1 Sep 2015

Bono rakes in billions from Facebook

6:21 am on 1 September 2015

Bono has become the world's richest pop star after amassing nearly $US1.5 billion from his shares in Facebook.

Bono waves during a dedication ceremony for a giant tapestry, from Amnesty International, in honor of John Lennon on Ellis Island 29 July 2015 in New York.

Photo: AFP

Britain's Sunday Mirror reports The U2 frontman bought a 2.3 per cent share in the social media site for $US89.6 million in 2009, with his investment group Elevation Partners.

As a result, Bono overtakes Beatles legend Paul McCartney ($US1.16 billion) as the world's richest pop star.

Facebook went public and was floated on the stock market in 2012, and is now worth around $US200 billion.