Looking at it that way I guess I do envy the newer fans. But you know something? The older fans have an advantage the newer ones don't. We got the chance to get to KNOW the band much better than the newer ones ever will. It's sad to know that now, unlike the early days, the band is much less accessable than before. The newer fans don't know that part of U2 like we older fans do. I'm saddened by that, though I know that in a way it's a necessity.
This is probably the most inane statement of any recent posts by the clique of the those older fanatics dripping with music snobbery. It's so entirely inaccurate and foolish, I find it hard to believe.
Because you were alive and well around the times of earlier U2 albums, that does not make you in any way more perspicuous to their existence - it gives you an advantage in relation to time and experience, but does not transcend you to a realm of untouchable understanding of U2 - first of all, how can you say that Boy and October are any more or less accessible than 'Pop' and 'Zooropa' - all four albums have their defining U2 moments cemented into history - and ultimately have great substance and mass translation before settling into someone's life through personal interpretation.
I became a fan when Zooropa came out. I've collected everything since throughout all of history, and to be a true fan of the band, it's not about bragging about how long you've been a fan, or since when (this is all just for snob-like music talk, which I'm sure you take part in) - it's about comprehending the spirit of the band and understanding their meaning throughout their career. You could be a simpleton and like U2 since 'Boy', but your limit of understanding will not be compensated by the length of your awareness of the band. What really matters is your passion and fanaticism which leads to connecting with the essence of U2, and this is not limited by age or 'when' you became a fan, it is achieved through 'how' you became a fan.
You speak of accessibility, like you're some musical genius who knew U2's soul just because you were around a few years earlier - how silly. Accessibility of the content is not solely determined by your physical presence - it is first and foremost garnered through presence of mind. Your experience of older U2 content is no doubt enhanced and galvanized by actually being there, but your comprehension isn't better than mine or anyone else just because you 'showed up to a show'.
U2 of the 80's is saved throughout a massive historical nexus of news coverage, concerts, books, recordings, etc. - they even have something these days called a 'DVD'!
A fan will sift through this material meticulously and relentlessly, and will absorb the idea of U2.
Anyway, stop being a music snob, a pathetic elder bragger - you want to talk about pity on the newer fans for not knowing U2? Just take a look at those fine younger females Bono takes up on stage and molests - and then just pity yourself.
- Nick
LOL
