PAUL DAVID HEWSON, sworn
Examined by MR. FERGUSON [Counsel for the Defendant]

Q. Your full names, please?

A. Paul David Hewson.

Q. Known as Bono?

A. That's right -- for my sins.

Q. Lead singer with U2?

A. That's right.

Q. Now, do you know the defendant in this case -- Mr. Peter Buck?

A. Yes, I know him very well.

Q. How long have you known Mr. Buck?

A. Since 1985 -- his group, REM, and my group, U2, played at Milton Keynes Bowl together. It was the beginning of a friendship between our two groups.

Q. That is 1985?

A. Yes.

Q. And since then, how often would you have seen him -- each year, each week, each month, or various?

A. It can be every couple of years, but in a year it could be a lot of times as well, so there's no real set pattern, because they are based in Athens in Georgia and we're in Dublin so ---

Q. Right. You tell us that U2 and REM performed at this concert in Milton Keynes together in 1985?

A. Yes.

Q. Have you ever been on tour with Mr. Buck?

A. Well, yes, that was an example. They played with us a good few times, and, I mean, our groups' work has been in parallel for the same amount of years, so -- in fact, they're one of the only groups who have had the same longevity as our group.

Q. Indeed. So have you seen him, then, not only on the stage but in a social context?

A. Of course, absolutely, yes, all the time.

Q. All the time. And on the occasions -- I mean, were these parts of tours when the two groups would go together, or did you just coincide at various events?

A. There's been a certain amount of social interchange just because we actually like each other's company -- both groups, that is.

Q. Yes, right.

A. And then some professional engagements, yes.

Q. During the times when you have been with Mr. Buck, have you ever seen him the worse for drink?

A. I've never seen him drunk.

Q. Have you ever seen him taking drugs?

A. I have absolutely never seen him taking drugs.

Q. Did you volunteer to come forward to give evidence in this case?

A. Yes, I did -- I came over because he's actually famously known for being a peaceable person, and of all the people in the music business, I actually couldn't believe my ears and eyes when I saw these reports, and it did not add up to a person I had to twist his arm to get him to go to a boxing match once, because he's sort of -- he thought it was an aggressive sport. I mean, it's just -- I think it's very strange behaviour and I just wanted to stand up and be counted and say this is ridiculous really. I don't know what must have happened to him, but it's certainly a bizarre and unusual event -- of all the people in the music business, a famous parent, it's hard to get him to go on tour, he loves his kids so much. He's a very quiet man, and this might embarrass him, but I wanted to travel over here and say that.

Q. And you have. Just stay there, please.


Cross-examined by MR. BETE [Counsel for the Prosecution]


Q. Does he like a glass of wine from time to time?

A. Well, I do, he does, yes -- I've actually drank with him, but I've never seen him drunk.

Q. There is no reason why he should not at all -- I just want to establish if that is the position.

A. Sure.

Q. How many glasses does he have in an evening when you are with him?

A. I couldn't tell you, but I generally don't notice people's behaviour with alcohol unless it's, you know, unless they've a problem.

Q. Are we talking about perhaps about half a bottle during an evening, or more, or a little less than that?

A. I actually wouldn't know -- depending on how long the dinner is, depending on, you know ---

Q. Yes. How many times do you think you have actually seen Mr. Buck drinking alcohol in your presence?

A. I couldn't tell you -- it's been a sort of long time, the relationship.

Q. Over how many years?

A. Since 1985.

Q. Right -- so that is a long time. So you must have seen him -- again, not a hint of criticism here, please do not misunderstand me -- you must have seen him drinking wine on scores if not hundreds of occasions.