SUPER U2 @ SUPERBOWL?!

[Angel]

A valid and intelligently thought out argument mbi16. Now these are the kind of discussions I came here in the first place to read about! Thing is, only U2 know for sure what they're doing. I have my opinions and you have yours, but I think we can both agree that as long as the music doesn't ever get compromised, then we remain happy.

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"It's no secret that our world is in darkness tonight..."

 

[STING2]

In response to Mbi16:

I knew the ticket prices would be what they were because it was going to be an arena tour and U2 has increased ticket prices by 50% every tour since BOY! I think they got the ticket price on this one perfect! Every show sold out many in record time leaving some fans without tickets. The current price of U2 tickets is their market value. That is the way its always been every tour since the first one.
As a Republican(believe it or not many U2 fans are including all my friends), I have no problem with Bono talking to members of both parties. Many liberals would be surprised about Bono's views on some things. Liberals also make way to many assumptions about Bono's views on many things that Bono has never really spoken about.
I think if fans examined things more closely, especially the history of the band, they would not be so surprised be what is going on. It seems normal to me and I have been a fan since 1987.
The price of the tours:
BOY $4
October $6.50
WAR $9.50
UF $13.50
Joshua Tree $19.50
ZOO TV $30
POPMART $52.50 and limited 37.50 average $50
Elevation $130,$85,$45 average $80

As you can see, on average since the start, U2 ticket prices increase by 50% per tour. You can already guess what the average cost of the next tour will be!

 

[mbi16]

Wow Sting I think you completely misunderstood my coment on the gagging . I'm not refering to his political views at all nor whether or not he's bipartisan I'm talking about his new political correctiveness. You know how's he's all PC since he's been working with drop the debt, the complete opposite of Bono in the 80's or ZooTV where he would say everything and anything on his mind. Alright maybe I'm exagerating but you get my drift.

Second, yes ticket prices have been on a steady rise since the beginning of the band, but the cost of putting on the spectacle was also on a steady rise. I mean the cost to put on Popmart and ZooTV was amazing, the fact that they were stadiums meant more people and the prices were leveled off. Yes the arenas are smaller so there's less people to split the cost, but then again I don't see what in the world could be so costly about this tour. I'm not saying the effect on the audience is any less, but there's a lot less to carry around and set up. Do you follow what I'm saying? So yeah an increase in price but $30 a ticket? And I'm only using your math.

Yes in comparison to other acts such as Madonna this is a bargain. But if we were to judge it that way, like adding current market value, then what would Popmart cost if were put on today? $130 and $200 for regular priced tickets (I think I made it too cheap but I don't even know how to begin making it accurate w/o scaring myself)?

Well I was hoping not to dwell into ticket prices again, but you seem to have a good grasp on the topic so I figured why not have a nice little discussion, maybe it will put my mind to ease.


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Tha Prickly Comedian

 

[Salome]

Originally posted by tomtom:
In my opinion U2 are becoming a part of the very thing they mocked and fought against in POP and POPmart- commercialism.

um, to me POPMart was about giving the audience a great time

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Salome
Shake it, shake it, shake it

 

[Matthew_Page2000]

Debating the merits of U2 and/or their decision making is impossible on a U2 list or forum. 95% of U2 fans think the band is infallible. If Bono started murdering and cannibalizing small children millions of U2 fans would reconsider their "close-minded" views on infanticide.
There is literally nothing, NOTHING that U2 could do that would disappoint these people. Every single song is brilliant to their ears. Every video an eye-popping delight. Every interview thought provoking and profound. Every live performance flawless. Every collaboration at least half brilliant. (the U2 half of course) Every marketing decision wise.
There is no such thing as "debating" with these people when it comes to U2. They don't see it as a "debate." They see it as an unwarranted and vicious attack on their flawless idols.
Most of my friends consider me a U2 fanatic with no sense of perspective when it comes to the boys. Some of the people on Interference and Wire actually consider me "anti-u2." Incredible.

MAP

 

[UCLAforU2]

The only thing i am worried about is over-exposure for the guys. Im a huge U2 geek, and im finding it a bit much to see as much of U2 as I do. ALbeit its not their fault 100%. I just dont want things to get to Rattle and Hum proportions again. Of course, its probably just because i am so predisposed to recognizing u2 songs everywhere I go and such.

As for Superbowl. I think i is a case of the selection committee getting it right this time around. Come on, after sept 11th, its not like they had many other bands that could really fit the mood perfectly. U2 is the only band actively touring right now, they are the only band that has the political relevance to not come off as hokey. Its the only band that makes sense.

Just my thinking...

 

[Giant Lemon]

Originally posted by *Ally*:
hmmm. not sure how i feel about this yet. but any chance to see U2 live is cool, i guess. i hope they throw in one of their old hits... how about Streets?

I think playing some old stuff would be great. Mysterious Ways or Streets could work- they rock live, and most average people know them.

 

[z edge]

Originally posted by Hewson:
Wouldn't Sunday Bloody Sunday be appropriate for the Super Bowl? (certainly for the losing team at least)

Absolutely Brilliant!


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Proud to be an INFIDEL

 

[mbi16]

I'm not too excited about this, in fact I'm scared. I believe the rumor also included No Doubt, it was on a Vegas newspaper or something the day after the show. Meaning that you guys can and should expect Bono to use his little time in the sun to promote drop the debt, I hope *fingers crossed tightly* that they don't start inviting everyone and anyone that worked on the single to join them on stage.

Also Bono has been gagging himself since he's started working on this issue so don't expect a sudden burst of common sense.

Although I don't think U2 is counsciously making music for the masses in all all honesty, would they really have left their experimental phase were it not for the commercial flop that POP was? Now I'm not saying that ATYCLB isn't a great album, but it is "back to basics".

I myself am a bit suspicious of their motives lately, but in the end I'm in for the music and that in itself is still great.

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Tha Prickly Comedian

 

[Calluna]

Originally posted by LarryMullen's_POPAngel:
Eeek! Guess I'll be forced to watch football at least once in my life...oh well, maybe Larry will wear one of hose cut off football jersey's, hehe

Yeah, maybe I can get my Dad to call me right before half-time so I don't have to sit through the whole game.


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Remember the goul.

Shake n' bake
Do whatever it takes

 

[Roland of Gilead]

I expect some "elevating" to happen at 1/2 time, but I think a song like "Streets" (or as it would sound to us "Sweets"

) would be perfect for the show. If there is no more touring after Miami, I think there will be a good possiblity that U2 could play other songs. Why promote an album that you have already finished touring? Nonetheless, I'm glued to the tube that day.

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"I know that this is not goodbye." -Kite

 

[kobayashi]

Originally posted by mbi16:
Although I don't think U2 is counsciously making music for the masses in all all honesty, would they really have left their experimental phase were it not for the commercial flop that POP was? Now I'm not saying that ATYCLB isn't a great album, but it is "back to basics".

by that logic i think it is unlikely they would have ever entered their 'experimental phase' in the first place. they would have coasted on joshua tree with some more in the 90's.

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Kobayashi's bizarre use of colour, superfast editing and extreme camera angles, coupled with a hilariously deadpan performance by Toshiro Takemitsu as the inspector who discovers a whole family of ghosts travelling without valid tickets, remains without peer.

 

[mbi16]

Originally posted by kobayashi:
by that logic i think it is unlikely they would have ever entered their 'experimental phase' in the first place. they would have coasted on joshua tree with some more in the 90's.

Then you can argue that entering the 90's they could afford to experiment whereas entering ATYCLB they couldn't.

Again, in the end I'm in for the music and that in itself is still great.

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Tha Prickly Comedian

 

[U2FReAk]

Originally posted by tomtom:
In my opinion U2 are becoming a part of the very thing they mocked and fought against in POP and POPmart- commercialism. The only reason POPmart was, infact not pop, was the irony, the fact that everyone knew that despite doing trying their hardest to give the impression that they were only interested in making money, there were higher levels involved. I feel they are treading a very thin line here between trying to be big (which I think is great), and 'seeling out'.

The definition of seeling out, for me is as follows- when an artist tries to become popular on the terms of the masses and not their own. When what they are creating andf playing is dictated by what OTHERS think is good and not their own. Whether U2 are doing that, I dont know. But I am uncertain, and so are many others. Only time will tell, I guess.

Well said! That's exactly how I feel.

 

[MrBrau1]

Originally posted by UCLAforU2:

"Come on, after sept 11th, its not like they had many other bands that could really fit the mood perfectly. U2 is the only band actively touring right now, they are the only band that has the political relevance to not come off as hokey. Its the only band that makes sense"

I agree with this 100%. The NFL were not looking for glitzy flash, they wanted something with some substance.

And as far as U2 playing the thing, it's another promo stop for them, like the Grammys or VMA's or countless other shows they've played on this year. This is not 1985, the old concept of "corporate" rock is dead. Bowie sells his tunes to everyone; and he's still great. Lenny Kravitz, STP, Blur, Who have all sold songs to car commercials. Even Radiohead are letting the winter olympics use one of their tunes as a theme song. Watch TV lately? you'll hear the Ramones, Weezer, Remy Zero, Green Day and others on countless programs. Hell, remember when the Stones had that guest spot on 90210? Exile is still a great record. Mr Sex Pistol himself, John Lydon, sang a Mountain Dew commercial. For Christs sake! Ex Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl had one of his tunes used as the theme song for ED on NBC. And would anyone really care if Aerosmith just played by themselves last year? Nobody would remember it, but since Britney and Nsync were there everyone remembers it (and it did suck). And if U2 being involved w/ teen pop is everyones concern, they've already done it, for the WGO charity record. I believe a lyric from Tool's "Hooker w/ A Penis" sums the modern music world perfectly "All you know about me is what I've sold you, Dumb fuck. I sold out long before you ever heard my name. I sold my soul to make a record, Dip shit, And you bought one. All you read and Wear or see and
Hear on TV Is a product Begging for your Fatass dirty Dollar So ... Shut up and Buy my new record Send more money Fuck you, buddy."

Sorry for the rant. Peace.


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Fuck, the cooler's empty!

[This message has been edited by MrBrau1 (edited 11-27-2001).]

 

[Matthew_Page2000]

MrBrau1 is right. U2 are as much the corporate rock whores as any other band. They are pleasant music to listen to and nothing more. Any expectations we have for them are absurd. That special bond you think you have with the music is really just a financial transaction between you and Bono.

Blech.
MAP

 

[Hewson]

OK here's the setlist:
Elevation into a snippet of SBS with the lyrics changed to Sunday Super Sunday, followed by a dedication to Osama bin Laden, Surrender.
Bono then throws a football into the crowd, only much more awkwardly than the basketball from 6/6.
Adam wears a football helmet during the performance, Edge is surrounded by Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders and Larry tears down the goal post at the end of the set.

 

[z edge]

Actually they will sing BD, then do Stuck with Bono trying to kick a field goal while Adam gets carried away by the 'cowboy cheerleaders' and Larrys' dog running rampant around the field peeing. Then they will be joined by No Doubt for 'whats going on', to which somebody has to call animal control to get the dog away from Gwen!

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HEY BABY, HEY BABY- HEY !(GWEN)

Proud to be an INFIDEL

 

[Hewson]

Originally posted by z edge:
to which somebody has to call animal control to get the dog away from Gwen!

You think they'll really have to pry Larry away from Gwen forcefully?

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The joker is the best card.

 

[z edge]

Originally posted by Hewson:

Originally posted by z edge:
to which somebody has to call animal control to get the dog away from Gwen!

You think they'll really have to pry Larry away from Gwen forcefully?

No Larry's dog (thats me)


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HEY BABY, HEY BABY- HEY !(GWEN)

Proud to be an INFIDEL