The Moment “The Fly” Was Born — After Bono Read 20 Pages Of Nietzsche In A Single Sitting

April 2, 2025

It was a restless night in the summer of 1990, and Bono found himself sitting in a dimly lit room, surrounded by scattered books and the gentle hum of a guitar. The air was thick with anticipation as he picked up a well-worn copy of Friedrich Nietzsche’s work. For weeks, he had been grappling with the complex ideas of the philosopher, his mind buzzing with thoughts about existence, creativity, and the powerful force of individual will. That night, as he flipped through the pages, he felt a strange urgency pulling him to dive deeper. He settled in and began to read, losing himself in the text and the chaotic beauty of his ideas.

Twenty pages in, without realizing it, Bono experienced a sort of awakening. Nietzsche’s words were resonating with him in a way that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. The philosopher’s views on the struggle for existence, the importance of embracing one’s true self, and the embrace of chaos echoed deeply within Bono. He could feel the energy building inside him, sparking inspiration that coursed through his veins like electricity. And then, amid the philosophical whirlwind, a grand vision formed in his mind. It was a vision of a song that would capture the very essence of this philosophical journey, one that could stir emotions and awaken thoughts in others just as Nietzsche had done for him.

With the echoes of Nietzsche still fresh in his mind, Bono reached for his guitar. The chords began to fall into place, and before he knew it, the foundation for “The Fly” was born. It was an anthem that spoke of transformation, liberation, and the dualities of life—the light and the dark, joy and sorrow. The song was not just a collection of notes and lyrics; it was a reflection of his own wrestle with identity and purpose. He poured every bit of his passion into crafting it, channeling the intensity of that late-night reading session into a melody that was both haunting and uplifting.

As he performed “The Fly” for the first time, the audience felt the raw energy radiating from the stage. It was a moment of connection unlike any other, a bridge between Bono’s internal struggles and the collective experience of the crowd. The song quickly became a signature hit for U2, launching them into a new era of stardom. It was a celebration of resilience, a reminder that from moments of existential doubt could spring forth profound art. Bono realized that it was not just a song; it was a personal manifesto of embracing the chaos of life and transforming it into something beautiful.

Looking back, Bono often marveled at how a few pages of Nietzsche had ignited the spark for one of his most iconic songs. It served as a reminder that inspiration could come from unexpected places and that a single moment of clarity could change the course of one’s journey. “The Fly” was more than a hit; it was a symbol of resilience and creativity in the face of uncertainty. Bono’s passion for music, now stronger than ever, drove him to continue exploring, to keep seeking connections between art and life, and to inspire others to find their own voice, no matter how chaotic their worlds may seem.