Bono becomes columnist for NY Times

Bono's first column for the New York Times was published yesterday in what is set to be a new departure for the U2 frontman.

The singer will air his views on a diverse range of topics, the newspaper said, with his maiden musings having covered issues including Ireland's economic woes and personal recollections of Frank Sinatra.

Bono, who is renowned for campaigning against third-world debt and raising awareness of the Aids crisis in Africa, will also record an accompanying podcast.

The column will not be a regular feature and will only appear occasionally, according to the New York Times editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal.

He says, "(Bono) is an extraordinary man who thinks deeply about his art and the major issues confronting the world."