Bill Gates' fortune may have slipped by $18bn in the past year or so, but pop oldster Bono apparently thinks that the leftover $40bn still deserves a royal salute.

The final performance of U2's 360° Tour took place on October 28 at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia - which also just happened to have been the Microsoft Chairman of the Board's 54th birthday, which he celebrated by attending the concert.

After telling the assembled revelers that "Bill Gates is in the house", Bono led the crowd in a typically dirge-like rendition of "Happy Birthday:"

Praising Gates for his work with the ONE campaign and Project RED, Bono noted that "Without him, and without his business, we just wouldn't be where we are today."

A sentiment that, it must be admitted, can be read with multiple meanings, as well befits the complex poesy of master lyricist Bono. ®

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