GiacomoHoldini said:
I know. I was meaning if either Larry or Adam quit the band, and they got a new drummer or bass player, permanently. Perish the thought!
-Edit-
I have to wonder what the people who attended the Sydney show think of having missed Adam. They were probably bummed at the time, but what about now? After all, that was the only U2 show ever where one of the four were not present, so it's kind of a legendary show. It would have been cool to be there, just to say I saw it.
Few people I imagine, Jick seems to enjoy bringing that up about Adam. Bono, Edge and Larry especially, missed him, Adam's fans missed him, but Adam is the least recognized band member, the underdog, taking cheap shots at him is easy. Whether that many people missed his presence, don't know.
The bass lines were already created and written by Adam, as long as someone knows how to play them, it could be done. Same with Larry. I don't think the rhythm section of many bands gets near the attention that lead singers and guitarists get.
Stuart is Adam's bass tech, he can play the songs, but Stuart didn't come up with the bass lines, Adam did. I've read plenty of accounts of Bono, apparently he has a temper, I don't think anyone new could just come in to the band, and replace ANY of them. Fact is, they need someone like Adam, the calm one, doesn't freak out and throw drum kits.
When it comes to replacement, drummers sadly get the short end of the stick. Unless a drummer really stands out, it doesn't seem too much a shock to replace them, like R.E.M. The Beatles got rid of Pete Best for Ringo.
Guess I'd have to ask R.E.M. fans, was their drummer missed when he quit for health reasons?
The lead guitarist and lead singer, they're the hardest to replace. Van Halen comes to mind.