Bono and The Edge are taking their talents to Fender. The U2 founders have joined the board of directors for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the company that produces Fender guitars.
According to Billboard, Bono and The Edge will help build a strategy for fan-engagement. In a statement, Fender co-chairman Mark Fukunaga explained why he thinks the two men are ideal for the position. The Edge has a glowing track record as a guitarist and as an "innovator of unique sounds through his use of technology," he said, noting that Bono is "a visionary in the music world who also has business acumen and creativity that will help Fender thrive."
About the opportunity to work with Fender, The Edge said it is "something of a kid in a candy store situation for me. I've been a fan of Fender guitars from the beginning, playing them on all the most important U2 tours and albums. But I'm most interested in working with the Fender design team on some new ideas."
As Billboard notes, Fender and U2 have a relationship that goes back to bass player Adam Clayton collaborating with the company to build a Fender Custom Shop limited edition signature "Precision Bass" back in 2011.
Bono also commented on the new partnership saying, "Wherever you go in the world Fender is a standard bearer, not just for excellence in technology and craft, but for the influence of American culture. This made-in-USA company has at its heart innovation...the iconoclasm of Jimi Hendrix, the subtle sweet murmurings of (co-chairman) Bill Frisell, as well as the most roadworthy loudspeaker on earth."
He added, "When a festival-goer wears a Fender t-shirt, they are saying a lot about themselves. They love music, they're independent-spirited, they're proud of this truly American company, a nexus of technology and culture which, in the end, can't be copied no matter how hard the giants try. I'm excited to be part of developing newer technologies with Fender, as well as helping protect the jobs and commitment to excellence of their age-old craft."
This new appointment to the board follows the April announcement of Bob Roback being named Fender's president and member of the board of directors with a driving focus on developing Fender's digital strategy.
As for U2, their 13th album is currently in the works with producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) and is expected to be released sometime in 2015.
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