Bono celebrated his 50th birthday last night with his wife, of 28 years, Ali.

Though they would usually throw an extravagant party this year the two celebrated with a romantic dinner in Nobu, a Manhattan restaurant, which is part owned by Robert De Niro.

Ordinarily this intimate dinner would be followed by a blow-out birthday bash surrounded by their friends and family. However, given the recent death of Irish TV and radio presenter, Gerry Ryan, they opted for a quieter celebration.

Many of their friends had planned to travel to New York to celebrate with the couple but they decided to cancel the trip out of respect for the late Irish broadcaster.

Ali and Bono have quite a history when it comes birthdays. The most famous big birthday gift came in the form of the U2 hit “The Sweetest Thing”. The quick thinking lyricists and musician penned this tune for Ali when he forgot her birthday.

This year it will be a much less public affair. U2’s publicist said that Bono would be taking the next few days to spend with his family.

His family though residents of Killiney, in South Dublin, are spending some time in the United State while their house is being extended.

The family has relocated to the San Remo penthouse, in Manhattan, which is worth $25.4 million.

Bono has had a hectic week working in Toronto as guest editor on the Globe and Mail newspaper with his fellow charity campaigner Sir Bob Geldolf. On arriving at the office Bono announced “We’re your bosses now!”

Their publication of the newspaper focuses on Africa and causes close to both Bono and Bob Geldolf’s hearts.

Before he left the office to meet his family in New York the staff sang “Happy Birthday” to their new boss.

Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen are all currently working in the United States. The band is gearing up for the next leg of their “360 Degree Tour” which kicks off in Salt Lake City on June 3.