This week's chart info should have the maximum sales effect from the R&R HoF. 2nd, Sometimes is becoming a crossover hit in the U.S., and while it may not top BB, it is topping radio airplay charts already. 3rd, the tour begins. Whatever this week's sales turnout to be, if U2 is going to consistently be in the Top 25-30, they have to have hit singles.
Here's a quote from Jam Music, which is actually very accurate: "Not that long-time band manager Paul McGuinness sounds at all worried about the group, whose longevity after 27 years seems assured given their most recent album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, has sold nine million copies worldwide largely on the success of just one single, Vertigo."
HTDAAB has 5 or 6 hit singles IMO, so the long-term potential is indeed amazing.