2002. Custom Gretsch “Irish Falcon” electric guitar, laminated maple hollow body single cutaway with evergreen finish, gold sparkle binding, maple neck and fretboard with pearly inlays, Filter’Tron humbucking pickups, Gretsch Cadillac “G” tailpiece, master volume knob and two tone knobs on body, gold Plexiglas pickguard labeled, “The Goal is Soul,” 1 tone-changing toggle switch on body, 3 tone adjustment knobs, Model #6136I, Serial #022136I/11, signed (“Bono 2002,” “Edge,” “Larry Mullen, Jr.,” “Adam Clayton”), housed in a custom case with red velvet lining.

At Bono’s request, Gretsch built only ten “Irish Falcon” guitars to be used in U2’s Elevation Tour (2001). This is one of the earliest such prototypes. The Irish Falcon has become Bono’s signature instrument for performing. In 2003, MusiCares charity recognized Bono as their Person of the Year and held a tribute in his honor in New York. This guitar, signed by all four members of U2, was auctioned to benefit MusiCares that night.