U2 Negativity

[Tip Top Prince]

I'll have to agree. I wish people would have gotten all of their negative comments out over the last 3 years when there was nothing going on.

Now, at a time when U2 fans should be happy and excited there is all of this negativity, criticism etc.

Maybe you should leave that all behind for now; there will be plenty of time for criticisms etc. after the tour ends and we have another 3 or 4 years of nothing.

I'm almost hesitant to think what it will be like when the tour actually starts.

'Oh Bono's voice sucked, the setlist was crap, I can't believe Edge missed those 3 notes, why can't Larry smile"

Wow, I can't wait, what fun.

The stupid part is that it's ok to say Bono has his head up his ass, but it's not ok to say a poster on this forum has his head up his ass for saying so.

IMO, if you waste time posting negative things about U2, you are fucked in the head and should piss off - but you're not allowed to say that.

 

[ramblin rose]

The stupid part is that it's ok to say Bono has his head up his ass, but it's not ok to say a poster on this forum has his head up his ass for saying so.

IMO, if you waste time posting negative things about U2, you are fucked in the head and should piss off - but you're not allowed to say that.

Wow, you are so right. Believe me a couple of times today I had to count to ten.

 

[kakvox]

Look, U2 will always piss people off.
Even U2 fans are polarized. Think about it--here we all are--several hundred devoted U2 fans willing to waste precious hours of our lives on the Internet debating the merits of a rock band, and WE can't even agree about what constitutes "good" or "bad" U2.
We have fiercely devoted Pop fans who apparently hate everything else the band has ever done. We have 80's U2 fans like Axver who wasn't especially fond of anything AB through ATYCLB. We have 90's U2 fans who dislike Joshua Tree. We have Ciao John who LOVES UF and Zooropa but who isn't all that fond of JT and AB.
We have fans who love Bono climbing rafters and waving white flags and making portentious speeches reminding us that racism and nationalism are like, bad.
We have fans who love Bono in black wraparound shades dry humping a camera.
We even have fans who love Bono in a bubble suit climbing out of a 30 foot mirrorball Lemon.

That's what is great about U2. They aren't half hearted about anything. They take the big risks. And sometimes people will hate you for that. Even if they're a U2 fan.

*The following is taken from the Oct 25th issue of Vanity Fair :*

I tell him I cannot think of another band who have remained intact for so long, with, for example. no drug problems. "Not interested," he says. "I mean, the people in this band who abused alcohol...we've made mistakes. The right to be ridiculous is something I hold very dear, especially when you're dealing with serious stuff a lot of the time. Also, I've noticed this not just with bands but with men as they get older: they rid the room of argument, they want to be lord of their own domain, and they eventually push out of their lives people who challenge their points of view. I noticed this with my father, cousins, uncles, brothers. They end up in a room where everyone agrees with them, which is like going solo. I think that's a mistake. It's really evolved to want to be in an equal partnership, because the friction keeps you sharp. I would say I need the band more than they need me, especially as a musician -- because I haven't got the sophistication to play the melodies I make up in my head. But I also need them emotionally. A lot."

 

[mkdominatr]

The people that dont at least like or know a few U2 songs are the people that think Ashley Simpson is a great singer.

 

[indra]

*The following is taken from the Oct 25th issue of Vanity Fair :*

I tell him I cannot think of another band who have remained intact for so long, with, for example. no drug problems. "Not interested," he says. "I mean, the people in this band who abused alcohol...we've made mistakes.

No to change the subject, and I'm not bashing (so don't jump on me -- unless, of course, you just have to ), but alcohol IS a drug. Doesn't change my view of anyone, but I think it should be called what it is.

 

[Flying FuManchu]

I think Bono's stage gestures are great stuff better than the boring stuff we see nowadays. Some Elvis like improvs for fun. The camera bits are cool too. I mean its a live show. I can understand the Liam Gallagher mentality and respect it for what it is but I can also enjoy the big hand motions or the crotch shots or the dancing... its all in fun and makes for good show.

 

[Siren]

No to change the subject, and I'm not bashing (so don't jump on me -- unless, of course, you just have to ), but alcohol IS a drug. Doesn't change my view of anyone, but I think it should be called what it is.

I agree with you there.

 

[Sleep Over Jack]

Agreed Fu Manchu

 

[xtal]

This is strange, but true.

I have run into non-U2 people and/or anti-Bono people. I have heard their rants, and I have allowed them their opinion. But I make them a CD of U2 songs that for some reason, reach across to these people and grasp them, hugging them. They walk away from me touched by the melody of U2, haunted by the words. Nonetheless the negative bashings seem to disappear.
Hell my aunt thought celebrities never should do what Bono is doing. She disliked Bono, telling him to shut his mouth and sing his music. But then after an interview where he was talking with politicians she stopped and said, "Hm, did he go to college? He seems intelligent. He knows what he is talking about."
Seems as if U2 haters ignore what is really important: the music.
And if they don't like it, that's fine.
On my list of gifts I'm giving: U2 cd's! Spreadin the love, baby.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Ironically, the people most negative about U2 ... happen to be U2 fans. And there are a lot of them. I just don't get them, always feeling the need to shove their negativity in other U2 fans' faces, as though we're wrong to like this song or that album, or think Bono still has a fine singing voice.

U2 can't please everyone, and they shouldn't even try. If U2 did another "Pop", the Pop fans would be happy but the Joshua Tree'ers would hate it. If U2 did another Joshua Tree, the Zooropa fans would get pissed off. If U2 did something they've never done before, a lot of fans would hate them for not being themselves. If U2 went back to their early sounds and just be themselves, many would say they're selling out trying to be popular again. No matter which way they turn, some U2 fan is going to bitch about their direction.

I say, fuck them all. The negative U2 fans, that is. There's enough U2 for everyone, so let's all just be happy with our slice and let others enjoy theirs. That's the key -- allow others to enjoy something, even if you don't.

But I'm just a smug bastard cos I love almost every single thing U2 do, they just push the right buttons for me, they float my boat. I pity those who hate a certain album or wish U2 would go back to a certain sound -- you're wasting your time being so negative. For chrissakes, it isn't like they've filmed Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and made a bunch of changes that aren't in the books.

If you don't like U2's new album, then go listen to something else. For fuck's sake, there are other bands in the world, other musicians pouring their heart and soul into the microphone. So many brilliant musicians and songwriters out there that you're aren't hearing because you're always obsessing (negatively) over U2. This is the sad part, that in being so constantly negative about U2, you're ignoring other musicians making the sounds you do want to hear.

My final advice for those who want to bitch about a particular U2 song or album or concert setlist or Edge's moustache or Bono's human rights campaigning .... BUILD A BRIDGE AND FUCKING GET OVER IT.

Listen to U2 how you want to listen to 'em. The only opinion that truly matters is your opinion.

Repeat: ... in being so constantly negative about U2, you're ignoring other musicians making the sounds you do want to hear. Let go of your anger, young Jedi.

What's really really really sad is that negative U2 fans don't learn from the band's relationships to one another. Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam have learned to agree to disagree -- they compromise, because the music, U2, is more important than what they individually think or feel about a setlist or song or sound. I wish people would learn from this. You might like Pop whilst someone else prefers War -- instead of fighting about it, agree to disagree and get on with your lives. There's no right or wrong, it's everything in between.

And I apologise for my cursing ... but some people deserve it. Unfortunately, these irrationally negative people always get better seats at concerts than me, or get to meet Bono, etc. There is no karma.

 

[Aardvark747]

Ironically, the people most negative about U2 ... happen to be U2 fans. And there are a lot of them. I just don't get them, always feeling the need to shove their negativity in other U2 fans' faces, as though we're wrong to like this song or that album, or think Bono still has a fine singing voice.

I say, fuck them.

Listen to U2 how you want to listen to 'em. The only opinion that truly matters is your opinion.

Yeah!

 

[melon]

Well, I know that over here in Chicago I encounter a pretty good deal of U2-related negativity. I couldn't even begin to count how many times people've told me, "Oh, they're fucking gay," or asked me when I mentioned the band, "Who, those old fags?" It happens...and Chicago is one of the band's biggest fan-bases in the whole world! They sold out six shows here on the last tour and 2 2/3 during PopMart.

You're always going to get negativity. U2 fans are no different in regards to musicians that we deem "inferior." Just ignore it; what the hell do we care what they think?

First of all, I don't think the band is aging very well, relative to the youth culture which pretty much dominates the mass media. They LOOK pretty good, still...but they act like they're in their forties. I don't have a huge problem with this, but it's true. Bono can't dance, their videos have been terrible since '98 ("Sweetest Thing" was great...since then, pure shit), and the increased promotional blitz on the last two albums has highlighted a very real problem for the band: they're (especially Bono) way too used to stadiums and huge arenas.

This is a band that should be in its "veteran" days like the Rolling Stones, solely due to its age and past successes. However, U2 still finds a way to be relevant; that's quite an amazing fete.

But, let's face it: we're going to have generational gaps now. Younger music fans may want to latch onto music from musicians that they more identify with. It happens, and so what? It leaves more seats for us in the arenas.

As for their music videos, I blame the shift from Island to Interscope in the U.S. for this, as "The Sweetest Thing" was Island's last video before Interscope took control. While I dislike the Interscope-made videos, for the most part...

(That "Stuck in a Moment" video with John Madden and the football field still gives me nightmares, and I think it may qualify as one of the WORST music videos of all time, let alone the worst U2 music video. At least Britney Spears videos are more interesting than that piece of shit.)

...they, at least, treat U2 as a highly relevant band for the pop culture scene, rather than as "aging veteran" musicians.

Melon

 

[Diane L]

U2 is a band that inspires passion. Some people hate them with a passion. Then, there are those of us who love them with the fire of a thousand suns.

Yes, it does get annoying to read garbage like that bozo from the Chicago Sun-Times, and it's annoying to read snarky comments on bulletin boards. But people do have a right to their opinion, even when they're wrong!

You can love 'em or hate 'em, but it's hard to ignore U2--not with the body of work they've recorded over the years or Bono's DATA work.

I, personally, can't understand how anyone could dislike this band, but they've been part of the soundtrack of my life for over 20 years, and have inspired some of the best times of my life i.e., concerts and friendships. It's a shame the naysayers have not experienced this joy as well.

 

[reggiethedawg]

In the 20 odd years that I've been a U2 fan - most people I've met either love them or are indifferent to them. I have however met 3 or 4 people in my life over the years that I've held in fairly high esteem that loathed the band and particularly Bono, and with a passion on a par with Henry Rollins I might add, and its something I've never been able to figure out properly.

I can only think that it must be that some people just completely miss the point and only see the surface and not the substance - ie rock star in black leather with shades on 24/7 in a stretch limo etc etc. Probably, they've seen one cringeworthy clip of Bono in a promo video or interview, or in character as The Fly and just can't get past it any further to see the good in him and U2's music. Sad state of affairs, but there ya go.

Negativity from other fans is depressing especially when there is so much good stuff happening in U2 world right now - eg a new album(!) with a DVD(!) and a book(!), secret gig(s), great TV/Radio appearances and live performances, an upcoming world tour, the fantastic U2 iPod with The Complete U2, an all new U2.com with subscribers area on its way. It's hard for me personally to find fault with the band.

However, on the other hand it would be a dull old world if everybody just agreed 24/7, there'd be no discussion and the world needs that to keep on turning, even U2 world as long as its conducted in a civil manner. Having said that I have to say though I know where people are coming from - there is a heck of a lot of silly whining going off in certain quarters.

What's really really really sad is that negative U2 fans don't learn from the band's relationships to one another. Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam have learned to agree to disagree -- they compromise, because the music, U2, is more important than what they individually think or feel about a setlist or song or sound. I wish people would learn from this. You might like Pop whilst someone else prefers War -- instead of fighting about it, agree to disagree and get on with your lives. There's no right or wrong, it's everything in between.

[/I]

Amen Indiana!

 

[what a bomb!]

Iv always found people who slag them off to me secretly like U2, its just trendy to do in their view!

 

[Indiana Jones]

How to dislike an atomic bomb

How to Dislike an Atomic Bomb.

I know people who like U2's music, aren't crazy about it, but they like this song or that album. However, they absolutely loathe Bono. Not for his personality, but because he's always going on about human rights, and debt, and AIDS. They hate how he always has his big head in the media preaching about this or that.

It's such a sad attitude. I love my friends, but I reckon they feel this hate towards Bono because he makes them feel guilty -- my friends do NOTHING about AIDS and third-world debt and human rights. They really don't give a shit. They're actually quite ignorant and selfish, and they feel uncomfortable about this truth. Ignorance is bliss, so to speak -- and Bono is the enemy of ignorance and apathy!

Whatever. I'm sure Bono doesn't lose any sleep over it, and when a friend bitches about Bono everytime I play U2, I just tell them to f.o.a.d. (a favourite expression of Larry Jnr).

Personally, I like Bono -- but if I were sitting at a bar wanting to quietly contemplate my pint glass and he was babbling away in my ear nonstop, I'd tell him to shut up and drink something. He'd probably tell me to pull my head out of my arse and socialise. It's all mutual.

Another thing I say does the trick, I encourage you all to try it on the Bono-haters -- "there's only one thing worse than Bono, and that's people who constantly bitch about him."

 

[dazzledbylight]

Re: How to dislike an atomic bomb

How to Dislike an Atomic Bomb.

I know people who like U2's music, aren't crazy about it, but they like this song or that album. However, they absolutely loathe Bono. Not for his personality, but because he's always going on about human rights, and debt, and AIDS. They hate how he always has his big head in the media preaching about this or that.

as a passionate visual artist myself, who has other strong interests- I've NEVER liked the attitude that rather equates at least some if not all artists/creativve types {music,dance 'art' etc}with some measure of stupidity.

I've read upon{and been a semi-activists for various issues} for decadesevenbefortemyteenhood.

People over time in some cirlces of academia, politics & policy have been impressed with Bono- because he's provened to them that he's stuck with issues and done his homework!

Springsteen gets similar flack. "shut up & sing!"

Bruce himself has gone out and read many books on certain social issues etc. i've read this in interviews with Springsteen. Or in one case, at least, Jonathan Kozol talked about his books related to education, social dispareties and the letter friendship[in start} of him & Springsteen.

I love them not in spite of but because of their learning ,and resultant empathy/compassion and rewsultant activities [whether public or not], along with their incredible talents.

 

[RademR]

Re: How to dislike an atomic bomb

It's such a sad attitude. I love my friends, but I reckon they feel this hate towards Bono because he makes them feel guilty -- my friends do NOTHING about AIDS and third-world debt and human rights. They really don't give a shit. They're actually quite ignorant and selfish, and they feel uncomfortable about this truth. Ignorance is bliss, so to speak -- and Bono is the enemy of ignorance and apathy!

Have to say again a lot of people I know are the same thing. Maybe not for those reasons, but they don't like Bono because he's always on the news, "trying to save the world." Their always like "can't he just make damn music and shut up?" It's funny, they hate him cutting down the debts of the poorest countries, trying to help the crisis of AIDS...doesnt make sense to me.

One of my friends said basically "Remember when he used to kill Ronald Reagan in concert? Prank call George Bush every night on ZooTV? Call Chirac an asshole at the MTV Awards? Now he meets with all those types, shakes their hands, and takes photos with them throwing up his damn peace sign all the time." He even called it "disgusting" and that he "liked Bono when he was just a rock star."

Bono is still a rock star to me, and his mix of this and his crusades in Africa are fine with me. In the end, I could really give a shit about what other people think.

 

[Miggy D]

I have to say - if some lead singer of a new band, or a band smaller than U2...or for that matter, a band I didn't love as much as U2...I would just think, "What in the fuck is he doing? Why is he jumping off the stage? Why is he grabbing that camera? Why is he humping that girl? Who the hell does this guy think he is? God's gift to earth?"

I cut U2 a lot of slack, and even when I know in the back of my mind, while the antics are happening, that Bono is, in fact, turning off potential new fans, I really don't care. I love U2 for far too many reasons, in far too many ways, to personally care. I cringe a little bit because at 44, those kinds of antics don't get as much mileage they would have gotten during the age of The Fly. But hey, like it's been said before: WE love U2, and if no one else ever does, it matters not to us. More good seats at the concerts.

 

[explorer]

i could care less if someone doesnt like u2. but if they spend more than a minute professing it to the world, then not only are they wasting their time, but using much of our precious oxygen. i saw a thing on VH1 about the clash (i think) and they interviewed henry rollins. "The Clash were what U2 wanted to be in the 1980's" why?

 

[xtal]

No to change the subject, and I'm not bashing (so don't jump on me -- unless, of course, you just have to ), but alcohol IS a drug. Doesn't change my view of anyone, but I think it should be called what it is.

You've obviously been one on one with alcoholism, either have a battle with it yourself or a close in depth view of what it is, be it your mother, father, sister, brother, etc.

"A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug is a drug is a drug..."

Something I learned from my 28 days. It is true.