Bono has written a COVID-19 ballad for Italy

'For the doctors, nurses, carers on the frontline, it’s you we’re singing to.'
March 18, 2020 12:28 p.m. EST
March 20, 2020 8:51 a.m. EST
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Italy, one of the countries hit hardest by the outbreak of COVID-19, is on the receiving end of a sweet and encouraging message from one of the world’s biggest rock stars. Inspired by the country’s show of bravery (in the form of taking to their rooftops and balconies for impromptu singalongs and spontaneous operatic performances) U2’s Bono has written, dedicated, and performed a moving piano ballad for the struggling country — and for his own beloved Ireland, too.Recording live to Instagram TV from his home in Dublin, the iconic rock frontman responsible for political tracks like ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ (a song detailing his horror regarding The Troubles between Britain and Northern Ireland) and ‘New Years Day’ (about the persecuted ’80s-era leader of the Polish solidarity movement) belted out his latest composition solo and in front of the world yesterday, no autotune required.“For the Italians who inspired it,” writes Bono, “for the Irish… for ANYONE who this St Patrick’s day is in a tight spot and still singing. For the doctors, nurses, carers on the frontline, it’s you we’re singing to.”[video_embed id='1924158']RELATED: Musicians are playing live concerts and urging fans to social distance[/video_embed]More than 2,500 people have died in Italy and doctors from the hardest hit areas, including Milan and Venice, are broadcasting a warning to North Americans to take this new Coronavirus seriously. Their advice? Isolate before hospitals become overwhelmed. No matter who you are. Those frontline workers that Bono mentions depend on us to flatten the curve of infection.Bono’s advice? Isolate, but keep singing, too:Like his latest song says, “You live so very far away, just across the square. You can’t touch, but you can sing across rooftops, sing on the phone, sing and promise me you won’t stop. Sing your love be known."Watch Bono’s touching performance below. And don’t stop singing.
[video_embed id='1924127']Before you go: How to stop touching your face[/video_embed]

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