Bono and Hirst Paint the Town Red

British artist Damien Hirst and rock star/activist Bono teamed up to stage an unprecedented art auction to raise money for HIV/AIDS relief in Africa.

(ABC)
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Inspired by Bono's "Red" campaign, Hirst asked 100 of the world's leading artists to contribute works to the auction. Last night, at Sotheby's in New York, the star-studded auction raised $42.5 million.

"It went well beyond what anyone could have hoped…I've been a fan of Damien's...and I just think there's great vision in him and in his work, but I couldn't have anticipated that these artists would come in behind him," Bono told ABC News Correspondent Juju Chang earlier this week.

Tune in to "Good Morning America Weekend" this Saturday to watch the full interview with Bono and Hirst.

Man on a Mission

To know Bono is to be able to answer the question, why? Why does a rock star of his stature spend most of his time pushing for results in Africa? It isn't for the notoriety. He's got that. It's not for the money or fame. He's got that too.

Bono truly believes that what he is popularizing will change the world, by changing how we communicate with each other — and give those dying, an estimated 6 million a year, a fighting chance at life. It's that simple.

On a rainy Wednesday in New York City, Bono and Hirst sat down with Juju Chang, in front of ABC News' cameras, surrounded by art work that resonates at first glance.

As the lights glared and the tape rolled, Bono and Hirst talked about their latest project — an art auction like none other, inspired by the color red. All the proceeds will go to the United Nations Foundation to support HIV/AIDS relief programs in Africa, conducted by The Global Fund.

Bono, not surprisingly plugged in to everything, was not one to hold back.

Bono: "The big word with this presidential campaign is change. All candidates talking about change, talking about this new America that's gonna happen next year, but I'm telling you I am seeing that new America: people wearing the white bands, One campaigns, people who shop Red. That new America is already here in some courses, and the change that people are talking about actually, the president is going to see in Africa, it's a changed continent because of that new America, that's what I'm excited about."