LeafsNation
The Fly
What exactly do you mean by "Adult Contemporary" crowd? Just because U2 appeals to a lot of people in their 30s and 40s does not make them (or their fans) "Adult Contemporary". AC/DC, Guns'N'Roses, Metallica, Zeppelin , The Clash, and other ear-splitting groups are "old" bands...does that now make them Adult Contemporary along with the likes of Michael Bolton, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey? Get real. I don't ever recall oir expect to hear "Back In Black", "Master of Puppets", or "Weclome to the Jungle" in an elevator or in my local supermarket.
Using the word U2 with "Adult Contemporary" is blasphemy.
Using the word U2 with "Adult Contemporary" is blasphemy.
Zoocoustic said:Why do I say this?
Three reasons.
First, it's their age. They are mid-40's, and I feel past the point of attracting the majority of the high-school crowd, or a lot of new, young fans. At this point, they more often than not come off as desperate old men trying to fit in. Vertigo reached that young group - I'll give them that - but after that, it's all been basically the Adult Contemporary crowd.
Second, they've already proven it several times before. They were the world's biggest band from the mid-80's through 1993, and then from 2000-2002. You could even argue the Pop and HTDAAB eras as well. They've shown they can come back from being out of the spotlight. They have a massive following. Even those who hate them can't get away from them when they are releasing an album or touring.
Third and finally, walking away from this obsession to be the "world's biggest band" gives U2 a real chance to do something creative and daring again - like they did all the way up until the year 2000. I believe after hearing songs like Mercy and Fast Cars, that U2 still has that creative spark in them, but that they are too afraid it might not result in a worldwide #1 album. They need to get over this phobia and tap into that place that gave us such daring, fresh, creative songs as The Fly, HMTMKMKM, Lemon, Please, etc.
That's my two cents...thoughts?