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U2’s Bono Shares Deep Insights of Heart Surgery in “Stories of Surrender”

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: June 1, 2025

U2 is my favorite band. And, Bono is one of my heroes.

I’m not alone. For millions around the world, Bono is more than just the iconic frontman of U2 — he’s a voice for justice, humanity, and now, heart valve patients. Diagnosed with severe aortic valve disease and an aortic aneurysm, Bono needed emergency heart surgery in 2016. The complex procedure was performed by Dr. David Adams, the Cardiac Surgeon-in-Chief of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, who has successfully treated many patients in our community.

Now, Bono is sharing his life in a deeply personal way with his new film “Bono: Stories of Surrender,” that is streaming on Apple TV. Based on his bestselling memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, the film explores Bono’s extraordinary journey, his near-death experience with heart disease, and the strength it takes to keep going — in music and in life.

The film recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an emotional 7-minute standing ovation from the audience.

That reaction speaks volumes about how Bono’s personal journey resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. As a heart valve surgery patient, Bono’s resilience offers real inspiration to others fighting similar battles. His story is a powerful reminder that even the most daunting diagnosis can lead to recovery, renewal, and rebirth.

Did Bono Just Impersonate Dr. Adams, His Heart Surgeon, In The Movie?

One of the highlights of Stories of Surrender was watching Bono tell the tale of his bicuspid aortic valve and aortic aneurysm surgery.

During the vignette, Bono actually impersonates Dr. Adams, his surgeon. So you know, I have been very fortunate to know, work and travel with Dr. Adams on medical missions to the Dominican Republic for the past 15 years. That said, this was quite fun to watch.

Dr. David Adams

As Dr. Adams grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, Bono deploys a thick Southern accent as he replays Dr. Adams’ post-operative discussion with Ali, Bono’s wife.

“Yer man has a lot of fi-errr pow-errr in that war chest of his. We needed exxx-tra stronnng wi-errr to sew ’em up. He’s probably at 130 perr-cent of normal lung capacity for his aaaage.” — Dr. David Adams (Impersonated by Bono)

Yes, you can add impersonations to Bono’s long list of talents. In addition to Dr. Adams, Bono impersonates Luciano Pavarotti, President Bill Clinton, Michael Hutchense (INXS), Johnny Cash, Princess Diana, and several others in his new film and audio book.

Bono’s Heart Warrior Transformation Raises Life-Saving Awareness

I am, once again, in awe of Bono — not just for his music, but for representing the courage, strength, and hope that so many heart patients need. His trusted relationship with Dr. Adams and his openness about his condition are helping break down stigmas and raise awareness about heart valve disease and its treatment.

If you didn’t know, heart valve disease is under-diagnosed and under-treated. It is an insidious and fatal disorder. According to the latest research, 30% of Americans over the age of 65 do not know what heart valve disease is and up to 25,000 people die each year from valvular disorders including aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.

As Bono brings his Stories of Surrender to living rooms around the world, we invite all heart patients and caregivers to tune in. You’ll not only hear timeless music — you’ll witness the inspiring journey of a heart warrior.

Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.