Bono Reveals Teenage Diet of Leftover Airline Food After Mother's Death

Bono, the U2 frontman, revealed on the Ruthie's Table 4 podcast that after his mother Iris Hewson died when he was 14, his relationship with food changed dramatically, and he often saw it merely as fuel. He described surviving on basic meals such as tins of meat, beans, and instant mashed potato, while his brother Norman, who worked at Dublin Airport, brought home surplus airline food which provided more exotic fare like gammon steak and lasagne. Despite his later wealth, Bono said he spent his food money on music, highlighting his teenage priorities. He also shared that after his mother's death, the family struggled emotionally, with the household lacking a maternal presence and the men often arguing. Bono has few memories of his mother and said the house stopped feeling like a home after her passing. Once U2 became successful, he was able to enjoy more luxurious meals during their travels, contrasting with his earlier experiences.