last unicorn
Blue Crack Addict
I don't know what to think of this news. I'm a bit surprised, even sad, to think Paul isn't running U2's management affairs any longer, but he will still be involved and I don't think their personal relationship will change much. The new guy is young and dynamic, maybe he can bring some fresh air into the band and the management, hopefully he will bother to make some things better (U2.com, fan communication). Since Paul wasn't much involved in U2's music, I don't think we'll see any artisticall changes coming. Still will be interesting to see the direction all of this will be taking. I think it's a good sign that Paul mentioned the new U2 era coming.
On the other hand, of course, Live Nation is a huge machinery. They have been involved with U2 for some years now, but the thought of them also handling the management now means U2 will become an even "bigger" business, even more open to criticism. Let's not forget that one of Pau's most important decisions, to move part of U2's business to the Netherlands, has lead to a huge amount of controversy. If anything, I guess we'll be seeing more of that, since things are run on an even more corporate level now.
On the other hand, of course, Live Nation is a huge machinery. They have been involved with U2 for some years now, but the thought of them also handling the management now means U2 will become an even "bigger" business, even more open to criticism. Let's not forget that one of Pau's most important decisions, to move part of U2's business to the Netherlands, has lead to a huge amount of controversy. If anything, I guess we'll be seeing more of that, since things are run on an even more corporate level now.