Bono's voice - how do you explain the JT - Zoo tv difference?

[U2girl]

The first bootleg i heard was from Zoo tv, and i expected a AB-ish voice, but was very suprised to hear how low he was singing then. Also, there's a "touch" in his voice and it's a bit raspy you know? Also he sings differently - more flowingly, less straining.

Especially when i heard the JT/LT shows and compared them. More clear voice, notable more power. (especially obvious when he sings the 80's songs on Zoo tv)

So ... do you think that was due to him straining his voice on the albums and tours (UF, JT, R&H) or was it due drinking/smoking he took up in the 90's or did he see some voice doctor/specialist and they instructed him to change his singing style?

 

[JessicaAnn]

So ... do you think that was due to him straining his voice on the albums and tours (UF, JT, R&H) or was it due drinking/smoking he took up in the 90's or did he see some voice doctor/specialist and they instructed him to change his singing style?

Yes to the drinking and smoking ... and as you age, teh tone and color of your your voice changes.

As for the doctor/specialist thing ... not sure ... was the AB era when he was diagnosed with food allergies? I don't think he's ever taken voice lessions.

 

[FallingStar]

Wasn't it because he had sex....and sex with a woman, too........

*tries to remember in which context Bono used that quote*

 

[sulawesigirl4]

I had heard that Bono did take voice lessons, but that was post-POP, pre-ATYCLB if I remember correctly.

As far as the JT/AB difference, I'd say it's a matter of learning to use his voice without just yelling louder. He also learned falsehtto (sp?).

 

[JessicaAnn]

Wasn't it because he had sex....and sex with a woman, too........

*tries to remember in which context Bono used that quote*

Actually, there are two opera singers (Jose Carreras and Liciano Pavarotti) that have remarked that sex is good for the voice.

 

[FallingStar]

Actually, there are two opera singers (Jose Carreras and Liciano Pavarotti) that have remarked that sex is good for the voice.

But Bono said that as well.......

 

[Blue Room]

In all seriousness there several reasons his voice changed and they have all been pointed out.

First, as mentioned before, the drinking, smoking and standard aging does take its toll on a voice. He eventually had to cut back or quit the smoking and drinking (although he still does both).

Second, he was not using his voice properly prior to Zoo TV. The Lovetown tour which was one of U2's shortest tours began to show the way he was singing was a problem. He basically lost his voice twice resulting in cancelled shows. He was seen by a specialist aftewards who told him he was destroying his vocal chords. Supposedly the specialist told him that he was hitting notes that opera singers hit 1x per concert, he was hitting them 4x in a single song.

Honestly, I think the 2nd reason is the major reason for the change. He still sounds great but there is something extra special about some of those earlier shows where he is pushing his voice to the limit.