Bono's 'Elvis poem' to air on Radio 4

A 14-minute poem about Elvis Presley written by Bono will be aired on BBC Radio 4 next week, it has emerged.

The verse is believed to have been recorded two years ago by Bob Geldof's production company Ten Alps as part of a BBC Radio 2 programme on Sun Records, The Times reports.

The BBC said: "A unique recording of U2 frontman Bono reading his poem weaves into an atmospheric and artistic radio feature.

"Delivered plainly, but intensely, by Bono. Some lines are purposefully quintessential Elvis clichés while others make listeners view Elvis in a new light."

The poem has been mixed over a number of Presley songs as well as other recordings, and will be aired after a warning regarding its language.

Lines include: "Elvis, with god on his knees, Elvis, on three TVs, Elvis, here come the killer bees, head full of honey, potato chips and cheese.

"Elvis the bumper stickers, Elvis the white knickers, Elvis the white n****r ate at Burger King and just kept getting bigger.

"Elvis the ecstatic, Elvis the plastic, Elvis the elastic with a spastic dance that could explain the energy of America."

The poem will air at 11pm on May 13.