Random U2 Quote

"At a certain point, I just felt, you know, God is not looking for alms, God is looking for action."

Bono

Edge presents Peter Gabriel with human rights award

U2 guitarist The Edge presented Peter Gabriel with Amnesty International's 2008 Ambassador of Conscience award at a ceremony at the Hard Rock Cafe in London onSeptember 10.
The award was given to Gabriel in recognition of his work for human rights. The Edge is a past winner, as is Nelson Mandela and Mary Robinson.
Anmesty International announced that they will be organising gigs all over the world, to take place between September 10 and Human Rights Day on December 10.
The line-up for the gigs, billed as the Small Places Tour, has not been announced yet.
Accepting the award, Peter Gabriel said: "It was through the tours for Amnesty International that I first met many people around the world engaged in human rights work.
"It was these people and their extraordinary stories of suffering and courage that I found impossible to walk away from, so the Ambassador of Conscience award means a great deal to me."

source:http://www.nme.com/news/u2/

9/11 2001-Never forget!!

U2 honours 9/11 victims at Super Bowl show

(BRETT MARTEL / Associated Press) -- NEW ORLEANS -- U2 had the Super Bowl halftime stage all to itself Sunday, and the Irish rockers delivered a moving tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Lead singer Bono walked onto the field with a slow, shoulder-wagging swagger, singing the group's recent hit, Beautiful Day, as he climbed onto the point of a pink, heart-shaped catwalk that surrounded the stage. As the first song wound down, a giant screen scrolled the names of victims in the attacks, and the group broke into the 1980s hit, Where the Streets Have No Name. The names also reflected in overlapping patterns across the stands, which were dark, save for the countless camera flashes. Unlike glitzy halftime shows of the past, the effects were limited to standard strobe lights. But all attention was on Bono, who pulled back his lapel to reveal the lining of his jacket -- an American flag -- to the roars of the crowd. Sunday's pre-game lineup opened with the Boston Pops. Wearing white coats and black bow ties, the musicians drew enthusiastic applause when they finished their first session with Stars and Stripes Forever. The pre-game lineup also featured Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow, Marc Anthony, Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, James Ingram, Wynonna, Yolanda Adams and Mariah Carey. Canadian group Barenaked Ladies along with No Doubt were featured in a tailgate party segment on Fox earlier in the afternoon. Carey, wearing a long, royal blue dress, performed the game's national anthem for the first time, her renowned high inflection peppering several verses. As she sang with the stadium lights down, fans in the Superdome's three levels held red, white and blue glow sticks, respectively, from top to bottom. A giant American flag in the shape of the United States was unfurled on the field. Producers said most of the musical performers pre-recorded their soundtracks to reduce the possibility of technical problems. However, U2, played live. The pre-game show also included a video of current and former star players reading the Declaration of Independence. In another video, former presidents Carter, Clinton, Ford and Bush joined Nancy Reagan in quoting Abraham Lincoln. The videos concluded with fans chanting "U-S-A!" McCartney, who was in New York when the hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, sang his Sept. 11-inspired song, Freedom. He took the stage, acoustic guitar in hand, as cheerleaders with silver, glittering pom-poms spelled out "freedom" across the field. Others marched with dozens of flags from other countries. "I'm proud to be here and stand up with America," McCartney said in a TV interview shortly before halftime ended. Earlier, LaBelle, Ingram, Wynonna and Adams joined Manilow in singing Let Freedom Ring, a song Manilow wrote years ago to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.

source: http://www.macphisto.net

My U2 (Musical) Journey

People don’t even ask me whom my favourite band is anymore … they know the answer already … it’s U2 of course. Whenever one of their songs play on the radio, one of my friends or family either call or send me a text message to say, ‘your Boys are playing on the radio, are you listening?’ And the answer would most often be, ‘of course I’m listening!’

How is it that an Irish rock band conquered my heart? Well … there is not really an interesting story attached to my fascination with these 4 gifted men … to be perfectly honest, up to about 3 years ago, the names Bono, Larry, Adam & Edge = U2, rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Although I didn’t know too much about them, I loved hearing their songs on the radio. ‘With or without you’ were THE song that attracted me to U2 … the haunting intro notes always render me helpless when I hear it … and the live version of this song … it’s like being transported and elevated to a spiritual place.

I first started taking serious notice of the 4 Irishmen back in late 2001 when my daughter gave me the ‘All that you can’t leave behind’ album as a present – obviously I skipped the tracks I didn’t know and only listened to the known ones … it was only many months later when I discovered the stunning beauty of ‘Kite’ and the incredible drumbeat and guitar riff of the chorus of ‘New York’ … rather late than never, I maintain … and that was the start.

I bought ‘How to dismantle an atomic bomb’ in 2005, and once again, the songs that weren’t released as singles in South Africa, notably ‘City of blinding lights’ soon became my favourite song off the album. ‘Sometimes you can’t make it on your own’ has a very special place in my heart, because in 2003, my father passed away very unexpectedly, and I finally found a song that could voice the emptiness I feel whenever I think of my father.

On Christmas Eve 2004, one of our TV stations aired ‘U2 Go Home – Live from Slane Castle (2001)’ and I stayed up way past midnight to watch this spectacular, and yet intimate live show recorded a week after Bono’s father’s passing away. That was it … I had to get a copy of the DVD & after weeks of hounding and pestering our CD shops, I finally managed to lay my hands on a copy … and I might add, from all the concert DVD’s I have, ‘Live at Slane Castle’ is still my favourite live performance. There is something so … spiritual (for the lack of a better word) about the band’s performance in front of their home crowd … from the moment the band comes on stage, you just KNOW it was going to be a performance like you’ve never seen before … and in my humble (and personal) opinion … I don’t think the band could ever equal that day … that concert in their own territory.

Ensuring the band has a good source of income from a fan in the southern tip of Africa, I have since spent so much money on CD’s & DVD’s … and I guess some people would see it as a complete waste, but not to me … their music is what makes MY heart happy … and in the end that’s all that matters, not so?

I became fascinated with the band’s earlier music after buying the ‘Rattle and Hum’ DVD … and because of this, I’ve discovered my own and U2’s stories … and what a (musical) journey it is! The R&H era completely captivated me, and I think I still ‘prefer’ Bono and the ‘Boys’ from this era, way before all the glamour and glitz took over and capitulated them into super stardom. I love the performance footage of the band touring the US, but my favourite is the off-the-record chats the producer has with them … and I smile every time when I see Larry, trying so hard to remain serious, how the movie, in his opinion, was ‘a musical journey’ – the look on his face … priceless!

I became somewhat of a U2 ‘fundi’ (according to those who know me) and for my birthday in 2007, my children clubbed together and bought me what I refer to as ‘The U2 Bible’ – I refer to ‘U2 By U2’ of course … one of the BEST presents I could ever get from anyone! THE BOOK (as a e-mail friend &I call it) is such a rich discovery of the band, the individual members and their story with its humble beginnings. I can highly recommend it to anyone who’s a fan or to those curious to know HOW U2 has managed to get to the top and are still hailed as ‘the best band in the world’ … you will not be disappointed, I can guarantee that!

I got U2’s very first album, ‘Boy’ as an early Christmas present (in October!) from my youngest daughter, and when I listened to it for the very first time, I was amazed to discover that, even back in 1980, U2 had absolutely everything to make it to the top … and boy, did they ever!

My e-mail friend sent me a link to YouTube a few months ago, and did that video change my live … I’m referring to U2’s outstanding live performance on Sat, 13th July 1985 at Wembley Stadium when they did their bit for Sir Bob Geldof’s ‘Live Aid’. Those few minutes are etched into my heart and memory forever … the version of ‘Bad’ (where Bono did his ‘leap of faith’ and disappeared from stage for a few minutes to hug a girl from the audience) is my all-time favourite version of the song. I don’t think any performance, or any song for that matter, has touched me as deeply as this one … and to think the rest of the band wanted to fire Bono for his efforts!

I subsequently have in my current U2 collection:

Vertigo – Live in Chicago 2005
U2 go home – Live from Slane Castle
Rattle and Hum
The Elevation Tour – Live from Boston 2001
The U2 18 Singles DVD
How to dismantle an atomic bomb (limited edition DVD)
U2 – The best of 1990 – 2000 music videos DVD
PopMart

All that you can’t leave behind
How to dismantle an atomic bomb
The Joshua Tree
Achtung Baby
U2 – The greatest hits 1980 – 1990
U2 – The greatest hits 1990 – 2000
U218 Singles
U2 Live – Under a blood red sky
War
The unforgettable fire
Boy


What makes U2 so special to me? Well … let’s see … I will try sum it up in a few words …

Bono – for his masterful lyrics, telling a story and conveying emotions so well … his voice that transports me to another place …for closing the gap between performer and audience … for his amazing work in Africa, for fighting for justice and equality … for being so human … and the beautiful soul he is … and not apologising for it.

Adam – the bassist wearing an enigmatic smile when performing. To me he is a Zen master … he’s discovered the secret of the Universe and is NOT sharing … for making me notice how powerful and important the bass is in any song ... for giving me the courage to understand a simple truth … live does get better the older you are!

Edge – or shall I say, ‘Mr. The Edge’ – the man who has defined the unique U2 guitar sound … for being so grounded and humble … for giving his all when recording and performing … for making me want to get up and dance … for just being the best damn guitarist out there today!

Larry – what do I say about the man who started it all? I don’t think Larry ever realised just how HUGE ‘his band’ would become when he put up a piece of paper on the school notice board all those years ago. The strong, silent one … the glue that keeps the band together … the ‘brakes’ of the band as Bono is so fond of saying. To me he is the ‘X’ factor … the unknown one … the man who prefers staying behind the scenes ... the man who stirs my imagination when I see his eyes …

THANK YOU Larry, for taking that step, because if you didn’t … the world wouldn’t have had U2 and the music in their lives … and what a sad state of affairs it would be!


With word that U2 will not be releasing their long-awaited new album in October as previously announced (it’s provisionally been moved to Feb ’09), I’m eagerly awaiting the new songs from my favourite band. I know the wait will be worth it … and if what I’ve read on other U2 fan sites are true, then we can only expect the very best from them … as Bono once said in an interview, “we know who pays our salaries” … and that is a humble admission … thank you Bono!

I look forward ‘swaying to the music’ once again when the world hears the magic that would surely never fade into oblivion.

I would like to extend an open invitation to Bono, Larry, Adam and Edge to visit our fair shores when U2 goes on a world tour in 2009 … I know you’ve been here in 1997 (with PopMart) but guys, please … your fans here in South Africa would LOVE to see you perform here again … we will welcome you with open arms & make you feel right at home … I would even go so far as saying that Nelson (Madiba) Mandela & Archbishop Desmond Tutu (The Arch) would applaud your return … this time not to find a solution to the world AIDS crises … but to give us something to hold onto … a night we’d never forget.

PLEASE SAY YES!

U2 Disc Pushed Back to 2009

Those of us who have been waiting for a U2 album in October 2008 will have to wait more patiently still.According to some sources the disc will now be released in the early stages of 2009, rather than over the holiday season, which was the original plan. U2 has written fifty to sixty tacks worth of material as they worked on this project.
“We’ve hit a rich songwriting vein and we don’t want to stop...I thought a while back we might have the album wrapped by now, but why come up above ground now if there's more priceless stuff to be found?," Bono writes on U2.com

Fans surely don´t want them to stop!!!

Bono goes on:

"The last two records were very personal, with a kind of three piece at their heart, the primary colors of rock -- bass, guitars and drum," he says. "But what we're about now is of the same order as the transition that took us from 'The Joshua Tree' to 'Achtung Baby.'"

Wow!!! That certainly WAS a transition! If it´s going to be as good as Achtung I guess we can wait for a while, can´t we?

And he concludes:

"I'm always the one who underestimates how easy it is to simply 'put out the songs now.' If it was just up to me they'd be out already!.But early next year people will be able to start hearing what we've been doing. We want 2009 to be our year, so we're going to start making an impression very early on."

So let´s wait for a new album that according to a source who has heard several of the works-in-progress describes them as "amazing and a little out there. I hope they don't change anything."

I hope so too!!!

source:http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news

QUEEN: C-LEBRITY SINGLE OUT !!!

After being together since 2004 Queen & Paul Rodgers have released their first studio album. The last one was "Made in Heaven" after Maestro Freddie Mercury passed away in November,1991.

The album is called "The Cosmos Rocks" and the first single realesed yesterday is called C-LEBRITY. The album will be accompanied of a World tour ,"Rock the Cosmos tour" starting in Moscow on 16th September and finishing in Brazil on 30th November,2008. After 27 years the band will play in South America again, where they expect to perform before 1,000,000 people in Rio de Janeiro.

Although for many fans "Queen is not the same without Freddie", even for former bassit John Deacon, Paul Rodgers has never pretended to become the new Freddie Mercury and he has given the band a brand new voice, powerful and exciting, yet different.

Queen aren't the first band to continue working after the death or disappearance of their front men, but to varied success. Joy Division achieved greater commercial standing as New Order after Ian Curtis's suicide, and Pink Floyd reached new heights after Sid Barrett left the band, due to drug abuse and mental illness. As Queen´s drummer,Roger Taylor, said:

"It's, it's music. It's about having fun and you know, people get up tight about it. They should just loosen up."

This is the billboard that has appeared in the city of Buenos Aires,Argentina..."After 27 years...Queen + Paul Rodgers in Velez, 21st November"

Queen and U2 shared many things in common: the stage in Live Aid 85(it´s very funny to read the way Bono and Mercury met in U2 by U2 )in Live 8 2005, Mandela´s birthday celebration, and the fight against AIDS especially.Their song "Say it´s not true" (released for the commemoration of Internatioanl Aids day in the 46664 HIV AIDS campaing ) is a reminder that all of us can do something for the victims of the virus. Besides they founded The Mercury Phoenix Trust , in honour of their deseased friend who died of the illness, a charity organisation that fights AIDS worldwide.

I´m sure their new album is going to be a blast and so will his worldwide tour!!!

source:http://www.brianmay.com/queen/queennews/queennews.html

The Hype and The Feedback: a conference exploring the music,work and influence of U2

Hosted by the Department of Language and Literature and the School of Humanities of Cedarville University and @U2 the first conference on U2 or any related subject will be held on May 13-15 2009 in New York city,The Marriott Marquis, Times Square.

It´s aimed at scholars, teachers, students, journalists, clergy, musicians and intellectually curious U2 fans.

The newsletter of the call for papers reads..."for more than 30 years, U2 has asked us to look at the world, wrestle with ourselves and then dream out loud. From “I Will Follow” and “Running to Stand Still,” to “The Wanderer,” “Walk On,” and “One Step Closer,” U2 has charted the human heart and the ways of the world, calling out some of their more dynamic points of intersection. While doing so, they have created what Bruce Springsteen described as "some of the most beautiful sonic architecture in rock and roll."

"A band of paradoxes, ironies, ambition and sincerity, their influence in the worlds of music, entertainment, popular culture, humanitarian relief and the global politics of peace and social justice should be the stuff of spirited conversation. Hype? Feedback? Or the real thing? Come join the conversation as we see what U2 has done."

A very interesting subject to deal with, I think many important papers will be read. Speakers from different areas are expected: Anthony DeCurtis,contributing editor at Rolling Stone, James Henke, Steve Turner, Cathleen Falsani, Matt McGee, creator of @U2, among others.

Call for papers (up to Novermber 1st 2008)

Proposals for papers,presentions or panels on any topic relating to the music, work or influence of U2 that would appeal to an audience of scholars,students, journalists,musicians,intellectually curious fans of U2.

Suggested areas:

Lyrical/textual studies

The business of rock ’n’ roll

Music composition

Music and cultural engagement

The performance of rock ’n’ roll

The Spirit in/of rock ’n’ roll

Artist, audience and fan dynamics

Peace efforts and social justice

Art and the rock aesthetics
The rock star activist

Artistic collaboration

The multi-genre modern rock star

Technology in the studio/on the stage

Notions of celebrity and fame

Sounds like a fascinating conference... I just wonder what the band will think about it????will they make a special guest appearance?? We´ll have to wait until May next year to see the results of this. Meanwhile we can start thinking about a paper to present...

for more info:http://www.u2conference.com