When u2 decide to call it quits do you think they will look back on this period now and then distance themselves from it, like for example they did with Pop?
I can see maybe a 75/80 year old Bono or more likely Larry after they have been finished for a few years looking back and maybe admitting they 'carried on for a bit too long' .....'found it too hard to stop even though they knew they should have'.....looking back on this period and feeling embarrassed by songs like 'The Best Thing'
Looking back at things like that performance of Dirty Day (that has been posted in another thread here) and cringing at how bad it was......regretting working with clowns like Ryan Tedder in some desperate attempt at relevance.
Admitting that they couldn't let go and call it a day because they were hooked on the money/the fame?
Maybe evem admitting that their hearts were no longer really in it, but contracts and the business of u2 meant they kept going?
Maybe comparing themselves to bands like REM who went out whilst still had their dignity and wishing had done same?
We've seen u2 distance themselves from their work before - could it happen here on a bigger scale once they are done - a lot of the truth tends to come out once things are done.
What do you reckon? Maybe they are now and will be in years to come genuinely proud of this period, and genuinely think it stands up, had been well received and was the right direction for them......
Maybe they'll even still be going in a similar direction in 15 years time and to a whole generation (well those who noticed anyway) this period will be what u2 are best known for?
Maybe even when it is done 'brand u2' would never allow them to
Maybe once done they'll shy away from interviews etc and hold a dignified silence leaving behind the body of work and no recriminations/regrets etc.
Thoughts?
An-tha, Even though I personally don't agree with the direction they've gone right now, I just want to address the misconception that the band aren't aware how foolish they appear to (us) by unashamedly chasing radio hits. I think they know it's perceivingly 'uncool' what they are doing - but that's the point in their minds. At least for Bono and The Edge.
So yeah, I think the band is far more self-aware than most realize. The things is they are making the music
they want to make and they are aware that they look like fools in doing so.
I remember a quote from the Edge along the lines of 'even though that's what people hate about U2 the most, we have to go down that route - because that's where the potency comes from in our music!' or something like that..
Here's a quote from Bono that helps you understand their line of thinking/mindset currently:
"My favorite thing in the world is the connection music makes. It has to be natural and honest. Singles do not just happen because you hit all the right notes. Hundreds of other artists and producers are paid to get a number one record at the same time us. If it happened, it would be because it was true to who we are and should be proof enough that you cannot buy hit songs. Next 35 songs I write are meant to be singles because a perfect song is the most important thing in the world to me. They are not defined by structure or length. It is the most difficult thing you can ever do and I love every bit of it."
Again, I don't agree with the direction they've gone at all, but this at least this line of reasoning makes what they are doing somewhat easier to get your head around and kind of understand where they are coming from (Re: their/Bono's mindset at the moment).