U2 and Bono are facing an online backlash after the band posted statements supporting Gaza last Sunday, with some critics believing the move is 'performative.' 

Some believe it is ‘too little too late’ for U2, a band generally seen as vocal on humanitarian crises. 

Louise Bruton is an arts journalist and joined Lunchtime Live with Andrea Gilligan and says she believes the criticism is justified.

Bono on Gaza

“[When] Bono and the rest of the band’s support has come out in the form of a social media post, when there’s been so many artists and people that are taking to the streets, boycotting Israeli products, taking risks with their careers. 

“Yet Bono and the band, who have previously spoken out about other human rights issues, and now all they have to offer is an Instagram post."

Bruton believes that Bono has not used his platform to its full potential.

“He said in his statement that he tried to keep out of Middle East politics, but this seems rich for a man who has cosied up to some of the biggest world leaders, even in recent years.

“There’s a wider population that needs to be challenged, and he has the platform to do it.

Singer Mary Coughlan says that she thinks that the band's statement is measured.

“He has a lot of business interests in Israel, he has a lot of attachments to Israeli banks—it’s a money thing, and people always look after their money.

“He could have done something a lot sooner, and it would have been more effective."

(L-R) Irish musicians Adam Clayton, Bono, Larry Mullen Jr, and The Edge from U2 arrive for the 45th Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2022. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Co-founder of the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland Jackie Conboy believes the whole discussion to be 'positive.'

"The fact that we’re even talking about it, like there’ll be radio stations all over the world talking about this again. 

“It’s very hard for artists to avoid this; they are pressured from all sides to come out and say something.” 

He thinks that people shouldn’t forget the band’s legacy.

“When you look at what U2 as a band has done, they’ve put Ireland on the map”. 

Spin presenter Jess Spencer believes they have an onus on them to speak up about this issue: 

“U2 are such a political band so I think everyone expects them to be saying something.

“Their silence was a choice the last couple of years,” she says. 

Singer Charlie McGettigan also chipped into this discussion as he believes that Bono’s statement will nonetheless spark change.

“If Bono’s statement provokes something within the Israeli people who would be fans of U2—who might take a stance against Netanyahu’s regime—then I think it’s better late than never.

“I’m sure Bono and the band would never have condoned what’s happening in Gaza."

Written by Cara McHugh.