US must not lose voice, says Bono

U2 lead singer Bono has appealed to the US not to become the political version of "a disco band" and lose its voice for equality around the world.

Accepting a humanitarian award at the American Ireland Fund Gala in Washington early yesterday, Bono said the US was like a band he loved.

"When I'm in Washington, I'm afraid someone is going to tell me I'm not with the band but that hasn't happened," he said.