The Irish writer James Joyce was honored in Nice in the presence of Bono, the singer of the band U2, and the mayor Christian Estrosi. A commemorative plaque was unveiled in tribute to the author of “Finnegans Wake,” who passed away in 1941 and spent 1 month in the Azure city.
Gathered at the Hotel Suisse, Paul Kavanagh, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland in France, Pierre Joannon, Consul General of the Republic of Ireland in France, and Bono, the leader of U2, each celebrated the memory of James Joyce with poignant speeches.
Considered a giant of modern literature, Joyce began the first lines of his major work “Finnegans Wake” during his stay in Nice in October 1922. He dedicated half of his writing life to completing this book. Christian Estrosi speaks of a “prolific, immeasurable, unclassifiable text that would become the matrix for much of 20th-century literature, and it was born in Nice!” The praise is echoed by Bono, the singer of U2, who is also generous with compliments: “Everything that can be done in music and with lyrics, James Joyce conveys with words in his books.” The singer, who has been living on the French Riviera for several years, shares some insights about the city and a possible concert in the region: “Nice is making efforts to become a green city, and I thank the mayor of Nice for that. There is a possibility that a concert might be organized at the Allianz Riviera, but we need to discuss it.”
Around the buffet, the mayor of Nice does not hide his joy at the potential visit of the rocker: “We hope to see the band U2 in the large stadium. But this will depend on the schedule of their new tour. However, the desire of both parties is certainly there.” This is a topic to keep an eye on since the Allianz Riviera’s programming is eagerly awaited by both its critics and supporters. Under the stifling heat, Christian Estrosi and Bono pose for a final photo, and then everyone leaves, leaving the plaque in honor of James Joyce visible for all to see.
