Island Records' One Love COVID-19 Relief Auction has raised almost £180,000 for NHS Charities Together and Feeding America. The biggest sale of the virtual auction, hosted by Billy Porter, were Bono's handwritten lyrics for U2's 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'.
"I'd like to thank all our amazing artists, our US counterparts at Island US and Republic, all our media partners, Omega Auctions and every last member of the Island team who have worked tirelessly to get this auction together in such a short space of time", says Island Records President Louis Bloom.
"I'd also like to thank every person who bid on these amazing lots or made a donation, you have made a difference and all the money we raised will aid COVID-19 relief and go direct to NHS Charities Together and Feeding America", he goes on. "We are living through very challenging times and to be able to come together, like we have this week, and to help those in need, has been a real honour".
Those handwritten Bono lyrics accounted for a large portion of the £179,755 raised, going for £76,000. That figure is thought to be a record for a set of U2 lyrics. Other items on offer included a signed banjo from Mumford & Sons, a pair of Amy Winehouse's stilettos, and a ringtone that Nokia commission from Brian Eno in 2003 but never used.