


Then, it started to slowly go down hill. I saw them on back to back nights in 1993 and they did the same set, down to the scripted interaction with the audience. It was downright cheesy, highlighted with Bono looking into a life size mirror saying, "New York, you're f'n beautiful!" I get that he's doing a character, but still, a far way from the streets of Ireland.
We had Mephisto.
We had Pop Mart.

Bono met the Pope. (Please note: I am STRONGLY Catholic; this offended me as a rock fan. The two have no business together.)

So, I left. I hadn't listened to any U2 work in about 4 years until Jimmy recently started rocking to "I Will Follow" and the rest of the Boy album.
Here I am now, wondering to myself (and listening to the 1987 concert (thanks Brother Marc)), if I can forgive the sins listed above. Can I go back? Can I give them a second chance and live as 1995 on never existed? Should I expect every band to have the integrity of a Pearl Jam or Springsteen? For every horrible misstep listed above, there are the great and moving moments - Live Aid, closing concerts with "40", "Luminous Times", The Joshua Tree, yelling at audiences during the early 80's to pay attention, "Dirty Day".
Here I am now, wondering to myself (and listening to the 1987 concert (thanks Brother Marc)), if I can forgive the sins listed above. Can I go back? Can I give them a second chance and live as 1995 on never existed? Should I expect every band to have the integrity of a Pearl Jam or Springsteen? For every horrible misstep listed above, there are the great and moving moments - Live Aid, closing concerts with "40", "Luminous Times", The Joshua Tree, yelling at audiences during the early 80's to pay attention, "Dirty Day".
As if planned, the end of this blog coincides with "40" coming out of the speakers of my computer. I always felt that Bono had a deal with the Big Guy upstairs - I guess this is his way of telling me to go back to where it started.
Jimmy, get ready for your next lesson...
4 comments:
I told you....
I disagree about the Pope thing (as Mama Mannino would say, "Ah, il Papa..."). Bono met the Pope as a Catholic whose fame enabled him to get an audience with His Holiness. I'd much rather that than him throwing his weight around to get a table at Rao's or a better grade of coke (or Coke, it can go either way).
UNFORTUNATELY, more people listen to U2/Bono than the Pope. If this gets people in the door, well, no matter how you get there, home's still home.
Keep rockin', Jimmy! Uncle Marc's got the real good stuff when you're ready!
You never told me that you slept with other people to music. I thought that what you and I had with "Torn and Frayed" was special!
I know, I know, you were young, you were lonely, it was college.
It's going to be a lot chillier the next time we meet, lil' bro.
You broke my heart, Fredo.
When you edit, you must acknowledge having done so.
BTW, you totally suck. I just dl'd the live album (and UaBRS for comparison purposes), 'Boy' and 'War'.
NOT getting 'October' though.
Hate you.
sorry brother!!!! That Bono gets a hold of your wallet and soul and doesn't let go!
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