How marketing and over polishing plague U2

I actually like SOS for what it is.

But it made me think… I don’t think the album would have gotten so much bashing had it been released under the radar, low key, during the pandemic or just after.

Even better, it could have been a perfect U2.com gift.

For such a product, Larry and Adam being in the back seats would have gone unnoticed.

But U2 being U2, they chose to present it as the event of the century, heavily promoted and marketed, with interviews, Disney+ documentary, etc…

It comes in the middle of a post pandemic marketing plan : book then SOS then Las Vegas Sphere a proper new album and probably a worldwide tour… I mean come on, we’re not just consumers.

The only glitch in the machine is Larry. And they handled it very poorly.

U2 are incapable or unwilling to do understated and quiet...or subtle.

Everything has to be "massive"

It is like they are scared that if they don't scream and shout "look at us" they will be forgotten or ignored - or they fear the music alone can't do the talking - so they promote, promote, promote and carry out increasingly elaborate marketing campaigns to push themselves and their work to the public.

It comes across as really needy and desperate.

Somewhat in their defence (although i suppose if it is case they signed up to it and took a bomb load of money so).....how much of it is them having to do it because their LN paymasters demand it for the huge money they gave them for that deal they did.

Regardless u2 act like it is the mid 80's still and they are "the biggest band in the world" or something (whatever that means) and the whole world wants/needs to see them and hear them everywhere - it is to me a bit sad to see really - as i said earlier it looks desperate.

Some people love all that stuff and buy into totally - thing is most of them would likely be the converted anyway...

IMHO a hell of a lot of people likely just roll their eyes and go "oh these pricks again" - fuck knows what the younger generation who would hardly know them make of them - probably in the main just think "who are these old guys" and quickly forget them.

I actually like SOS for what it is.

But it made me think… I don’t think the album would have gotten so much bashing had it been released under the radar, low key, during the pandemic or just after.

Even better, it could have been a perfect U2.com gift.

For such a product, Larry and Adam being in the back seats would have gone unnoticed.

But U2 being U2, they chose to present it as the event of the century, heavily promoted and marketed, with interviews, Disney+ documentary, etc…

It comes in the middle of a post pandemic marketing plan : book then SOS then Las Vegas Sphere a proper new album and probably a worldwide tour… I mean come on, we’re not just consumers.

The only glitch in the machine is Larry. And they handled it very poorly.

Don't believe it was ready during or just after the pandemic.

Suspect Edge was working on it alone. Bono working on his book.

The 4 of them or at least the 2 of them would have wanted to spend time in the studio after the pandemic.

I agree with Soloyan and have said this for a while. This album would make a lot more sense as a U2.com gift or a release without the fanfare. Basically “during the pandemic we revisited some of our songs, while we wait for Larry to heal and for the next album to drop, we thought our fans would enjoy these stripped back takes on some of our songs”.

I’ve never seen a U2 album create so little buzz among the fandom. I talked to a buddy yesterday who’s a fan and told him I was listening to it and he said he already has those songs and isn’t gonna bother. Many long term posters and fans on here aren’t bothering with it. I really don’t get the heavy handed promotion for it. These songs already exist. But like An Tha said, U2 do not know subtle.

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

To be fair i don't think it is the length/physical size of the release that is the issue here - it is the relentless bullshit surrounding it - the endless interviews, promotional shite, appearances on whatever shows blah blah blah.

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I understand they get more streaming revenue per song, but this isn’t gonna generate near the traffic that Drakes release did.

And I really don’t think U2 Inc is “desperate” for income at this point. Nostalgia acts like U2 make their money from playing live, not from albums.

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 10:57:03 AM

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

To be fair i don't think it is the length/physical size of the release that is the issue here - it is the relentless bullshit surrounding it - the endless interviews, promotional shite, appearances on whatever shows blah blah blah.

All part of the “business plan” for this release, IMHO.

A 40 song package like this one would never have happened 15-20 years ago.

But now, with the way revenue is generated with streaming, having that many “new” songs out there means there’s more chances a few of them will end up on playlists, where the real money lies.

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 10:57:03 AM

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I understand they get more streaming revenue per song, but this isn’t gonna generate near the traffic that Drakes release did.

And I really don’t think U2 Inc is “desperate” for income at this point. Nostalgia acts like U2 make their money from playing live, not from albums.

Oh, I agree. They can’t compete with the pull Drake or Taylor have on the general public these days.

But my point is that the whole thing is very much calculated in order to maximize streaming revenue.

And to your last point, they haven’t been on stage (the 4 of them) since late 2019… so I think the accountant will be happy if this generates something significant.

Quote from: So Cruel on March 18, 2023, 11:22:27 AM

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 10:57:03 AM

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I understand they get more streaming revenue per song, but this isn’t gonna generate near the traffic that Drakes release did.

And I really don’t think U2 Inc is “desperate” for income at this point. Nostalgia acts like U2 make their money from playing live, not from albums.

Oh, I agree. They can’t compete with the pull Drake or Taylor have on the general public these days.

But my point is that the whole thing is very much calculated in order to maximize streaming revenue.

And to your last point, they haven’t been on stage (the 4 of them) since late 2019… so I think the accountant will be happy if this generates something significant.

Exactly ! And it’s part of the bigger plan that started with Bono’s book and will reach its peak with a U2 world tour in 2024 and/or 2025.

A lot of band hostages/fans are going to hand over quite a bit of money for the lumps of plastic.  As Prince once said, U2 like their record company.

I've had a taster of the songs on youtube but there's no way I'm going to hand over £30 in cold blood for the album.

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 11:28:50 AM

Quote from: So Cruel on March 18, 2023, 11:22:27 AM

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 10:57:03 AM

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I understand they get more streaming revenue per song, but this isn’t gonna generate near the traffic that Drakes release did.

And I really don’t think U2 Inc is “desperate” for income at this point. Nostalgia acts like U2 make their money from playing live, not from albums.

Oh, I agree. They can’t compete with the pull Drake or Taylor have on the general public these days.

But my point is that the whole thing is very much calculated in order to maximize streaming revenue.

And to your last point, they haven’t been on stage (the 4 of them) since late 2019… so I think the accountant will be happy if this generates something significant.

Exactly ! And it’s part of the bigger plan that started with Bono’s book and will reach its peak with a U2 world tour in 2024 and/or 2025.

No doubt the book was part of the business plan. It had the full U2 Inc machine promoting it, let’s not forget.

Both “SOS” projects came to life mostly because of the pandemic, that’s almost a certainty. The two workaholics in the band needed something to do, creatively speaking. And the corporation needed some revenue.

So here we are, with this very unconventional “compilation” album. Artistically, I believe we have to give them props for trying something different.

Quote from: So Cruel on March 18, 2023, 11:22:27 AM

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 10:57:03 AM

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I understand they get more streaming revenue per song, but this isn’t gonna generate near the traffic that Drakes release did.

And I really don’t think U2 Inc is “desperate” for income at this point. Nostalgia acts like U2 make their money from playing live, not from albums.

Oh, I agree. They can’t compete with the pull Drake or Taylor have on the general public these days.

But my point is that the whole thing is very much calculated in order to maximize streaming revenue.

And to your last point, they haven’t been on stage (the 4 of them) since late 2019… so I think the accountant will be happy if this generates something significant.

U2 Inc will bring in a whole lot of income even when the band is dormant. They get money from streams, radio, basically anywhere their music is played. Then you have to imagine that the bands investments are generating interest/returns. Hell, they got $10m just from signing on to do the Sphere shows.

I would imagine they don't employee too many people who are salaried employees. Likely a small management team / office staff and some personal staff. Rest would likely be more contract based when the band is active.

I think this was more a passion project by the Edge who had the time to dive down the rabbit hole of re-doing a bunch of their songs. We got 40 songs because the Edge was all in and tackled a whole lot for this project. I think the streaming numbers for this album won't be anything to write home about. It's not even generating much buzz among U2 fans.

A lot of band hostages/fans are going to hand over quite a bit of money for the lumps of plastic.  As Prince once said, U2 like their record company.

I've had a taster of the songs on youtube but there's no way I'm going to hand over £30 in cold blood for the album.

Wait a few months, it’ll be in the bargain bin….

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 11:28:50 AM

Quote from: So Cruel on March 18, 2023, 11:22:27 AM

Quote from: MPare1966 on March 18, 2023, 10:57:03 AM

I will add that streaming revenue potential probably has more to do with this lengthy release than anything else.

40 songs will generate lots of streams.

https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-streaming-spotify-scorpion-apple-music-hip-hop-2018-8

It’s basically just a business strategy to generate more income, income that is desperately needed for U2 Inc, at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents.

I understand they get more streaming revenue per song, but this isn’t gonna generate near the traffic that Drakes release did.

And I really don’t think U2 Inc is “desperate” for income at this point. Nostalgia acts like U2 make their money from playing live, not from albums.

Oh, I agree. They can’t compete with the pull Drake or Taylor have on the general public these days.

But my point is that the whole thing is very much calculated in order to maximize streaming revenue.

And to your last point, they haven’t been on stage (the 4 of them) since late 2019… so I think the accountant will be happy if this generates something significant.

U2 Inc will bring in a whole lot of income even when the band is dormant. They get money from streams, radio, basically anywhere their music is played. Then you have to imagine that the bands investments are generating interest/returns. Hell, they got $10m just from signing on to do the Sphere shows.

I would imagine they don't employee too many people who are salaried employees. Likely a small management team / office staff and some personal staff. Rest would likely be more contract based when the band is active.

I think this was more a passion project by the Edge who had the time to dive down the rabbit hole of re-doing a bunch of their songs. We got 40 songs because the Edge was all in and tackled a whole lot for this project. I think the streaming numbers for this album won't be anything to write home about. It's not even generating much buzz among U2 fans.

All valid points, buddy.

But this recent dormant period of more than 3 years was a major setback compared to the 10 years between 2009-2019.

As for your comment on Edge, I completely agree. This is his baby.

On the 40 track thing, I stick with my theory. It’s meant to generate more streams, and hopefully get on some playlists. Time will tell if they succeed.