HelloAngel
ONE love, blood, life
By Maja/U2girl with Carrie Alison
Recently, there was a lively discussion in the Interference Feedback forums about the myriad reasons for U2's near 30-year success. With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, many factors have gone into driving the U2 machine through the twists and turns of long-term stardom. Below are some widely cited reasons from fans and critics alike.
Live Performances
U2 is one of those bands that made it the ?old school way? ? first making a name for itself as a live band, with everything else falling into line afterward. The young band were most noted for the dynamic energy of its singer, Bono ? throwing drums off stage, pushing over PA stacks, climbing balconies, jumping into the crowd was all a part of the show ? and it was during one of these early shows (that became legendary later on in U2's career) that their later manager Paul McGuinness first saw them. As U2 became more renowned, they would continue to make tremendously entertaining live shows and tours. Not only did they fill the biggest venues of the world, they also had all kinds of additions to their stage set up ? from having a gospel choir and BB King sing live (during the ?Joshua Tree? tour), to the rafter-dangling Trabants and huge screens (of ZooTV), to the lemon and the biggest video screen ever used (for PopMart), to the heart-shaped stage of the more recent Elevation tour. With all that said, it should be noted Bono is considered one of rock's preeminent performers/singers and the band is regarded as [arguably] the best live band in rock, with two of U2's most high profile performances ? the Oscars and the Super Bowl Halftime show ? happening more than 20 years into their career.
Songs
One of the many reasons U2?s songs are so popular is that Bono explores topics that are universal to the human experience, and can easily mix the bigger themes with the personal within a single song and their unique sound. U2 were able to work and improve this craft, so one could say they have more ?classic? songs than any active (and relevant) band does. Perhaps even more interesting, is to look at the songs that didn't make it to be singles but are still widely enjoyed by fans: ?Bad,? ?Until the End of the World? and ?Kite.? Also fascinating is the fact that many of U2?s songs seem to only improve in a live setting (see the above songs) and often get very imaginative rearrangements (the stunning ZooTV version of ?Running to Stand Still?), defying the usual electric-song-goes-acoustic live version of the song method that most bands employ.
Manager (and fifth ?member? of U2) Paul McGuinness
U2 never forgets to mention Paul McGuinness?s role in their long-time success, as he not only landed them a lucrative record deal, but also made sure the band owns the copyrights to their music, gets royalties from the albums, and has final word in the record making - right down to the album sleeve.
Gradual Success and Breaking the US Market
Most young rock bands surrender to the standard rock and roll clich? early into their career, which leads to the inevitable burn out, or they never ?break? in the US. Luckily, U2 has had plenty of time to get used to the success, which surely made it easier on them to gain entrance to, and later retain [and maintain] their top billing in rock?s pantheon. Even in today's fast paced industry, it's hard for non-American acts to make it big in the US ? something that is generally crucial in every world superstar's career. With U2 charting a Number 1 album and two Number 1 singles seven years into their career (something surely unimaginable in today's music industry), it became clear who was to be the new favorite [and biggest] rock band.
The Professional Relationship Between Band Members
Many bands break up over money or ego and drug problems ? it bodes well for U2 that they (obviously) decided to share the profits equally, maintained a healthy lifestyle (save for Adam Clayton?s past woes with addiction) and that Bono would be the unofficial official spokesperson for the band; with that, it was became clear that he would be the lighting rod for most of their criticism. (How many times have we heard people say they've got a problem with U2, and it's got to do with Bono's outspoken ways, and not really with their music?)
The Brotherhood of U2
While it's true most rock bands start with a friendship/songwriting chemistry and foundation between singer and guitar player, not many bands can claim they're still with original line-up and still with the initial friendship intact, steady relationships and families (no doubt a good support for the band members) and, perhaps most favorable, without any public relations scandals all too common in rock world. U2?s innate friendship/brotherhood survived the early religious endeavours by most of the band members, Adam's drinking problem, the personal and creative tensions during the recording of ?Achtung Baby,? and Bono's social activism. There are well-known stories of how they have helped each other out (Bono's support of Larry when he lost his mother, Bono having Adam as his best man at his wedding, Larry letting Edge stay at his house during his divorce, Larry convincing Adam to go into therapy, Edge and Larry not only attending Bono's father's funeral but also serving as pallbearers and most recently, other members attending Edge's wedding.)
Reinventions
Very few rock bands go through as many [successful] ?changes? as this band has image-wise, (Madonna is probably their only competition here) and musically - only the Beatles come to mind. From the atmospheric sounds of ?Unforgettable Fire,? to the sound landscapes of ?The Joshua Tree,? to the bluesy roots of ?Rattle and Hum,? to the electronica, industrial and dance influences of the 90's, to the pop and soul influenced ?All That You Can?t Leave Behind? ? U2 never seems to draw influences from outside, changing and challenging themselves and us.
Not to be forgotten, it has to be noted Bono also changed his lyric style a lot since the early days ? going through honest, almost naive lyrics of earlier albums (think ?Boy? and ?October?), to subconscious/dreamy writing of ?The Unforgettable Fire,? to exploring America on next two albums, to entering new themes of sexuality, infidelity and deeply personal stories (as opposed to the broad themes in the 80's) in the 90's, to the mature, hopeful, spiritual and optimistic nature of their latest album.
Relationship with the Fans
More so than other bands, U2 seems to be keen on rewriting the book on maintaining the distance between star and fan. From letting fans on stage to play guitar or having a dance with Bono during ?With or Without You,? to letting the audience take over the chorus of a familiar song (?40?) and even outside of the show, many stories prove these guys are always ready to give an autograph and, if time allows, a talk one-on-one. Many fans choose to visit the band's studio in Dublin, and there are numerous accounts of all the members being more than willing to sign an autograph, have a picture taken and exchange a word or two.
The Humble Nature of the Band
Considering all the success and fame they have garnered over the years, U2 are also known for their kindness and down to earth attitude among their music peers. Unlike so many of today's stars, they don't resort to putting down women in their videos/lyrics, or mudslinging vitriol with other bands (if anything, they've been known to praise certain younger bands) or some sort of shocking PR actions to sell their albums. They are also, according to the people in their organization, very nice ?bosses.?
So what?s left to say in the end? With a new album and tour around the corner, and the likelihood of a Rock and Roll Hall of fame induction in time for the 25th anniversary of their career, we can be certain there will be plenty more of U2?s music, magic and passion coming our way.
Recently, there was a lively discussion in the Interference Feedback forums about the myriad reasons for U2's near 30-year success. With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, many factors have gone into driving the U2 machine through the twists and turns of long-term stardom. Below are some widely cited reasons from fans and critics alike.
Live Performances
U2 is one of those bands that made it the ?old school way? ? first making a name for itself as a live band, with everything else falling into line afterward. The young band were most noted for the dynamic energy of its singer, Bono ? throwing drums off stage, pushing over PA stacks, climbing balconies, jumping into the crowd was all a part of the show ? and it was during one of these early shows (that became legendary later on in U2's career) that their later manager Paul McGuinness first saw them. As U2 became more renowned, they would continue to make tremendously entertaining live shows and tours. Not only did they fill the biggest venues of the world, they also had all kinds of additions to their stage set up ? from having a gospel choir and BB King sing live (during the ?Joshua Tree? tour), to the rafter-dangling Trabants and huge screens (of ZooTV), to the lemon and the biggest video screen ever used (for PopMart), to the heart-shaped stage of the more recent Elevation tour. With all that said, it should be noted Bono is considered one of rock's preeminent performers/singers and the band is regarded as [arguably] the best live band in rock, with two of U2's most high profile performances ? the Oscars and the Super Bowl Halftime show ? happening more than 20 years into their career.
Songs
One of the many reasons U2?s songs are so popular is that Bono explores topics that are universal to the human experience, and can easily mix the bigger themes with the personal within a single song and their unique sound. U2 were able to work and improve this craft, so one could say they have more ?classic? songs than any active (and relevant) band does. Perhaps even more interesting, is to look at the songs that didn't make it to be singles but are still widely enjoyed by fans: ?Bad,? ?Until the End of the World? and ?Kite.? Also fascinating is the fact that many of U2?s songs seem to only improve in a live setting (see the above songs) and often get very imaginative rearrangements (the stunning ZooTV version of ?Running to Stand Still?), defying the usual electric-song-goes-acoustic live version of the song method that most bands employ.
Manager (and fifth ?member? of U2) Paul McGuinness
U2 never forgets to mention Paul McGuinness?s role in their long-time success, as he not only landed them a lucrative record deal, but also made sure the band owns the copyrights to their music, gets royalties from the albums, and has final word in the record making - right down to the album sleeve.
Gradual Success and Breaking the US Market
Most young rock bands surrender to the standard rock and roll clich? early into their career, which leads to the inevitable burn out, or they never ?break? in the US. Luckily, U2 has had plenty of time to get used to the success, which surely made it easier on them to gain entrance to, and later retain [and maintain] their top billing in rock?s pantheon. Even in today's fast paced industry, it's hard for non-American acts to make it big in the US ? something that is generally crucial in every world superstar's career. With U2 charting a Number 1 album and two Number 1 singles seven years into their career (something surely unimaginable in today's music industry), it became clear who was to be the new favorite [and biggest] rock band.
The Professional Relationship Between Band Members
Many bands break up over money or ego and drug problems ? it bodes well for U2 that they (obviously) decided to share the profits equally, maintained a healthy lifestyle (save for Adam Clayton?s past woes with addiction) and that Bono would be the unofficial official spokesperson for the band; with that, it was became clear that he would be the lighting rod for most of their criticism. (How many times have we heard people say they've got a problem with U2, and it's got to do with Bono's outspoken ways, and not really with their music?)
The Brotherhood of U2
While it's true most rock bands start with a friendship/songwriting chemistry and foundation between singer and guitar player, not many bands can claim they're still with original line-up and still with the initial friendship intact, steady relationships and families (no doubt a good support for the band members) and, perhaps most favorable, without any public relations scandals all too common in rock world. U2?s innate friendship/brotherhood survived the early religious endeavours by most of the band members, Adam's drinking problem, the personal and creative tensions during the recording of ?Achtung Baby,? and Bono's social activism. There are well-known stories of how they have helped each other out (Bono's support of Larry when he lost his mother, Bono having Adam as his best man at his wedding, Larry letting Edge stay at his house during his divorce, Larry convincing Adam to go into therapy, Edge and Larry not only attending Bono's father's funeral but also serving as pallbearers and most recently, other members attending Edge's wedding.)
Reinventions
Very few rock bands go through as many [successful] ?changes? as this band has image-wise, (Madonna is probably their only competition here) and musically - only the Beatles come to mind. From the atmospheric sounds of ?Unforgettable Fire,? to the sound landscapes of ?The Joshua Tree,? to the bluesy roots of ?Rattle and Hum,? to the electronica, industrial and dance influences of the 90's, to the pop and soul influenced ?All That You Can?t Leave Behind? ? U2 never seems to draw influences from outside, changing and challenging themselves and us.
Not to be forgotten, it has to be noted Bono also changed his lyric style a lot since the early days ? going through honest, almost naive lyrics of earlier albums (think ?Boy? and ?October?), to subconscious/dreamy writing of ?The Unforgettable Fire,? to exploring America on next two albums, to entering new themes of sexuality, infidelity and deeply personal stories (as opposed to the broad themes in the 80's) in the 90's, to the mature, hopeful, spiritual and optimistic nature of their latest album.
Relationship with the Fans
More so than other bands, U2 seems to be keen on rewriting the book on maintaining the distance between star and fan. From letting fans on stage to play guitar or having a dance with Bono during ?With or Without You,? to letting the audience take over the chorus of a familiar song (?40?) and even outside of the show, many stories prove these guys are always ready to give an autograph and, if time allows, a talk one-on-one. Many fans choose to visit the band's studio in Dublin, and there are numerous accounts of all the members being more than willing to sign an autograph, have a picture taken and exchange a word or two.
The Humble Nature of the Band
Considering all the success and fame they have garnered over the years, U2 are also known for their kindness and down to earth attitude among their music peers. Unlike so many of today's stars, they don't resort to putting down women in their videos/lyrics, or mudslinging vitriol with other bands (if anything, they've been known to praise certain younger bands) or some sort of shocking PR actions to sell their albums. They are also, according to the people in their organization, very nice ?bosses.?
So what?s left to say in the end? With a new album and tour around the corner, and the likelihood of a Rock and Roll Hall of fame induction in time for the 25th anniversary of their career, we can be certain there will be plenty more of U2?s music, magic and passion coming our way.
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I remember that thread, it was a good one. The point I highlighted was their friendship or brotherhood, as you said.
