Bono Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before: A Raw, Revolutionary New Documentary Is Coming To Apple TV+
“Bono: Stories of Surrender” — premiering May 30 on Apple TV+ — offers an intimate, deeply personal look at the life of U2’s iconic frontman. More than just a music documentary, it’s a reflective journey through Bono’s memories, music, and the relationships that shaped him. Based on his one-man show that captivated audiences at the Beacon Theatre in New York, the film blends storytelling, live performance, and emotional honesty to reveal the man behind the rock star persona.
“Bono: Stories of Surrender” Is Something Like We Have Never Seen Before
Described as “a bold and lyrical visual exploration” of “Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief…”, the film finds Bono in an introspective, confessional mode. “This is my story,” he says in the trailer. “I’m stuck with it.” That tone of candid self-reflection shapes much of the film’s emotional depth.
Directed by Andrew Dominik (“Blonde”, “The Assassination of Jesse James”), the documentary is visually striking, shot in black and white, and brings a poetic edge to Bono’s narrative. Drawing heavily from his memoir “Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story”, Bono shares moments that are humorous, heartfelt, and raw — from the loss of his mother at age 14 to meeting his wife, Ali, the same week he joined U2.
Music is central throughout, with reimagined performances of U2 classics like “City of Blinding Lights” and “Where the Streets Have No Name,” plus never-before-seen footage from his Beacon Theatre shows. The result is more than a concert film — it’s a meditation on life, art, fame, and the ties that bind us.
The film also embraces innovative storytelling formats. In addition to its Apple TV+ debut, it will be available in an immersive 180-degree video format for Apple Vision Pro, offering audiences a front-row seat — or even the sense of being onstage alongside Bono himself.
Produced by RadicalMedia and Plan B Entertainment (with Brad Pitt among the producers), and with Bono serving as an executive producer, “Stories of Surrender” is crafted with care and authenticity. It’s a rare glimpse into the personal world of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
At its core, this isn’t just a film about fame — it’s about vulnerability, love, loss, and the beauty of owning your story, even the messy parts. Whether you’re a lifelong U2 fan or simply curious about the man behind the music, Bono: Stories of Surrender promises a powerful and unforgettable experience.
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