Bono speaks up for R.E.M.'s Buck

Buck says he has no memory of the transatlantic flight

LONDON, England -- U2 singer Bono has appeared in court to defend R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, who is charged over an alleged air rage rampage.

Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, said Buck was a "peaceful" man and he had never seen him drunk or taking drugs.

The 10-minute character witness was given on Monday on the sixth day of Buck's trial at Isleworth Crown Court, west London.

Buck denies one charge of being drunk on a 10-hour British Airways Seattle to London flight in April last year, two counts of common assault involving a cabin services director and a stewardess, and one charge of damaging crockery.

The prosecution says Buck was drunk on wine and behaved like a "lout." The guitarists says he took a sleeping pill before boarding and does not remember the flight.

Bono told the court he had known Buck for 17 years since U2 and R.E.M. played a gig at the Milton Keynes Bowl in central England.

The Irish singer said the pair had socialised but added: "I have never ever seen him drunk. I have absolutely never seen him taking drugs.

"I came over because he is actually famously known for being peaceful."

Buck, he said, was a "famous parent", explaining: "It is very hard to get him to go on tour because he loves his kids so much.

"He is a very quiet man. This may embarrass him but I had to come here and say it."

The trial continues.