U2: An Exquisite Team
by John R. KasichThis past Saturday, my wife Karen, and I had the opportunity to once again take in a U2 show. This one was at Soldier Field in Chicago and kicked off the U.S. leg of the 360 Tour. The tour gets its name from the round stage — which allowed for more seating. We had been to several U2 shows in the past, but never a stadium concert. Every one of those extra seats was filled and the energy was tremendous.
What I am struck by is the amazing solidarity U2 has had over the years. Make no mistake, they are an exquisite team. Many people know of my relationship with Bono. He is a man of faith who has used his celebrity to save countless lives in Africa. He’s the front man with haunting vocals. The Edge has that unique sound which keeps the band moving forward. Larry Mullen’s drums keeps them in the now. Finally, Adam Clayton’s bass allows the band to maintain that seemingly raw quality. It’s no wonder they have been one of the world’s greatest rock bands all these years.
Karen and I had the chance to visit with Bono prior to show. We talked a bit about politics, reminiscing about the days when he first came to Capitol Hill and how we could use the same bipartisan approach to fixing Ohio. We caught up on family affairs and Karen had the opportunity to thank Bono for including us on a life changing trip to Rwanda last year, where we witnessed first hand the positive impact of debt relief and President Bush’s malaria initiative.
But back to the show. The concert was a mix of new songs and old favorites. As stated before, there was a tremendous energy even before the band stepped foot on stage. U2 reciprocated by delivering an electric performance. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” was the crowd favorite on this night. My wife and I always appreciate the thoughtful lyrics of “One” and hope they add “Kite” to their set list. The band used the entire stage well and the “stadium experience” was noticeable.
The only thing that kept it from being a perfect night was missing the opening act Snow Patrol. Even the fact that we could not get a cab and were forced to walk back to our hotel could not dampen our spirits.
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75 Comments
U2 is an amazing band and it has been my favorite since the mid-80s. My all-time favorite song is "still haven't found what I'm looking for." Everything about that song speaks to my soul. A great band indeed with a powerful message.
Sad that you are kissing up to this deplorable human being.
I am a fan of Mr. Kasich, Bono, not so much.
"Kite" is a personal favorite as well….I'd love to see it live some day.
Eagerly awaiting their show at the Rose Bowl in October! Unfortunately, we'll have to suffer through Black Eyed Peas as the opening band. Not sure who exactly made that call.
I was at the show on Saturday as well and it was excellent. I quite liked that they dedicated 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' to those fighting for freedom in Iran.
They also did a good job of bringing attention to the plight of Aung San Suu Kyi and the situation in Burma. I was happy to explain the situation to friends after the concert – hopefully U2 will be able to expand awareness of the situation in Burma.
It was a perfect night weatherwise and the crowd was great – polite and upbeat for the whole night.
Of course as a Chicagoan I would say that a nice evening like Saturday one is lucky to walk through Grant Park and along Michigan Ave. back to a hotel. Saturday was very much Chicago at her best.
Have never liked U2 or anything Bono has to say.
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Complete sell-outs after "The Joshua Tree." And bono's douche bagginess continues to grow year by year.
I got bored with U2 back in highschool. And yes, I do appreciate Bono's dedication to helping the less fortunate. I think he'd have a lot more success with his efforts if he'd stop pleading with voters and politicians to take more of We The People's money, and instead appealed to individuals to convince them he is right. Americans are by far the most generous people on earth. We don't wait for government to solve problems, we do it ourselves.
Edge's sound isn't really all that unique. If he's changed in it since the late 1970's, I'm unaware, but back in the day, all he was doing was adding a slight delay loop to his guitar, so it sounds like there's two guitarist on stage, playing the same notes, just slightly out of time. Its a nice little trick, does create a unique sound, but I'm more impressed by guitarists who can do it with out the electronics.
meh
I was knocked out by their raw power and punctuality.
-Eddie DeBegergie
There's only one reason to pay any attention to U2….THE EDGE!
You're not the only one. Me, too.
Does Edge wear his toque indoors? Who does he think he's fooling?
John…………………..I'm sorry, but U-2 sucks, Bono's a boob, and Edge has none.
ditto………….debbie
If you still haven't found what your looking for, your probably looking in the wrong place. Start looking somewhere else.
Same here, I've always thought they've been overated. To me their music is repetitious, especially the guitarist.
De-lurking to ask: Can anyone explain why John Kasich isn't more visible on the national political scene? I've always thought he'd make a great face for the Republican party, once they straighten out their act spending-wise. God knows they could use an efective leader!
And, as for U2: my son's a student at Fordham and so saw them live when they did their Good Morning America gig on his campus in March. He was pretty jazzed.
All you U2 haters can go take a long walk off a short pier,because all of you are just a bunch of jealous douchebags…U2 is the greatest band in the world…same 4 band members since the start(over 30 years ago… no other band can claim that) and the only band big enought to be able to play and fill up stadiums even in a recession…if U2 was not relevant they couldn't be able to do this
I'm really tired of a bunch of high school drop-out musicians telling me how I should live so that their vision of the world can come to fruition. I'm sure with this latest tour U2 will make tons of money, yet again.
Each year, the revenue generated by the top touring groups is reported in various publications. What I'd like to see reported additionally are the figures for the Carbon-Footprint for these tours as well. How about total energy consumed by each tour… KiloWatt Hours, gallons of gasoline/jet-fuel burned, pounds/tons of foodstuffs consumed…
Maybe break it down by area. We may find that the resources consumed by these traveling circus' is not worth the pittance the area gets back in "aid" or "donations".
Don't get me wrong, I love overblown concert productions, I just don't want to hear about all the "good" you do with the millions earned. Show me the balance sheet before you apply for sainthood.
they suck?? tell that to all the people attending the sold out stadium shows across the U.S. and Canada
I think youre an idiot,the only thing that sucks is your lame pathetic comments
Well the you're a ignorant idiot if you think that the guitarist sound hasn't changed all that much over the years
Do you also review books you haven't read??
Reply to Chopper, see Jacks reply,
If its the numbers that make your point. I would guess more people voted for
Pres. Obama than saw U2 concerts last year, I guess we should probably shut down this blog.
We've lost the argument against the present administration
You are my new best friend!
Old, white guys talking about U2…losing will to live, growing weaker….Zzzzz
Couldn't agree more!
Welcome, at least until you find a reason to get a new best friend.
When I was a young surfer in the early 80's U2 spoke to me –
When I heard how Bono slammed Bush – after Bush gave the most $$$$ for Bono's african causes –
U2 no longer speaks for me
define sellout,every band who is on a major label sells out you moron
couldnt agree more that you all arew a bunch of jealous douches
U2 laughs in your face as you pretend to feel important with your lame comments
U2 is the most over rated band ever. Bono howling, Adam Claytons boring bass, Larry Mullins dull drumming, and Edges' guitar work lacks alot of things. Whom have they inspired ?? The Killers?, Coldplay? They both suck too. I'll stand by what I said…………….U2 is the MOST OVER RATED BAND EVER, PERIOD.
(Oh and I have seen them in concert.Rich Stadium, Buffalo NY) Rolling Stone rated them 22nd greast band of all time in 2004. I'm not sure where they fall now. As Stan Marsh tells Bono on South Park, "At some point, can't you just kinda…fuck off?" Reply to Jack….see my reply to LLOROB
You get tired of repeating yourself, but, here goes – Bono tells the Evil Corporate Western world to pony up more money in taxes for the downtrodden, then puts his own money in offshore bank accounts in order to avoid – wait for it! – paying the taxes that he is glad to have other people pay.
Kasich – Your word is no good, ever since reversing yourself on the semi – automatic rifle ban, that is you said you would not vote for and then went ahead and did so anyway.
Really he did?? good for him…. I would bash Bush too
that a-hole was the reason we have been spending $12 billion dollars a month since 2003 for a phony war in Iraq,now we have Obama trying to throw more money down a sinkhole that Bush and his cronies created its like trying to patch a water leak with chewing gum,it doesnt work
Bono of U2– praised by Sen. Obama for "dodging a hug" from Pres. Bush
And they say that conservatives are disrespectful to Obama….
Craig A.
Nice try but next time do some research instead of flogging the same lies every anti Bono group peddles
The truth is the band(U2) has to pay some form of taxes wherever they tour including the U.S. and all the band did was move their base of operations from Ireland to the Netherlands so they could pay a lower tax rate instead of the major tax hike fees that Ireland imposed after they let their country go down the financial drain..if anything if it wasnt for U2 Ireland would almost be as bad off as Iceland is right now both victims of overvaluating and high risk credit markets
Chopper, part of the problem and I include Mr. Kasich in this to a point, is that his charity work overides all else. What he does in his personal life is not a factor which as a person he is, Bono, a lot less than all he could be. But I guess that doesn't matter to most folks.
Aside to Jack, with all due respect, I don't understand someones entire being locked up with
whether or not some one else likes or dislikes a rock band you happen to like. Its basically just an opinion just as yours and mine is. No offense intended to either of you..
U2 are old white guys as well!
nice Jack, show them you too can play that game.
I can't put my finger on it but I find this article really irksome.
uh …..maybe you ought to check what US President has made the "historical spending " book of records and it's not Booosh. Grow up it's soo old all ready. Timmeh
I agree with you 1000% !
I agree with you. I saw them too down here in dc. Can't say I was impressed at all. Now I do remember driving to philly back in the early 80's when they were raw and new and musically was blown away by them. Not now.
U2? Nobody gives a rat's arse. At least now we know where you stand.
Bono showed what a classless person he was when he openly bragged about his dissing of President Bush.
I have no respect for the guy.
He's running for Governor of Ohio, if he wins I believe we'll here a lot more from him in the future. I would love to see him eventually run for President.
I lost all personal respect for Bono after I found out about that, especially after the lengths Bush went to increase aid to Africa. And Bono metaphorically spits on him and celebrates it with Obama.
U2 and Bono are a bunch of typical liberal hypocrites. Super rich but generous with other peoples money. Bono is a d bag.
I don't mind the rest of the group U2. I think they have a fine guitar player and a really great bottom section but that Bono Hewson is an arrogant, pretentious prick! I can't even stand to look at the guy! And to consider him a person of faith? Well, all I have to say on that is Mr Kasich must be blinded by all Bono's transparency! I wouldn't walk across the street to see U2. My musical tastes have grown up. I liked U2 til I found out what they were made of. And the fact is, I'd cross the street to avoid Bono Hewson. That guy gives me the creeps. He's out of line. Wrongheaded and out of line. He carries some kind of messiah complex or something.
A man of faith? What faith is that? And was it reflected in his obscenity filled ode to Frank Sinatra on live TV?
I like John Kasich but U2 are frauds. Bono and his mates are the wealthiest people in Ireland yet they pay almost no tax. They use offshore corps to reduce their taxes to essentially zero. Meanwhile – Bono wants taxpayers in western countries to get the bill for hundreds of billions to be shoveled into African. Trillions have been sent to the rat hole since the 1950s and nothing has changed.
A once great band that got lost in "The Politics of Meaning" as they aged. At one point one of my favorites, but Bono's endless race baiting & mindless prattle have been a big turn off. They are more about celebrity now than music.
John, you need to stop rubbing elbows with the celebs & go back to work in congress.
Shouldn't be too difficult to find a spot soon…
Follow up: I bought their first album when they came out because the UK musical press had hyped them to the moon. What rubbish. The lyrics were pathetic. "Starting a landslide in my ego" I mean WTF is that? The album was so bad I could not listen to it. I had tons of albums by great bands back then plus saw many great bands live. U2's lyrics have always been very weak.
They are one of the most hyped and overrated bands ever. Bono's poverty pimp shake down routine, especially considering he is loaded and pays no taxes, make them mega hypocrites.
I like John Kasich a lot. In a near-perfect world he'd be Dick Cheney's VP.
My opinion of U2 pretty much mirrors the Dude's feelings about the Eagles.
U2 as a unit is a fantastic band. Bono, on his own, should be silent. I`ve hated all his foolish talk since the eighties. He should stick to entertaining. Him and his pal Bill Hybels are ruening my church as well.
Sorry John…you may have just lost my support for your run for Ohio gov.
I would say that articles like this one and the sad fact that he's all too often a complete squish would explain why John Kasich isn't more visible on the national scene. Bono just completely dissed George Bush very recently, bragging about how he wouldn't let the President hug him and being praised by BO for doing so. He, and his pathetic band, can all go to hell as far as I'm concerned.
Not to mention when he went to Africa and he and his wife opened up a plant and employed locals to make clothing. Well, he found out that he couldn't sell the product for a cheap price and still make enough money to pay his workers a "fair" wage. So, I think it was after a year, he ended up selling the small company to, wait for it…. a corporation for a bundle of money. That's called capitalism! So, he hates capitalists, but he is one! Is that called self-loathing?
Bonio is a nasty anti-English RACIST!!! His anti-British/English ranting in Rattle and Hum is utterly despicable,
and unsurprisingly is a deliberately fenian twisting of the facts. Sunday Bloody Sunday is a vile song. Sneering about the British army who were attacked by cowardly fenian thugs using a far left IRA lovers demo as cover. Bonio is universally loathed in England. He's a narcissistic self absorbed uber ego.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/magazine/22wwln...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1178165...
Laughably these morons U2 endlessly bleat about the "environment" – yet their current tour used THREE different stages and well over 100 huge lorries to truck it around Europe. Even the locals in Dublin protested their selfish arrogance at the disruption..
NO SURRENDER TO THE IRA!!!
Yes, but did they get a bigger dressing room than the puppets?
U2 have set up their taxes in Holland, taking huge advantage of a scheme where they pay little if any taxation. So much for their DIRECT contribution to the world.
Their fenian hypocrisy is nauseating.
Kasich's comment "a man of faith" … presumably means a fellow (devout) catholic. This is Kasich's achilles heel. By and large he's quite sound on most things – but when someone challenges his faith he goes apesh**. I've seen this a couple of times on The Factor. including when he's been a fill in host. Amusing how O'Reilly's choices of fill in hosts often tend to be fellow catholics. Ingraham and Kasich
I'll settle for governor of Ohio.
Too bad his faith does not include acting like a gentleman and not making offensive remarks about former presidents who he saw fit in using for his agenda and the later trashed. Kasich..you should be careful who you pal around with..you may some day get the same stab in the back. It also makes one think that maybe you are just another typical politician.
That also would be nice..
I've only heard Bono say positive things about the Bush administration–watch U2's takeover of the Late Night with Conan O'brien show a few years back. In his words, the main thing was aid for Africa, which no president before had given so much.
Instead of blasting a continent, why don't you start investing in it. The place needs infastructure and jobs, jerky.
It's funny to me that U2 is getting blasted on here for filing their taxes legally in another country, to avoid paying more taxes.
They lost me after Rattle and Hum. I'd rather risk my soul and throw in with Satanist Jimmy Page's former band any day.
"jesus wept" , I find you irksome too.
Mr. Kasich is YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE of how gullible GOPers can be when meeting pop culture idols. I guess Mr. Kasich is impressed that the Lefty Peacenik-America Bashing Bono has decided to allow an uncool Republican like himself into the kool-kid huddle instead of dumping him in the trash can for laughs.
FYI: I live in Hollywood and I see plenty that is not reported publicly, Mr. Kasich. If Bono is an example of 'faith" then what about this married do-gooder's L.A. mistresses????
I agree totally, why does John give so much credit to the work Bono does? It was TAXPAYER money that made all those debt relief giveaways possible. Thank us John, not Bono.
I am so sick of hearing about Bozo's … excuse me Bono's greatness. His schemes have cost US TAXPAYERS billions of dollars. I notice John doesn't give US any credit … only Bozo. I find this highly offensive. John obviously has a man-crush on the old faded "rock star" of yesteryear, I think they should get a room and leave us out of it. Except next time John, give US, the TAXPAYERS credit for all those African giveaways.J
U2 was never any good, and no heterosexual guy I know bought their CDs. Bozo is a puffed up arrogant no-talent that goes around spending taxpayer money and takes the credit himself. What a bozo.
How about appreciating how Bono spends our taxpayer money and takes the credit for himself. What a jerk.
FUCK YOU STUPID…NICE TWISTING OF THE FACTS…DUMB FUCKING LIMEY
P.S. THEY PURCHASED CARBON CREDITS TO OFFSET THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT..GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT,SHITHEAD
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