Irish rockers U2 have long feared the band's music career would end in a row over frontman BONO's tireless political campaigning.

The singer has been involved in charity campaigns and philanthropic activities for years, setting up numerous projects for Africa, organising benefit concerts and meeting world leaders.

And Bono's never-ending campaigning has been a big worry for his bandmates, with the other musicians fearing the singer's sidelines would eventually overshadow the band and end their music career.

U2's drummer, Larry Mullen Jr., recently admitted some of his friend's political meddling makes him "cringe", while guitarist The Edge admitted it was "uncool" for the singer to meet with former U.S. president George W. Bush. But Bono is glad his colleagues have chosen to stand by him, even though life in the band has been stressful at times.

He says, "It's dangerous. And it worries Larry, and it worries the whole band, if truth be told. But, you know, here's the thing - they thought, all of them, Larry, Edge, Adam, that my campaigning would sink the ship. "Edge pleaded with me right at the start not to meet Bush. (But) when I'm with U2 doing U2 work, they have me 100 per cent or we would not be here now. I give my time to my family, my band and my interest in the wide world. It all seems to be fuel for me."