Sinatra. All of which sounds fine and good, but if we see a foaming review of the U2 album carrying the byline "MacPhisto," we'll be a tad suspicious.

Bono isn't the only rock star Rosenthal has his eye on for editorial content. He has also expressed an reacquiring the services of Queen guitarist Brian May, who has already contributed articles on astronomy.

Joe Bosso

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar WorldGuitar PlayerMusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.