POP Morality vs. The Irish Way

Bono Vox is pondering the remainder of a nearly-empty bottle in his hands. You know," he says, holding the vessel at an arms length, touring can really turn you into an animal. You find yourself drinking maybe two or three bottles of Orange Crush a day."

So much for behind-the-scenes tales of decadence. In fact, U2s lead singer is looking the picture of health in his grey athletic sweatsuit, lounging around backstage at Detroits Grand Circus Theatre after the soundcheck for tonights sold-out show and offering me candy (Do you Doublet?") with a mock-genteel air.

We are examining the cover photo of U2s previous album, October. Bono runs his finger along the image of a row of waterfront buildings that stretch in the distance beyond the jutting faces of the U2 bandmembers: Vox, bassist Adam Clayton, guitarist The Edge and drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.