Big beats on Bono’s bad back
05.21.2010
On Friday, May 21, Reuters was alone with news that Bono, U2’s lead singer, had emergency back surgery in Germany, putting the band’s tour in jeopardy. As the world’s biggest band in terms of earnings in 2009, and with the world tour forecast to be the biggest in history, this was a significant entertainment and business story given that the listed concert company Live Nation has a 12-year deal with the band. A trusted relationship between our entertainment correspondent and Bono’s agent meant Reuters had the news first. Reuters TV was then exclusive with footage of the Munich hospital where Bono had surgery and the reading of the statement on the singer’s condition. We were first with news that the first gig of the North American tour had been cancelled and first again on May 25 when the band had to postpone the entire 16-date tour. Over a million tickets were affected. It was also clear from our story that U2’s eagerly awaited Glastonbury appearance was off. We knew before Glastonbury did. This was a huge showbusiness story, and rare for an outlet to be alone with it for long. An editor at the Daily Telegraph emailed our correspondent to remark on the “fantastic scoop”.
