U2 drummer Larry Mullen has criticised his own singer, Bono, for being too friendly with world leaders.
In an interview with Q magazine, Mullen launched a broadside at outgoing US President George W Bush and ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, branding them "war criminals". And he admits it makes him "cringe" when he sees Bono associating with the pair.
"Tony Blair is a war criminal and I think he should be tried as a war criminal," says Mullen. "Then I see Bono and him as pals and I'm going, 'I don't like that'.
"Do I think George Bush is a war criminal? Probably - but the difference between him and Tony Blair is that Blair is intelligent. So he has no excuse for what he did."
Although Mullen acknowledges Bono is "prepared to use his weight as a celebrity, at great cost to himself and his family, to help other people", he adds. "As an outsider looking in, I cringe."
“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual. Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must”: Primus put the call out for potential new drummer
“The human manifestation of the word ‘hip’... Always in the moment, always in this time, eternal and classic and at the same time totally nonchalant about it”: Jazz legend Roy Haynes dies aged 99
“Seeking a well-mannered, affable individual. Flashy chops are wonderful, but groove and the ability to listen, react, and contribute to the musical conversation is a must”: Primus put the call out for potential new drummer
“The human manifestation of the word ‘hip’... Always in the moment, always in this time, eternal and classic and at the same time totally nonchalant about it”: Jazz legend Roy Haynes dies aged 99
