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Follow the Bouncing Bono
Only four years into their musical career, U2 found themselves at an artistic crossroads. Firmly established as a powerful rock ‘n’ roll combo by the live set Under a Blood Red Sky, the little Dublin four-piece could merrily continue pounding out spare populist anthems like their preceding efforts. Or they could consider the success of their recent EP the curtain drawn on the first act of a decades-spanning epic and lock themselves in a castle to create an atmospheric masterpiece that would find them heralded as the greatest band of the ‘80s and beyond.
When Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois assumed the controls for the sessions that would ultimately yield The Unforgettable Fire, the path chosen was resolutely the latter. It may seem outrageous to claim that such a plan was in place when recording began, but with an auspicious degree of talent gathered in a monument to Anglo-Norman nobility, the topic of conversation must have turned to global domination at least once.
Never at a loss for words, here Bono shares the intimate details of the recording process for their seminal work, the finer points and perils of live performing, and the beginning of a creative partnership with a legendary producing duo that would last for five more records, over nearly 10 years. Though political awareness and activism have always been a part of the U2 platform, it’s refreshing to hear the inexhaustible singer talking about music for a change.
If there’s a word that describes Bono it is energy. And his enthusiasm for life and art is always evident. For a dose of inspiration, tempered with some moderately convincing humility, let Bono bend your ear.
This interview is broken into two parts.
Part I:
Part II:
9 Comments
I dont agree with previous post.U2 are still graet band.With no doubt the greatest! every album is fantastic on its way. To have cash in bank is normal thing, because every big band is ritch.so that doesn*t make a sense
Thanks very much for posting this interview. I’m not a huge fan of “The Unforgettable Fire,” but I respect the artistic integrity revealed in this interview. The idea of an unfinished record is really interesting and gutsy. I especially enjoy Bono saying, “It would have been very easy… to make a straightforward rock record that would go to the top of the charts around the world, but this group has always set out to innovate as well as aggravate.” They wanted to challenge the mainstream and make great music, even if it was going to be unpopular. With millions in the bank, it’s so sad that the band seems to have drifted from this artistic vision in trying to insecurely appease the stubborn mainstream and create a self-consciously Beatles-like legacy. I yearn for the melodic and lyrical innovation and greatness of Achtung Baby.
Thanks very much for posting this insightful, clear audio quality interview.
I agree with Muldfeld.
As of the past decade in the U2 catalog (some of Pop was golden, some was copper), I think U2 have not ceased making good music, they have just stuck to what is relatively safe. I hope the new sessions in Fez produce something trademark of what made U2’s music and lyric so mysterious and layered. That’s when how much they believe in what they’re doing and keeping faith in really can be seen, almost when they’re not entirely sure themselves.
I listened to Indian Summer Sky last night. I like this album more than I used to think.
Thanks.
U2 hasn’t made an interesting album since Achtung Baby.
There are those that like particular periods of U2 better than other era/albums/tour cycles. Fair enough.
But for those willing to take the time and pay attention and not be hyper-critical, one can find plenty of gems from U2-3 to present day — from the early club tours to the 2005-2006 Vertigo tour.
You don’t have to agree. And no on is sayying you must like or love all that U2 do. But the fact is, 28 years into their official recording career, they are as good and consistently on top of their game than any other band. Not every move is aces but there is a reason that this band has remained in the press, in the charts and on their game with quality as long as they have.
Gosh,Bono,you really were a pretentious bastard even back then.I really loved the first three albums but then everything took a turn for the worst…hmmm…sad…
My Megan likes u2…so, I kinda like them.
U2 Rocks
U2 are unbelievably amazing, nothing like them exists on earth at this point in time, but maybe since they?ve left their mark maybe the future will lucky enough to get a kiss.