“Worthy” Men

CHRISTOPHER: So is he [Max] worthy?
LORELAI: Is anyone?
CHRISTOPHER: Bono, maybe? Bryan Ferry?
LORELAI: Get serious.
CHRISTOPHER: A young Tom Waits?
LORELAI: Now you’re talking.

Paul Hewson, known by his stage name Bono (born 1960) is the lead singer and main songwriter of Irish rock band U2, previously mentioned. His songs are often about political and social issues, and he is widely known for his activism on a range of social justice causes, especially campaigns on behalf of Africa. As a member of U2 Bono has won 22 Grammy Awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and been praised and rewarded for his humanitarian work, including being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2005. We later learn that Lorelai is a fan of U2, and has a celebrity crush on Bono.

Bryan Ferry (born 1945) was the lead vocalist and main songwriter of English glam art rock band Roxy Music, achieving three #1 albums between 1972 and 1982. He also has a career as a solo artist, and continued as a soloist after disbanding Roxy Music. Known for his sophisticated image and seductive singing style, Ferry has sold over 30 million records worldwide. He doesn’t get mentioned again during Gilmore Girls, but from Christopher’s comment, it seems Lorelai had a fancy for him at one time, possibly during their teenage years in the early 1980s.

Tom Waits, previously discussed. Waits was in his twenties during the 1970s, the decade when he released his early albums: Closing Time, The Heart of Saturday Night, Small Change, Foreign Affairs, and Blue Valentine. He had a very cool, hip image, and favoured the black shirt with black jacket look that Lorelai attempted to impose on Luke. This seems to be Lorelai’s favourite period of his, and she is most enthusiastic about the idea of being with a young Tom Waits.