U2 singer Bono apologises after foul-mouthed insult of Coldplay's Chris Martin

Pop star Bono made a foul-mouthed outburst on BBC radio minutes after the broadcaster kicked off a controversial day-long promotion of his band U2.

The corporation was forced to issue a humiliating on-air apology this morning after the Irish singer swore during a live morning show.



It comes amid a storm of controversy over the BBC's decision to hand over its airwaves to the Irish band just days before the group's album is released. One critic said they had been handed a million pounds' worth of free publicity.

Looking down on the fans: Bono performs from the balcony outside Bush House, a free concert put on as part of the band's tie-in with the BBC

Bono's appearance was part of a series of special shows and appearances this week, just days ahead of the band's new music release. These included a rooftop performance last night at Bush House, which attracted hundreds of fans



Critics said the BBC was acting like a publicity machine for the band.

There have been relentless trailers in recent days for promotion of the band, under the slogan 'U2=BBC'.

The broadcaster has even set up a dedicated part of its website offering tickets to appearances and links to the band's official site.

Sorry: Bono, pictured leaving the Radio 1 studios today, has apologised for swearing on live radio

Tory MP Nigel Evans, who sits on the culture, media and sport select committee, said it was 'the sort of publicity money can't buy'.

The band were less than two minutes into an interview with Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley when Bono called Coldplay star Chris Martin 'a w*****'.

A shocked Miss Whiley immediately interrupted the star to demand an apology for the gaffe which was being broadcast at 11.45am.

But despite a series of frantic apologies from the DJ, the BBC uploaded the interview onto it's iPlayer website without editing the offending material.

Rooftop concert: U2 perform on the top of Bush House as the fans mass below

The incident occurred after Whiley played a Coldplay track ahead of the band's arrival in the studio.

She asked Bono if he thought that Martin - the husband of actress Gwyneth Paltrow - was as talented as Paul McCartney.

Bono replied: 'I think he's that good a melodist, but he's a w*****.'

Whiley then cut the star off mid way through his answer saying: 'Would you like to apologise for what you've just said live on my show?'

Rivalry: Bono labelled Chris a 'w**ker' live on Radio 1

Bono joked: 'I'm a reformed character, I don't do that any more.' Whiley retorted: 'You're not showing any signs of being reformed.'

The Irish singer then attempted to play down his comments, but ended up insulting the Coldplay singer again.

He said: 'He's [Martin] obviously a completely dysfunctional character and a cretin but he happens to be a great melodist and up there with Ray Davis, Noel Gallagher and Paul McCartney.'

An embarrassed Whiley was then forced to make an apology herself and added: 'I'm sorry if anyone is listening at the moment who were offended by the words that Bono said. I will apologise on his behalf.'

Bono then added: 'I'm sorry, it's early.'

He later backtracked on his comments in the interview saying: 'I think they [Coldplay] are a great band and actually, it turns out he’s a great soul as well.

'Sorry about that. I was just joking entirely.'

However, there appeared to be no animosity between Bono and Chris Martin when they shared a stage in west London last week at a charity concert after the Brit Awards.

U2's comeback has been touted in the music press as an attempt to win back their 'biggest band in the world' tag. Coldplay's last album Viva La Vida has sold seven million copies world-wide.

U2's new album No Line On The Horizon will be released on March 2.

Defying the cold: The fans packed in to watch the free performance

There are several appearances and shows across BBC1, BBC2, Radio 1, Radio 2 and Radio 4 featuring or about U2.

This included the 'Live Lounge' session on Jo Whiley's Radio 1 show and an interview on Chris Evans's Radio 2 show.

There was also a special of BBC2's The Culture Show tonight dedicated to the band and a performance on Jonathan Ross's BBC1 chat show.

The group also appeared on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show this week and will also appear on Radio 4 arts programme Front Row.

On a similarly high note Bono told Jonathan Ross last night the meaning behind new single Get On Your Boots was east African slang for 'use a condom'.

Bird's eye view: U2 took inspiration from the Beatles' famous rooftop performance

The BBC said they had received six complaints from listeners after the outburst.

Tory MP and broadcaster Ann Widdecombe also hit out at the BBC for failing to learn from past mistakes, including the Andrew Sachs fiasco.

She told the Daily Mail: 'If the BBC are really serious about trying to clean up their act then this not the way to go about doing it.

'It just shows complete contempt for the public.'

John Beyer, director of Mediawatch UK, waded into the row and accused the corporation of failing to warn its guests about the use of bad language.

He said: 'They should have edited the interview they put online. This type of language is not acceptable. The public opinion on this is clear and most people do not want to hear it.

'The BBC need to be able to properly advise the interviewees about the use of bad language and make sure it is not offensive on-air. If the artists can't accept this they should not be invited back again.'

A BBC spokesman said of the radio gaffe: 'An on-air apology was made immediately for the language used during this live broadcast. We apologise for any offence caused.'

The spokesman said all the shows had to conform to editorial guidelines on justification and undue prominence.





