U2

I've been a fan of U2 since their first album, Boy came out in late 1980, when I was just 18. I've followed them, mostly avidly, ever since, though they did sort of lose me around the era.

When I picked up this book, it was in a bargain bin, so it was cheap. I didn't really look at it, but fully expected it to be a quick afternoon read, mostly fluff, with a ton of pictures to fill out the volume.

Damn, was I wrong. This was an in-depth conversation with the four members, with occasional show more interjections from their manager, covering the time from their early childhood right up to the completion and tour for How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.

Though one can obviously never be sure of these things, this does feel very much like a very honest, very much warts-and-all accounting of their time in the world of rock.

Some of things I particularly enjoyed were
- the fact that they never seem to be completely happy with any of their albums, and frequently describe them as something along the lines of, "it was a fantastic idea, but we didn't quite pull it off."
- Bono. He's an interesting individual, who frequently has the longest passages throughout the book. He's often a touch overblown, sometimes says things that come across as dreadfully conceited, but he's very much aware of this. Where he falls with an excess of hyperbole, he makes up with an uncompromising passion for anything he attaches himself to, whether that's being the frontman of a very popular, long-lived band, or getting warring politicians together to hammer out a solution for world debt.
- The band's reaction to Bono. They don't hide their frustration, but they also have learned to trust the man's instincts. They realize that most of the time he's right, and even when he's not, he gets them to a place they didn't expect, but can exploit.
- Their beliefs and personal conduct. Unlike the standard rock band, most of the members of U2 are deeply devout Christians, and conducted themselves accordingly. No trashing of hotel rooms here, though Adam does seem to be the wild card of the bunch.
- Their self-deprecation. For an incredibly successful quartet, the only one who they seem to acknowledge with major talent is Edge. Bono gets some credit for his voice, but most admit that most of the time, they seemed to succeed more on sheer stubbornness than through any talent.

Overall, I learned a hell of a lot more about the band and it was a very interesting ride all along the way. show less

I assume that after the success of Bono's converstaion book, the band tried the same thing. Sometimes it works, sometimes, well, it needs adjusting.

I am a huge U2 fan. Have been since I saw "Gloria" on MTV. So I really enjoyed every insight and thought about the music and the journey. It was fascinating to hear the exchange of ideas, to gauge the input of each member of the band. From that standpoint, I really enjoyed the format, each person's thoughts and words credited. I was fascinated to show more hear their comments on the music after they had time to think about it, play it live, listen to the critics. I was amazed that What I liked, they felt bad about (Pop), and what I hated they felt like was some of their best music (Zooropa).

I discovered, much to my immense relief, that these are thoughtful and passionate men. They are trying to do something, to say something important, to leave the world a better place. I don't always agree, in fact, most of the time I disagree, but I am refreshed that they didn't just "feel like" this was right politically or spiritually. They thought it out, tested it, and are constantly rehashing their beliefs. We may come to different conclusions, but they are stretching for truth and honesty. After reading other autobiographies/biographies (Steve Wozniak and Bruce Springsteen come to mind), I was dismayed at how little they had thought about their politics before wielding the immense influence their gifts gave to them.

I was gratified at the amount of humility they displayed. It gives me hope for humanity...some at least. They have the ability to laugh at themselves and have you laughing with them. (The Bono in New York and Bono in Atlanta stories are worth the price of admission. I laughed so hard I cried). For such an earnest bunch, they are having a lot of fun.

However, the thing that bothered me was the questions left unanswered. The book runs 345 pages, (with a lot of pictures), so it is difficult to say that I wanted more, but that was the feeling I was left with. But I wanted more in very specific situations. I wanted to know more about the faith crisis that brought the band to the brink of collapse. I wanted to hear more about what happened with Adam Clayton the night he didn't show up for the concert, about his way out of that. In fact, at moments I felt the protective layer of glaze that humans use to protect their reputations. We always tell stories in such a way that we come off looking the best possible. Perhaps they are just protecting their private life. Fine, but don't write an autobiography if that is what you want. The only real reason to write is to help others, to move humanity forward. If that is the case, we need much more transpanrency and less magic (I missed the concert and now I am much better...and we all lived happily ever after).

I suppose the reviews tend to focus on what you don't like. Maybe it's just a bent of my own crooked nature. But the sum is this: if you are a U2 fan, you have got to read this book. If you are an aspiring artist, you have got to read this book. If you plan to work on a team that must stay together for decades to be successful, you have got to read this book. They may not lay it out in step by step, self-help format, but it is all there if you look for it. show less

"Miracle Drug" by itself is worth the price of this album. I love that The Edge sings the bridge and sounds so much like Bono.

On another album that I just reviewed, Neil Peart says: "Even love must be limited by time."

On this album, Bono says: "Of science and the human heart, there is no limit." And: "Love makes nonsense of space, and time . . . will disappear, love and logic keep us clear."

I'm sorry, Neil, but I'm going to have to go with Bono on this one!

Great Book -- actually met the entire band at an exclusive book signing and got the book signed. It has some rare photos and interesting anecdotes about the band and their time together.