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To be better than the real thing?
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February 24, 2010
Ulster rocker Ciaran Gribbin hopes his soundtrack for the film Killing Bono will thrill Bono.
That's because Ciaran - who performs under the stage name Joe Echo - was granted exclusive permission from Bono and his bandmates to record a previously unreleased U2 song for the flick.
The 33-year-old admitted getting the nod from the band to use one of their songs is an honour, but said it came with added responsibility.
Ciaran said: "Not only am I going to be judged by the public on how I performed the song, but I'll be judged by U2 as well. Though I'm confident what we did was good."
The title of the track is still under wraps, but it is certainly not going to bear much resemblance to the U2 sound that we all know.
Ciaran explained: "It was written when the band were only 16 or 17, maybe even younger. It has a very innocent punk-rock feel to it."
Despite U2 having no direct involvement in Killing Bono, they have thrown their full support behind its production and Ciaran thinks they will be pleased with the end product.
"I think they'll like the film. It's bound to get a laugh out of them," he said. "It wouldn't surprise me in years to come if Martin McCann (the actor who plays Bono) ends up as a Hollywood star."
Filming for Killing Bono, which is set for release later this year, has taken place all over Belfast since the start of the year.
The film, starring Stardust actor Ben Barnes (pictured), is based on the true story of unsuccessful Dublin musician Neil McCormick, who looked on helplessly as his school classmate Paul Hewson formed a band, re-christened himself Bono and became the biggest rock star in the world.
Belfast-born director Nick Hamm often incorporates elements of home into his work and Killing Bono is true to form with singer-songwriter Ciaran's involvement.
Ex-Leya frontman Ciaran has enjoyed more success since going solo. He was nominated for a Grammy after sharing song-writing duties on Madonna's Celebration and has a new album on the way.
But ask him where Killing Bono ranks among his achievements and his enthusiasm speaks volumes.
"Without a doubt, this movie is one of the highlights of my career. I have enjoyed every minute of it.
"It has been hard work, but I have completely immersed myself in it." - Sunday Life
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