I hate U2. I hate U2 because of allegations of tax dodging. I hate U2 because wealthy people aren’t allowed to have concerns about poverty. I hate U2 because it makes me politically minded and puts me on another level of rationality in this dumbed down world of ours. But most of all, I hate U2 because it’s cool to do so.
Apparently, the biggest band in the world have just played a Glastonbury set. How can we tell? Not because of the television coverage, advertising or the triumphant set that they effortlessly went on to deliver. We can tell because it was a chance for the cynical internet community to spread some hysterical animosity.
I mean, we all dislike bands here and there. Heck, we might even go as far as hating everything about them. But never have I seen anything quite like the fury that people seem obliged to unleash on U2 or, more specifically, Bono. It’s almost tribal.
Naturally, of course, most preconceptions about U2 are grossly misconceived. My personal favourite is, “Bono is rich, why is he always asking for people’s money for charity.
We all know one of these, in fact, you may be one yourself. But these people are embarrassingly misinformed. In fact, Bono’s only recent appearance on a charity telethon was taking part in a Ricky Gervais Comic Relief sketch, along with Bob Geldof and Jamie Oliver, parodying the seasonal contributors who are merely seeking publicity and a pat on the back.
Notice how these are faces that you never see on Children in Need begging for donations. Because they realise that ‘bottom up’ approaches are needed to tackle poverty in the long run. Think about it; it’s basic GCSE Geography.
The tag line of Bono’s movement, The ONE Campaign, is ‘We’re not asking for your money, we’re asking for your voice.’ It is a non-profit society that aims to increase government support for the Third World through public pressure, not through public donations. You didn’t know that, did you? Very few of these educated haters do.
The ironic truth is that, if Bono were to throw every penny he has at Africa, the hatred would no doubt turn to praise. But it would do nothing for Africa on the grand scale of things.
As for the allegations of tax evasion; they were economically minded enough to recognise that moving a business overseas can save money. What, you mean to say that you wouldn’t do it too if you had the chance? It’s not like they’ve already contributed more money to charity or the tax-man than we will in five lifetimes, is it?
Musically, like any huge band, there is rarely a middle ground in terms of opinion. But you simply can not argue with the songs, nor can you argue with the statistics: Their current tour has been seen by over 6 million people, averaging 66,000 per show on a 110 venue, sold out, world stadium tour.
Some claim that their music is repetitive. But while this is largely down to taste and preference, many of these finger pointers are also Lady Gaga fans; so their opinions are naturally invalid. Besides, I’m sure U2 wont panic if they aren’t invited back to Glastonbury; they play to an audience of their own fans that size every night.
Maybe it’s a generational divide and most people under 30 simply don’t get it. This is both fair and completely understandable. But why the hate campaigns? Why the anger? Any public exposure of the band triggers a mass tribal conflict between fans and the haters. I would wager that if a survey went out, U2 would emerge as more hated than Gaddafi, George Bush or Justin Beiber for that matter.
I suppose there is a certain smugness about hating U2, whether the reasons are based on misinterpreted Chinese Whispers or not. They are a band that it is trendy to hate. So if it makes me cooler, I suppose I’ll have to put my ‘Bono Must Die’ poster right up there next to my portrait of Che Guevara. Aren’t I the non-conformist?
Well-said!
I was prepared upon reading the headline of this by-line to, in fat, be reading another “Bono’s a wanker” article and immediately after flipping the Irish bird at my computer screen, “round-filing” said article and moving on to the next hit in my G-mail inbox…so thank you for rendering me pleasantly surprised this evening.
From charitable giving to the tax issue, this band, in my opinion (and from having worked in the business of rock and roll) is, more often than not, on the right side of the fence and has on its’ surface (and even scratching beneath that surface) one of the most morally correct organizations in the music business.
They have done what has needed to be done to protect their business – as any business owner would do and more power to them for it. Regardless, it does not change the fact that they are still Irish citizens and paying personal income tax in greater amounts than most of us will ever see in our lifetimes.
Really good article, the sad thing is sometimes I think it affects them. For example they mention bands who have a dig at them and praise them (PRIMAL SCREAM) I just think its a shame, as U2 are also a band who are full of praise for good new music and dont have half the malice in them these bands do who slag them off, also people who hate them, try going to see them and then see if you feel the same
that’s my boy! .xx