Bono Slags Chris Martin as Wanker and Cretin

Sun., Mar. 1, 2009 10:22 AM PST by Jefferson Reid

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Forget U2's new single "Get on Your Boots," Bono seems more interested in putting on his boxing gloves.

In a radio interview promoting U2's new CD, No Line on the Horizon, which drops this week, Bono also dropped a couple of verbal bombs on Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

Asked by BBC Radio 1 deejay Jo Whiley if Martin was as talented as Paul McCartney, Bono seemed to rankle.

"I think he's that good a melodist, but he's a wanker," was Bono's reply.

Whiley reportedly asked Bono for an apology, but the singer responded, "I'm a reformed character, I don't any more."

And far from apologizing, Bono added that Martin was "obviously a completely dysfunctional character and a cretin, but he happens to be a great melodist and up there with Ray Davies, Noel Gallagher and Paul McCartney."

Later in the interview, Bono tried to paper over the damage a bit by saying, "I think [Coldplay] are a great band and, actually, it turns out [Martin's] a great soul as well. Sorry about that. I was just joking entirely."

If those are the jokes, Bono, please do not attempt to do standup comedy. We have a feeling there might be a wee bit of heckling coming from Chris Martin's direction.