Bono and U2 accused of 'stealing' song for Achtung Baby album

A British songwriter and guitarist has alleged that Bono stole one of his songs when writing a track for U2.

In a lawsuit filed in a Manhattan federal court, Paul Rose states U2 heard his song Nae Slappin in 1989 after he submitted a demo of the track to their label Island Records.

He insists Bono lifted elements of the song for the Irish band’s hit The Fly and is now seeking $5million dollars (£4million) in damages and lawyers’ fees.

The Fly featured on their 1991 album Achtung Baby and Mr Rose believes the band were looking elsewhere for inspiration and used his song at a time when they were keen to reinvent themselves.

The lawsuit adds: “Although perhaps the most popular rock band in the world in the 1980s, by that decade’s end the band felt in need of reinvigoration.”

Some might find it ironic that lyrics in The Fly explore the idea that artists steal from each other.

The second verse goes, ‘It’s no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest, it’s no secret ambition bites the nails of success, every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief, all kill their inspiration and sing about their grief.’

Lawyer Thomas Mullaney told the New York Post that Mr Rose had refrained from coming forward before now because he feared bringing a case would ruin his career.

The publication reports that representatives for U2 and Island Records have yet to comment.

Meanwhile, U2 are set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic 1987 album The Joshua Tree with a world tour this summer and will play the 1987 LP in full each night on every tour date.

Speaking about the tour – which kicks off in May – The Edge said: “It seems like we have come full circle from when The Joshua Tree songs were originally written, with global upheaval, extreme right wing politics and some fundamental human rights at risk.”