I could go all day about the concept of "selling out".
Chances are when someone brings this concept up, they are more concerned with images or "Coolness" than music.
I give rjhbonovox the benefit of the doubt, but when you actually state that you are worried about their "coolness" I have doubts.
As for U2 appearing on TOTP or TRL or whatever else. What is the difference between doing ANY promotion at all, ANY and this? Nothing, it's all about promotion, but this seems to be an "image" issue. U2 are trying to get kids into their music. Does that mean they are trying to just make more money? No. U2 have so many ways that they could make so absurdedly much more money if they wanted to, it would probably deserve another thread.
Just one example: They make most of their money from touring, why didn't they tour Elevation for 3 solid years if they were looking to fatten up the pocketbooks? They could have, easily.
They want to be The Beatles, they always have.
The next time one of you pretentious friends or colleagues says something about U2 selling out, or anyone for that matter, you should ask them if their precious favorite musicians make money or if they are playing tours, releasing albums, doing promotion on MTV, Vh1, Much Music or whereever else for "street cred" and not making a dime. They are shilling their products as much as anyone else. Seriously, I could go all day about this, you get the idea. The whole concept is a laugh, all by itself.
Some dude playing his guitar in a club, trying to make some money for only himself, sure he hasn't sold out, yet. Give him an opportunity to have the offer dangled in front of his face. "Quit your bullshit day job and make your living as a musician?" He'd be a fool not to take it. Although all contracts should contain a disclaimer warning them of the prospect of those pesky fans who will drop the "sell-out" term anytime they are becoming too popular because the meatheads and tenny boppers "discovered" their music.