U2 frontman Bono is among the honorees who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday.
The country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals “who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Bono is being recognized as both “the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED),” according a statement released by the White House.
Saturday’s other honorees include Bill Nye the Science Guy, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, chef and humanitarian José Andrés, NBA legend Magic Johnson, soccer star Lionel Messi, and ethologist Jane Goodall, as well as civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hammer, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros.
U2 are reportedly working on a new album with Brian Eno, which The Edge recently described as “some crazy sci-fi Irish folk music.”