Why are U2 so hated?

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Peterrrrr

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Have been an U2-fan since 2002 and through the years I have never find another band that irritate people so much, if someone donst like forn an example Coldplay, Stones, Beatles, Justin Bieber they just say no if they got the question if they like the artist.
But if someone get the question if they like U2 if often result in a NO or an other negative answer.
Even if you know that there are some songs they (none-singels) they might like they wont even give it a chance and goes in defense.

The thing is that I see the same pattern in a lot of the critics who review them more and more now...
If Songs Of Innocence had been released 15 years ago it would probaly got a lot better reviews, because it is a realy amazing album and also that type of album that usally got realy good reviews...

Sure alot of people have negative thoughts about Bono, but it is not often I get that answer about him.

So why is it like this?
 
When people get successful there is envy. That's the main part. The other part is Bono has political views that he openly expresses that people don't like and him being rich telling middle class people that they are not paying enough taxes is going to naturally piss them off. In the past he's said "we don't want your money but your voice", but that doesn't work because if you ask politicians to give more money to any project they will take it from YOU.

Bono is more savvy now by pointing out the successes in Africa and also admitting that advancing markets will do more than aid (though that is a more recent admission). Lots of casual people I've talked to also didn't like Bono talking about our country because he wasn't a countryman. Also if you act like a saint and others are sinners that'll piss people off. Just talking to people they always say "He has a big EGO". So there's that as well. Narcissism is annoying.

Then there's the types that feel that Bono is not Socialist enough (Mudfeld?) and U2 looks to corporate. The members of U2 have already said in interviews that being anti-corporate is an old 60's thing and doesn't apply. Then you have Socialist types that want progressive taxation but U2 corp did some moves to Netherlands to protect themselves from increases in taxes on artists in Ireland. In Ireland artists were tax free but they felt that was more for artists that make less money than big successes like U2.

Also there have been many interviews all the way up until now and Bono hasn't answered questions of hypocrisy well enough for critics. This discussion could go on forever.

For me I don't expect artists to be good at economics and their day job (which is music) is what they are good at. Bono bringing to light the plight of HIV in Africa did help to save lives even if it would be more a long-term fix is to change institutions and fight corruption.

One last thing. U2 are older and even as I get older you notice that younger generations tend to make fun of older people and there's a youth worship that goes on. U2 haven't been young for a while and in rock 'n roll and as Bono says "they want their money back if you're alive at 33".
 
When people get successful there is envy. That's the main part. The other part is Bono has political views that he openly expresses that people don't like and him being rich telling middle class people that they are not paying enough taxes is going to naturally piss them off. In the past he's said "we don't want your money but your voice", but that doesn't work because if you ask politicians to give more money to any project they will take it from YOU.

Bono is more savvy now by pointing out the successes in Africa and also admitting that advancing markets will do more than aid (though that is a more recent admission). Lots of casual people I've talked to also didn't like Bono talking about our country because he wasn't a countryman. Also if you act like a saint and others are sinners that'll piss people off. Just talking to people they always say "He has a big EGO". So there's that as well. Narcissism is annoying.

Then there's the types that feel that Bono is not Socialist enough (Mudfeld?) and U2 looks to corporate. The members of U2 have already said in interviews that being anti-corporate is an old 60's thing and doesn't apply. Then you have Socialist types that want progressive taxation but U2 corp did some moves to Netherlands to protect themselves from increases in taxes on artists in Ireland. In Ireland artists were tax free but they felt that was more for artists that make less money than big successes like U2.

Also there have been many interviews all the way up until now and Bono hasn't answered questions of hypocrisy well enough for critics. This discussion could go on forever.

For me I don't expect artists to be good at economics and their day job (which is music) is what they are good at. Bono bringing to light the plight of HIV in Africa did help to save lives even if it would be more a long-term fix is to change institutions and fight corruption.

One last thing. U2 are older and even as I get older you notice that younger generations tend to make fun of older people and there's a youth worship that goes on. U2 haven't been young for a while and in rock 'n roll and as Bono says "they want their money back if you're alive at 33".

Very well written, but there are aslo alot of people which dont know about Bonos work, that only know their music. Thats the ones I mean in my post :)
 
Very well written, but there are aslo alot of people which dont know about Bonos work, that only know their music. Thats the ones I mean in my post :)

Then it would have to be envy and the death cult for old bands...See the lyrics for Hold me thrill me kiss me kill me. The audience likes you on the way up but after awhile wants to bring you down. You can learn a lot about envy by looking at TMZ and tabloids. People take secret pleasure in seeing rich and famous people have problems even if they are only drummed up for publicity.


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Bono's complete lack of a sense of cringe and the perception of him as rock's ultimate calculating opportunist, if that's not too oxymoronic. Things I think are valid points but have also contributed to their huge success.
 
The biggest in any industry are always hated.

For example man utd are hated all over england because there the biggest (and still are)

Plus the bono factor dosent help
 
U2 are definitely the Marmite of the rock world, if ever I'm playing a U2 cd in my taxi the comments are either incredibly positive, or totally negative, but , in general when most of the negative comments are made, I usually find its from ill informed people, who probably, secretly like the music, but don't like Bono, or the band, I once had someone in my car who said he hated them because "They're IRA supporters" & he just would not believe a word I said to dispute that ridiculous claim. Also, just take a look at the negative reviews being spouted out about the new album, they're definitely not listening to the same album as I am, mostly lazy music journalists who probably haven't even listened to it, but just fuel the hate by going on about the "corporate" U2, again lazily informing people of half the facts about the tax situation, & what a bunch of hypocrites the band are, blah, blah, blah, personally, I couldn't give a rats ass what people think of the band as long as they keep giving me gems like S O I every so often, & giving live performances SECOND TO NONE in the rock world, they'll always get my support!
 
Jimmmm you have hit the nail on the head. Some people do close their minds to U2 and have lazy ill informed opinions about them.
I think Bono's involvement in politics and charity irks people the most. Shame that someone trying to make a difference in this world gets so much stick! The tax thing I did take massive issue with though, they let us down on that one.
 
Bono.

It has nothing to do with with U2's success. Lots of artists are mega successful and don't get the kind of hate U2 has.

It's almost all Bono and what people perceive to be the band's self righteousness, which is mainly because of Bono. Considering that Bono isn't even particularly well liked in Ireland, even among many those who've known him, it's hardly surprising that he rubs a lot of people the wrong way (though I'm fine with him and quite like him...however I do recognise that he's almost always "on" and trying to sell me something).
 
I have seen some very irrational hateful comments on my facebook newsfeed, and under the comments section of news articles etc over the last few days. It was hard to ignore. Such venom seems is mostly from young people. If I trash the music they love then I’m up for a fight, but it’s more than ok for them trash music I like? How can this double standard be justified? so frustrating...
 
I have seen some very irrational hateful comments on my facebook newsfeed, and under the comments section of news articles etc over the last few days. It was hard to ignore. Such venom seems is mostly from young people. If I trash the music they love then I’m up for a fight, but it’s more than ok for them trash music I like? How can this double standard be justified? so frustrating...
That's the world we live in. I've had to stay away from news articles and tweets mentioning U2 because the hate has been a lot more than usual.

But yeah, Bono seems to be the main target in all of this. He does rub some people the wrong way, but what can be done about that? Nothing.
 
Bono playing up his "rock star" image. Bono's politics and views on religion. Definitely envy. They made it big as a rock band, so let's now tear them down every chance we get
mentality. They're all rich and can't be taken seriously as a "real" rock band. The list
is endless why some people hate U2.
 
Bono's big mouth.

People hate whatever they want to hate. And when you've a big mouth and you're in people's face a lot, you're an easy target.

Just check how often the whole tax 'dodging' bullshit comes up whenever U2 are mentioned (notably Glastonbury). The whole situation was ripped out of proportion, and people are running with the bullshit that came from it. While if they knew the real situation, they'd do exactly the same if put in that situation. So it's quite a lot of nonsense, but it gets people to hate U2 some more. Sheeple hate what sheeple want to hate. :wink:
 
The lead singer of Echo and the bunnymen is another example of envy. Despite all the negative comments he throws at U2 he once in a while praises them when he gets a hold of himself. He particularly hates his old manager because he wasn't opportunistic like Paul McG. What's interesting is Bono seems completely aware of all of this but acts humble when talking about these people, and in a recent interview, that God made him successful to spread the religious positivity to others and teach about helping Africa. That I'm sure irks others as well. Atheists and agnostics will find it self-righteous.


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Bono has been very outspoken about what he perceives to be his duty here since he has accomplished so much and, consequently, has so much to give. I have no doubt that his efforts to get as many people involved in solving humanitarian issues makes certain people feel uncomfortable about their own lack of willingness to be helpful. On the other hand, there is usually a high dose of hypocrisy coming from those who not only are not helping nearly as much as Bono, but also find themselves in a position to judge Bono for supposedly not doing all that he could/should.
 
Because Bono sneaks into the zoo at night and sleeps with the river otters.

well_done_sir.gif
 
If Bono just lived the RocknRoll life of excess and never said anything outside of his singing, there wouldn't be this hate.




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It's almost all Bono and what people perceive to be the band's self righteousness, which is mainly because of Bono.

That probably accounts for most of it, along with U2 being one of the last bands standing among the gigantic, stadium-filling rock acts. The perception of self-righteousness is a strange one, though, as Bono strikes me as a pretty self-effacing guy. He is certainly aware of his foibles, and I don't think it's just an act when he admits to them.

There's probably something to said for the intensity of the fan base as well, which can border on zealotry. I can see that being a turn-off.
 
Various reasons, I guess. Haven't ever really heard a valid argument. People have levelled at me that when they go to a concert, they wanna hear music, not be 'given a lecture'. Which basically means that they want to hate them, but sing along to Beautiful Day, because it reminds them of football.

Morons. Ignore 'em!
 
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This Is Pitchfork's Scathing Review 4.6 out of 10 :eek:uch:

Pitchfork hate u2 like no other, they are the hipsters' bible.:|

Somebody should stick a pitchfork in pitchfork. Nothing more then a fad website for the anti-culture. Most of their reviews are total and utter bullshit.

Why do people hate U2 because they have been at the top going on 30 years and the band has a collective ego that rubs a lot of people the wrong way. I don't really think it has a lot to do with the politics of the band to be honest I remember people hating U2 as far back as Joshua Tree when they "sold out".
 
What Godspeed You Black Emperor's Efrim Mennick thinks about Celebrity Bands like U2

I’ve got one more thing to say about that. When U2 had their big comeback record a few years ago and won the Grammy, I was watching the Grammys with a couple of friends. U2 won and Bono went on this speech, and all he kept talking about was, its great to be the greatest rock n’ roll band in the world again. At a certain point, when your rent is covered forever, beyond covered, when money is not a concern, I think what concerns bands at that point is stuff like that. It’s weird. It’s a whole other thing. Radiohead aren’t as heinous as that. But it gets kind of boring.
 
So when Godspeed can pay their rent we should stop caring?

What a completely childish thing to say. Maybe it's his wording, maybe it's why he isn't known for lyrics, but it comes off as "we hate big bands".


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