Fender Adds Bono, The Edge from U2 To Its Board

Its guitars were played by rock legends from Jimi Hendrix to Bruce Springsteen. Now, Fender’s board of directors is looking like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, too.

The guitar maker says it is adding Bono and The Edge of rock band U2 to its board.

The company says the two will add to the board because of their longtime experience in music and entertainment. The move also adds to the brand’s rock credibility.

Fender, majority owned by investment firm TPG Growth, was formed in 1946. It is known for its iconic guitars, including the Stratocaster and Telecaster.

Photo: NBC, Lloyd Bishop/AP
Performing “Invisible” atop the G.E Building during “The Tonight Show” in New York.

More musicians are being brought into the corporate world to bolster brands. Apple acquired Beats Electronics partly to add the cachet of hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre.