BONO’S HANDWRITTEN lyrics to the signature U2 hit I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For have sold for £76,000 at a charity auction raising money for charities in the UK and US.
The lyrics, which are also signed by Bono, were sold alongside an autographed copy of the Irish band’s seminal 1987 album The Joshua Tree at the One Love COVID-10 Relief Auction.
The fundraiser, which was organised by music label Island Records, generated a total of £179,755 for NHS Charities Together and Feeding America.
A total of 3,250 bids were logged during the hour-long online auction, which was hosted by Omega Auctions and presented by actor Billie Porter.
Nearly 800 people registered to bid on a selection of items including a pair of stilettos once belonging to Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox’s handwritten lyrics to the Eurythmics hit Sweet Dreams and a tour of the famous Abbey Road music studios.
A late addition to the auction came courtesy of Joshua Tree producer and Roxy Music legend Brian Eno, who offered a personalised ringtone composed by him.
Island Records president Louis Bloom said: "I'd like to thank all our amazing artists, our US counterparts at Island US and Republic, all our media partners, Omega Auctions and every last member of the Island team who have worked tirelessly to get this auction together in such a short space of time.
"I'd also like to thank every person who bid on these amazing lots or made a donation, you have made a difference and all the money we raised will aid Covid-19 relief and go direct to NHS Charities Together and Feeding America.
"We are living through very challenging times and to be able to come together, like we have this week, and to help those in need, has been a real honour."
The second single to be released from The Joshua Tree, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For was born out of a distinctive drum beat created by Larry Mullen Jr on a previously discarded demo.
A favourite among U2 fans and critics alike and a mainstay of the band’s concerts in the decades since, Rolling Stone magazine previously named the track among the 100 greatest songs of all time.
