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"We're not endorsing a product we're embarrassed about -- we use the iPod, we like it, it's helping us and other musicians to get paid for their wares." -- Larry, 2004 |
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"We're not endorsing a product we're embarrassed about -- we use the iPod, we like it, it's helping us and other musicians to get paid for their wares." -- Larry, 2004 |
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Column: off the record..., vol. 10-394
@U2,
January 24, 2010
Have you ever tried typing the word "Bono" into Google? I accidentally saw the list of results that came up when I was looking for something, and most of them begin with "Bono is... (insert not very flattering suffix)." A few of the less unsavoury ones include "hypocrite" and "jerk." It got me worrying slightly. If (God forbid) Bono were to die/retire from public life anytime soon, I'm not sure that his contributions would be remembered with much affection. Perhaps it's because of the endless stream of what I can at best describe as grossly ill-informed gestures (his piece in The New York Times being the latest), or the fact that he just seems to be so constantly present in the public eye. In previous years this wouldn't bother me at all -- but now I can actually feel for the people who have never been overly keen on him about the fact that his vestige just appears inescapable. Having something endlessly shoved down your throat is unlikely to provoke much of a positive response. I think it's helping to make the image of Bono and U2 increasingly synonymous with bombast, egotism and self-indulgence, making me concerned that when U2 ever does bow out of the public eye their legacy will not be looked upon as wholly positive. I think the public has been over-saturated; is there a chance, mostly for U2's sake, that Bono could take a break? Why have U2 not taken advantage of the Rock Band franchise like the Beatles brand? Despite my above comments about Bono having a bit too much exposure, I do think that would be rather awesome. It would be nice to forget all the add-ons and just get back to appreciating U2 for the music. I've often thought about the list of the best places U2 have yet to play. This summer will see them touch down in Russia for the first time, but other places I'd like to see them play include India, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Palestine, Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam ... the list goes on. Some of them are probably pipe dreams, but here's hoping they continue to branch out. For those fans who live outside U2's current touring sphere, Russia seems to be a sign that the accessibility factor could now be fast approaching. A plethora of various upcoming venues and tours should pave the way for an even greater and more diverse appreciation of our well-established group of musicians --aura, compassion and shades included. I do quite like the new Haiti benefit single "Stranded." Although not exactly remarkable it's a nice mix of R&B (not my favourite genre admittedly) and Edge's guitar work, making for enjoyable and uplifting listening. Thanks to my friends David and Robyn for providing amusement and inspiration during a bout of writer's block. Have a great week. © @U2, 2010.
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