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September 22, 2006
Fans queue overnight to meet U2
By Mark Savage, Entertainment reporter, BBC News
Hundreds of U2 fans have queued overnight to meet their rock heroes, who were in London to launch their official biography.
After braving a stormy night on the streets of central London, 100 fans managed to secure tickets for the event, joining 150 competition winners from the band's website.
"My boyfriend came down just after midday yesterday," said Sunny Kang, 26, from London. "I met him at six o'clock in the evening and took over and I've been here ever since.
"It was pretty rainy but there was a good group of us, and I managed to get about half an hour's kip which was more than anyone else got."
U2's appearance was only announced on Thursday, and many of the band's devotees dropped everything to dash to London.
The Irish group were due to arrive at book-sellers Waterstones at midday but, in keeping with time-honoured rock tradition, they kept fans waiting for another hour before making an appearance.
Undeterred, the crowd gave them a loud cheer as they emerged from an elevator surrounded by security guards.
But before the band got down to the business of meeting their public, they had to face the press.
Lead singer Bono, who has been a vocal campaigner for third world debt relief, was asked if he planned to give up political activism.
"I would always rather be with a band in a rehearsal room," he told the BBC.
"The activism I do because I can, and I should. What else am I going to do with this rather ridiculous thing called celebrity?
"Hopefully we'll put ourselves out of a job... then pop stars and sports stars and rock stars can stay in bed like they'd really like to."
The 46-year-old singer was more inclined to talk about his group than his high-powered meetings with George Bush and Tony Blair.
He said they had kept working for so long because of "a fear of turning into your worst nightmare.
"In the Seventies, when we grew up, we saw bands lose it, saw it all go to their heads.
"With our band we think we have to justify our existence."
Candid biography
The stadium rockers' book, U2 By U2, puts all that hard work into perspective.
Released on Friday, it is a 350-page history of the group's 30-year career.
Compiled from more than 150 hours of interviews with the four bandmates and "fifth member", manager Paul McGuinness, it also includes many rare photos from the group's personal archive.
It took two years to put together, but on Friday Bono said that he hadn't enjoyed the process.
"I hate it. It's like pulling teeth," he said. "I'm much more interested in the future than the past.
"But this year we thought it was time to take a deep breath, accept we've done some interesting stuff, wrap it up in a bow and put it out there."
Having endured their press commitments, the band finally got round to meeting their fans.
Sunny Kang was first in the queue, and received a kiss from The Edge in recognition of her long wait.
Close behind her was 38-year-old Sean Meek, who had travelled 300 miles from York to meet his idols.
"It's been worth everything," he said. "For 21 years I've been a fan of theirs. I get to meet them and they're just down-to-earth.
"It's just like speaking to my brother or sister. No egos whatsoever.
"I'm going to be awake for the next three days from the adrenaline. It's like being at a concert."
U2 are currently recording their twelfth studio album with Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers producer Rick Rubin.
On Monday, they perform at the re-opening of the Louisiana Superdome, which was the scene of some of the worst suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina last year.
They will play a version of The Skids' 1978 single The Saints Are Coming with punk band Green Day.
The song will also be released as a single for The Edge's charity Music Rising, which helps replace instruments lost in Hurricane Katrina.
Copyright © 2006 BBC. All rights reserved.
Posted by Jonathan at 04:18 AM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2006
Green Day joins U2 at Abbey Road
Earlier last week, U2 and Green Day were sighted on legendary Abbey Road posing for photographs for the cover of their forthcoming single, The Saints Are Coming, a classic 1978 post-punk song by The Skids. On hand to catch the moment on video was Bob Geldof, who was filming proceedings in the studio.
One fan was able to capture several minutes of the day's events and thanks to YouTube.com, we have blogged the video below for your viewing enjoyment.
Posted by Jonathan at 03:13 AM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2006
U2 In Studio With Green Day and More
by Brenda Clemons, U2 Station staff writer
After a long dry period, U2 are active again. Here's the latest:
Of great interest is the confirmation that U2 are in Abbey Road Studios working on a new album with producer Rick Rubin that they say will be released in 2007. (Although we all know how long it really takes U2 to record an entire album). At the Sarajevo Film Festival Bono told reporters, "Edge, right now, is on fire. He is really rockin. He is playing guitar like I've never seen him playing guitar. So, I like to think the best is yet to come."
It is confirmed that U2 are currently in the studio with Green Day. The two groups are collaborating on a cover version of The Skids song, The Saints Are Coming. Proceeds are going to Music Rising. Music Rising donates musical instruments to New Orleans musicians whom lost their possessions during Hurricane Katrina.
It is rumoured that U2 and Green Day will perform together during The September 25 New Orleans Saints home game. This rumour is unconfirmed.
The much anticipated book U2 By U2 is scheduled for release on Sept. 26. The list price is $26.37. The release date of the deluxe edition is scheduled for Dec. 1. The difference between the two is that the deluxe edition will be a limited number edition with a poster.
Also on the horizon is the book, U2 and Philosophy, by Mark Wrothall. The author has previously written several books on philosophy. There is no release date yet but the list price is $25.00.
Both books are available at Amazon.com.
Posted by Brenda at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2006
Bono Politics 101
by Brenda Clemons, U2 Station staff writer
U2 have never been fearful of expressing their political views. Whether it is the political landscape of the Ireland they grew up in or Amnesty Internationals Conspiracy of Hope Tour; U2 have always been in the forefront of activism. Bono especially has been vocal--even going as far as using U2 concerts as a pulpit from which to preach his gospel. If you went to a concert or listen to the news, you have surely heard Bono speak of AIDS, The Millennium Challenge, and odious debt. But, what does it all mean? A person almost has to take a course in political science just to follow along with the dialogue. Here, I will try to simplify things in layman terms.
Odious debt and the Drop the Debt campaign: In 1999 Bono joined a social justice group known as Jubilee 2000. The idea was to have the debts of the worlds poorest countries forgiven by the year 2000. The worlds poorest countries are known as HIPC, or Highly Indebted Poor Countries. The name of Jubilee was taken from a Bible verse in which God commands that every 7 years would be a year of Jubilee (when monetary debts would be forgiven); thus giving everyone a new start. This gained the attention of religious leaders worldwide. Even the Pope joined the bandwagon proclaiming the year 2000 as a year of Jubilee.
During the cold war, rich nations loaned tons of money to struggling countries. These loans were usually given for political reasons and not out of a desire to help. The rich countries gave these loans not caring if the leaders were corrupt or if the loans were not used for the intended purpose. After the cold war, the rich countries pulled out (and most of the corrupt leaders); leaving the poor countries with no way to pay back the debts. Since the loaner country knew first hand that the countries they were loaning to had corrupt leaders and could not repay; those loans are considered by some to be illegitimate (or odious).
The IMF and The World Bank: The IMF and the World Bank are exactly what their name implies. Think of a big bank and it’s lending arm. The world’s richest (nations) have accounts with these financial institutions. The IMF and the World Bank set up regulations concerning HIPC countries. These regulations include high interest rates and unreasonable repayment schedules. When HIPCs fall behind on their payments, they must enter a restructuring agreement. Restructuring of HIPC economies include user fees for schools, water and sewage; as well as unfair trade agreements. The plan has backfired resulting in low school attendance, unsafe drinking water, and deforestation.
The G8. The G8 stands for “Great 8” a name that the 8 most powerful nations use to describe themselves (no big egos there). Annually they get together in a summit to discuss the world’s problems and what they think can be done to fix them.
The Millennium Challenge: A United Nations initiative to eradicate TB and malaria by the year 2015. So far, the Millennium Challenge is behind schedule (partly due to the fact that the US has not contributed it’s share).
DATA--Debt Trade AIDS Africa: Bono decided that special attention should be given to the continent of Africa. DATA lobbies for full funding for the Millennium Challenge and the forgiveness of odious debts. They also want more money for AIDS prevention, education and medication. Trade is given just as much emphasis. If Africa could trade on an equal playing field, they could earn 3 timess as much as they receive in aide.
The One Campaign: Its mission is to educate the public and gather support for DATA’s agenda. Its main arsenal is the One petition. If politicians think that enough voters care about something, they are more likely to take action for fear that they might not be reelected.
Why it matters. First, there’s the moral issue. Currently 30,000 children die every day from starvation and preventable diseases. In Africa, AIDS is creating a nation of orphans bringing up themselves without any adult supervision. Second, a safer world to live in: Poverty and devastation create breathing grounds for terrorists such as Bin Laden. Third, a better environment: The Rain Forest contains many endangered species of animals and plants (including some plants with medicinal qualities). Deforestation contributes to the green house effect.
What you can do: Stay informed by listening and reading as much as possible. You don’t have to agree with Bono’s politics, but at least have an educated opinion. Sign the One petition at www.one.org. Join a Jubilee working group www.jubileeusa.org. Visit the United Nations website www.un.org
Posted by Brenda at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)