I get a little annoyed by U2 fans sometimes.

[shart1780]

Sorry to say it, but it's true. I just get tired of how everyone praises Bono. Alot of U2 fans treat him like this living god. "Oh Bono is such a beautiful, beautiful human being! I wish I were as poetic and charsmatic and wise and wonderful and loving as he!!". Come on people, he's a human being with just as many flaws as you or I.

Yeah, he's a nice, respectable guy, but I get a little tired of this idol worship (yes, you heard right). Some people just can't get enough of Bono. They'll spend hours tracking down Bono quotes and interviews like they're holy words. They'll spend hours trying to interpret the lyrics. "Oh how beautiful these lyrics are, how wonderfully they apply to my life. Bono knows me better than anyone! He's such an amazing human!!".

Then when one of us finally meets Bono... Ohhhh Lord what an experience!!! I finally met the man who knows me most! The man who has changed my life!! I can barely speak! It's like a divine experience, a meeting with God himself! I'm not saying any of you think of him as God, but some U2 fans treat him like God.

Now don't get me wrong. He's an awesome human being. That's it, a human being. I know plenty of people as respectale as Bono but, they're not treated as God-like beings (not that they'd want to). Bono is simply a respectable human being who is talented at communicating human emotion through his songs. He's not a prophet, he's not a preacher, he's not "God's favorite son", and he's no better in God's eyes than you or I.

So please, when the day comes when you actually do meet Bono, take enough time to wipe the tears flowing from your eyes and remember that he's no better than you or I.

 

[pepokiss]

eh...

dude... don't go around PLEBA...

for your safety...

 

[one4u2]

A- Sorry to say it, but it's true. I just get tired of how everyone praises Bono. Alot of U2 fans treat him like this living god. "Oh
Yeah, he's a nice, respectable guy, but I get a little tired of this idol worship (yes, you heard right). Some people just can't get enough of Bono.

B- Then when one of us finally meets Bono... Ohhhh Lord what an experience!!! I finally met the man who knows me most! The man who has changed my life!! I can barely speak! It's like a divine experience, a meeting with God himself! I'm not saying any of you think of him as God, but some U2 fans treat him like God.

C-Bono is simply a respectable human being who is talented at communicating human emotion through his songs.

D-So please, when the day comes when you actually do meet Bono, take enough time to wipe the tears flowing from your eyes and remember that he's no better than you or I.

A- Jealousy sucks doesn't it

B-I've met him twice and treated him like the human being that he is each and every time

C-His talent is his communication through his music, don't ya get it?? That's why we love him

D-See 'B'- Unless you can do better than him musically, yeah I'd say hands down he's better than you

 

[U2Kitten]

There are all different kinds of U2 fans.

 

[Chizip]

i agree with pepokiss

 

[shart1780]

First of all I said some U2 fans, not all. I was describing my annoyance with these types of fans, not saying all of you are like this.

And I'm not jealous of Bono.

 

[yimou]

I dont worship U2 as gods. I am just a guy, who likes a band.
But i understand what shart1780 means i think. And i have seen my share of totally pathetic behavior around Bono.. But that happens around every big star,, So its pretty normal.. There are always somebody who can´t keep it together.
And i am sure its worst on Bono anyway, and the rest of the band ofcourse...

 

[angel_28]

I have met Bono and yeah hes a great man, no i don't think of him has god...hes a guy just like any other guy..only difference is hes one who has great talent in music to move people motivate people, inspire and hes a genuine (when you meet him ).
I love Bono and U2 they are a big part of my life and i wouldn't want it any other way.

 

[ImOuttaControl]

I agree, a lot of people tend to put all the members of U2 on some godly pedistal which is a bit annoying to me. I'm a fan, not a fanatic, there's a big difference.

 

[Souly]

i agree with pepokiss

i also agree.

 

[ultrraviolette]

People can be fanatics about anyone or anything. Some people may be fanatics about U2, as long as they don't get into stalking and any illegal behavior it's pretty harmless. You can't expect people to change the way they will or have reacted.

Hero worship, idol worship, & fanaticism come with being a star, some people will react in extremes, others will not. Bono often talks about his own flaws in interviews and the like, so fans DO know that he isn't perfect or a God.

 

[bono=genius]

like my name says....and its my opinion..i think bono = genius...as for God..i think ....Trevor linden = god...and yes..that's my opinion

 

[kennerado]

hmm I have to agree hearing woman scream "I love you bonoooooo" on many bootlegs really annoys me.

 

[Jamila]

A question: why the anger?

Live and let live.

Have you ever met the B-man?

I have several times (brief as they were) and I can tell you that he is more understanding and forgiving of the undue adulation that he gets than people like you and me who really don't have a leg to stand on in criticizing others.

We should be more loving and accepting of each other and less willing to be negative.

That is more in the U2 tradition than judgment.

If Bono can handle it, why can't we?

Food for thought. No disrespect meant.

ORIGINAL OF THE SPECIES....

 

[Reggie Thee Dog]

Oops, I double posted.....my bad!

 

[Reggie Thee Dog]

I'm a guy, and an older fan and I really am attracted to this man's charisma. I can tell you that when I saw my first U2 concert in 1985 at the age of 18 I was mesmerized. I couldn't eat or sleep for a month without thinking about U2 and Bono. All I could remember was the way he captivated and held the crowd in the palm of his hand, but instead of abusing that power he made us think about our world at hand.

They sang Seconds and Sunday Bloody Sunday and after both of those songs I thought I was in a Baptist Church in the South. The crowd was at a fever pitch and Bono rode the wave, but he never dove in and bastardized the moment. I admire his restraint, compassion and humanity.

Oh sure things have changed a lot in 20 years, but one thing is still the same Bono is a captivating, charasmatic individual and some people will fall deeper under that spell than others. Sure Bono is made of the same sort of flesh as you and I, but my friend he is very different than you and me. Not because he is better, but because he channels all his charisma and charm towards things that you can I can only dream about, or would never dream about.

I agree there are those who take it a step further, but I will never be ashamed of my admiration for Bono.

 

[Lisa71]

I agree Reggie. I also saw U2 quite a long time ago for the first time and had the same feeling you describe. He does have a special charisma and I think some people are effected by it more strongly than others. (Some people are effected by John Lennon or Bob Dylan.)That doesn't mean he's a god and doesn't have his faults. I'm sure he has numerous ones but as a HUMAN BEING he is remarkable for what he does for other people. There are some people that give up their time and money for good purposes and many, many more in his position that don't. He deserves the praises he gets because of that alone, in my opinion, but coupled with his charisma and need to relate to others makes him a special human being.

 

[ImOuttaControl]

A question: why the anger?

Live and let live.

Have you ever met the B-man?

I have several times (brief as they were) and I can tell you that he is more understanding and forgiving of the undue adulation that he gets than people like you and me who really don't have a leg to stand on in criticizing others.

We should be more loving and accepting of each other and less willing to be negative.

That is more in the U2 tradition than judgment.

If Bono can handle it, why can't we?

Food for thought. No disrespect meant.

ORIGINAL OF THE SPECIES....

Hmmm, I've read your posts here for a few months and I'd say you are exactly what the author of this post was talking about. You are a fanatic. There was no hate in the post by the author, just IMO annoyance of fanatics who think U2 are gods who can do no wrong--which they are certainly not above.

 

[RademR]

I love u2's music with a passion, I'm a fanatic about their music. But if I saw Bono on the street, I would get excited and all, but in the end I'd say what's up to him and walk away. And I'm telling the truth because I loved Michael Jordan growing up and I saw him at a club in DC two years ago, and we just shook hands and that was it.

But the kind of fans you're talking about dont bother me at all, if people are that passionate...well, it's not the first time it's happened to rock legends.

 

[boosterjuice]

Shart,

I agree with you. I also think that too many people treat Bono as "super-human". We really shouldn't do that. If you put your trust in Bono, he's going to let you down. Maybe not immediately, but in the future he will.
Make no mistake, he is a great communicator, fantastic vocalist/lyricist, and is passionate for the misfortunate peoples of the world. I believe that he could also be a modern-day prophet. But for me, it stops there.
NO, I have not yet met Bono. I sure would like too in the future. But for those of you who have met him; "did you see a halo around his head?" Who cares if he treated you respectfully? Bono losses his temper, lies, shits, falls, cheats, complains, has bitterness, has anger, swears, harbours resentment, hates, is jealous just like the rest of us. Only the select few in his inner-circle can view his flaws. So, if you put your trust in someone who has flaws, you're going to be let down.
What if Bono is arrested for child porn like Pete Townsend (hypothetical)? How crushing that would be if your "saviour" got exposed for that? Would you burn your U2 albums?
I don't put much faith in Bono, but I do put a lot of faith in what he has brought through his music. Has has allowed God to use him as an instrument.

There is only one true saviour. Bono knows this. His name is Jesus. Put your faith in him rather than Bono. I'm sure that is what Bono would want.

 

[Lisa71]

I don't think people are putting their faith in him like he is God, I just think people admire what he does. I certainly don't believe he's super human. But he does more than most people ever do. While others talk about changing the world he goes out and tries. That's what makes him special. Doesn't make him a god, or perfect.

Besides, why does it matter how someone looks at Bono. It's their choice to see him however they want to. If people don't like the way others admire him (whatever form it takes) then skip on to the next post. I skip plenty of topics and post because of negativity. I'd rather read, "I love Bono" then "Why I hate everything U2 says and does yet I still come this forum" posts!

 

[Cutters10C]

Haven't read through all the posts, but I have to ask why does it bother you so much that people love U2/Bono? So they show them too much affection for your liking? I don't worship the man as a God but if I were to meet him I would be pretty floored, to me he is far better than you or I, he is someone who has made 25 years worth of incredible music and affected the lives of millions, more than I (and likely you) will ever be able to say. I'm sorry but I just don't get why some people can't just let things be the way they are, they have to get up on a soap box and act like they have been granted the authority to judge others. But then again maybe that is what I just did I guess I'm a hypocrite.

 

[boosterjuice]

Haven't read through all the posts, but I have to ask why does it bother you so much that people love U2/Bono? So they show them too much affection for your liking? I don't worship the man as a God but if I were to meet him I would be pretty floored, to me he is far better than you or I, he is someone who has made 25 years worth of incredible music and affected the lives of millions, more than I (and likely you) will ever be able to say. I'm sorry but I just don't get why some people can't just let things be the way they are, they have to get up on a soap box and act like they have been granted the authority to judge others. But then again maybe that is what I just did I guess I'm a hypocrite.

I think Shart is speaking towards a select few. At least that is how I interpreted it. There are always a few bad apples that sing the Bono praises too loud. I can only speak for myself, but I don't that Shart is painting everyone with the same brush. Just a select few.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

People can be fanatics about anyone or anything. Some people may be fanatics about U2, as long as they don't get into stalking and any illegal behavior it's pretty harmless. You can't expect people to change the way they will or have reacted.

Hero worship, idol worship, & fanaticism come with being a star, some people will react in extremes, others will not. Bono often talks about his own flaws in interviews and the like, so fans DO know that he isn't perfect or a God.

Exactly. I'll admit I get a little obsessive sometimes-I'm like that with pretty much everything that I'm into, be it U2 or someone/something else-but I'm fully aware that Bono's not a perfect person. Nobody is, be they famous or not. Just as long as I know that he's a pretty nice person overall, with your typical flaw here and there, then that's all that matters. And as for PLEBA...yeah, the girls can be crazy there, but it's in a good way and they really aren't that bad to be around...we do have some fun discussions in there and the girls are nice and everything, so...I personally can overlook the "scary" nature.

Originally posted by Cutters10C
I don't worship the man as a God but if I were to meet him I would be pretty floored

*Nods* I've never met a famous person before, so I'd be in awe if I ever met any celebrity. Even if I wasn't a big fan of them, it'd still be quite an experience. Yes, they're people just like the rest of us, but for some reason, people always still have this awe when they meet a famous person, and I wouldn't be any different.

In regards to the main topic of this thread, if you don't want to get that into an artist, that's your choice entirely, I don't care. But if someone else wants to.... Like stated, as long as it's not getting into creepy stalker territory and all that kind of freaky stuff, who really cares if they act a little crazy over someone? Doesn't bother me in the slightest, personally.

Angela

 

[indra]

I don't think it matter how people view Bono or U2, except when they tell others they must do the same...that does get a bit annoying. I think that can go either way too -- those that worship Bono/U2 and also those who view him/them as exactly like Joe down the street. It's not so much the view they hold regarding him/them as much as it is the insistance that others hold the same view.


* this is my general observation, not meant to point at anyone here.

 

[Ellay]

hmm I have to agree hearing woman scream "I love you bonoooooo" on many bootlegs really annoys me.

too right

 

[david]

Bono drools
Larry rules.

 

[shart1780]

Bono is definitely an extremely gifted person, and that's to be admired. He does what he does better than anyone I can think of. But that's his thing. We all have our talents, Bono was just lucky enough to get a musical and poetic talent.

The reason his songs are so touching isn't because he's perfect, it's because he's like you and me! I admit that when I first got into U2 I sort of put him on a pedestal. I thought "wooow man he's so cool" blah blah blah. But as I've really listened to his songs over the years I've gained a respect for him, not as a rock god, but as a human being. The reason his music is so touching is because he's like you and me. He shares alot of the same flaws. He has alot of the same fears and hopes and feelings about life and love and God and everything and that makes him extremely easy to relate to. It's not that he's so great at being a human, it's that he's so great at communicating. We strive to find sonething to connect with in life. Since we can't write or sing like Bono we relate to his music. The reason U2 is so great is because they're so down to earth.

That's why I don't put them on a pedestal anymore. Sure I'd be nervous if I met him. Not because he's such an amazing human being, but simply because his music has had such an impact on my life. I've loved the music so long. If I met him I wouldn't sob or faint, I'd wanna talk to him because, from his music, I've learned he's just a darn awesome guy. A guy I'd really like to sit down and talk to. I know that the reason his music is so great is because he doesn't treat himself like a rock god, but like a human with human feelings. Feelings all of us share. I think that's the secret (well not so secret anymore heh heh ) ingredient to U2's success. They write songs that make you think "holy smokes this song was written for me! Bono feels the same way? That's awesome!". That's how I've felt many times listening to his songs. That's why I respect him as a human being, and I think that's how he wants to be treated.

And yes, I honestly am annoyed by the extreme fanatics. I'd consider myself an uber fan. I have a collection of every U2 song ever recored plus hundreds of concert MP3s. I'm a huge fan. I'm a huge fan of the music. But people need to realize what I just stated above. He's a regular guy. He has just as many flaws as you and me and putting him on some holy cloud isn't healthy. Even the band members will say this. Heck, they find these people annoying too (especially Larry).

We all are respectable people. We all go through things in life that extremely difficult and extremely respectable. Just because we don't have the gifts society treasures, a pretty face and a pretty voice, doesn't mean we're not great people. We just don't have the outlets like Bono has. Do you think Bono's stronger, better, has gone through more hardships than we will? No. He's going through life too. His songs show this.

Remember the line from Love Comes Tumbling! "I'm yourself in someone else. Don't find yourself in me".

Don't find yourself in Bono. He's just a really awesome guy.

 

[Hibbyface]

Shart,

I agree with you. I also think that too many people treat Bono as "super-human". We really shouldn't do that. If you put your trust in Bono, he's going to let you down. Maybe not immediately, but in the future he will.
Make no mistake, he is a great communicator, fantastic vocalist/lyricist, and is passionate for the misfortunate peoples of the world. I believe that he could also be a modern-day prophet. But for me, it stops there.
NO, I have not yet met Bono. I sure would like too in the future. But for those of you who have met him; "did you see a halo around his head?" Who cares if he treated you respectfully? Bono losses his temper, lies, shits, falls, cheats, complains, has bitterness, has anger, swears, harbours resentment, hates, is jealous just like the rest of us. Only the select few in his inner-circle can view his flaws. So, if you put your trust in someone who has flaws, you're going to be let down.
What if Bono is arrested for child porn like Pete Townsend (hypothetical)? How crushing that would be if your "saviour" got exposed for that? Would you burn your U2 albums?
I don't put much faith in Bono, but I do put a lot of faith in what he has brought through his music. Has has allowed God to use him as an instrument.

There is only one true saviour. Bono knows this. His name is Jesus. Put your faith in him rather than Bono. I'm sure that is what Bono would want.

I agree Boosterjuice!
However, I cant help but point out that Jesus himself did all of the things you credit Bono with! He was also a human being while on earth and I think that although I would never worship Bono or compare him to Christ in anyway, there is nothing wrong in having faith in a fellow human being. I think I would burn all my U2 albums if Bono was exposed as a child porn fan, because I would feel let down and cheated. Not because I worship Bono as an infallible God but because I admire him as a decent human being.

 

[intedomine]

As someone who does not admire Christianity the slightest and fails to recognise Jesus Christ as any more special than thousands of other good people to exist since Christ, I have more admiration for Bono.

Christ (whether he really did exist) was dealing in a different world than Bono is. Bono is aware of the thousands who perish around the world as a result of war and especially disease. These are issues that urgently require our attention and Bono aims to raise awareness to the problems with 21st century humanity. It's admirable that he is taking on the extra responsibility of "saving" the world by urging people and politicans to make the world a decent place, and people should support him in his efforts.

For me Bono is greater than Christ.
1. He definately exists
2. He is alive now and deals with the problems of now. Christ on the other hand is either dead, or just a myth.
3. Bono can do something to make the world better today. Christ can't.



But yeah I agree it is somewhat annoying how fans do treat Bono as the "greatest". Instead we should all aspire to become the greatest ourselves rather than putting all our faith in one "great" man.

Bono is certainly admirable, but what also annoys me is how people ignore another admirable figure in Adam Clayton.

The bloke is a champion. Over 10 years ago, his life was not neccessarilly one to admire. He had been charged with drug realted offences, he was a heavy smoker and had an alcohol problem. To make matters worse his relationship with Naomi Campbell collapsed .

Today the only drug he's interested in is the bassline of Miracle Drug. He has cleaned himself up and I've noticed that he seems quite contented with his life at the moment. He appears to have found a stability that was non existent earlier in the last decade.

The achievement of such beneficial personal change is an admirable quality indeed. Good on him.