Why do people hate U2

blindmelon · 12-10-2014 12:18pm #1

I have a question,
Why do people hate U2 so much. Is it their sound? Bono? Or have they just been around to long. Most bands have dodgy albums in their career. Im a huge Pearl Jam fan and I really like Metallica but they've had some **** albums as well. What is it that gives them credibility while U2 are blacklisted by critics and particularly metal fans (all my mates)

Any thoughts?

Mongfinder General · 12-10-2014 12:20pm

Bono - some people think he's a total a$$hole.

fluke · 12-10-2014 12:21pm

We (as a nation) don't like people getting too ahead of themselves. We like to knock them down a bit and (we) build them back up.

Bono never played by the humble unspoken rules that we ask of people, so as a result he gets burned big time.

Jawgap · 12-10-2014 12:29pm

Mongfinder General wrote: »

Bono - some people think he's a total a$$hole.

Yep - Bono!!

I like their music and don't mind paying through the nose to go to their gigs but it irritates me when having paid over my hard earned cash we get treated to lectures about Africa, videos of Desmond Tutu etc Just play the music.

If I wanted to hear a sermon I'd go to mass.

If he's that concerned donate the profits from the gig!

lord lucan · 12-10-2014 12:44pm

Jawgap summed it up perfectly for me. Like some of their earlier stuff but bono just winds me right up.

Mantis Toboggan · 12-10-2014 12:50pm

I like u2, find them innovative and they're still producing quality tunes. However they're newer music gets slated while other bands who have been around for as long as u2 haven't released a decent song in 20 years get heralded.

Think it's the refusal of Bono to pay tax in the country and they're link with Apple who are gradually becoming a hated company.

EireGreg · 12-10-2014 12:52pm

I dont hate U2, i just hate bono thats all.

Jawgap · 12-10-2014 1:03pm

Buddy Holly wrote: »

I like u2, find them innovative and they're still producing quality tunes. However they're newer music gets slated while other bands who have been around for as long as u2 haven't released a decent song in 20 years get heralded.

Think it's the refusal of Bono to pay tax in the country and they're link with Apple who are gradually becoming a hated company.

I don't mind the tax avoidance or the link up with Apple (or the deal with Live Nation) - that's just good business, but when it's combined with the pontificating, the preaching and the moralising it gets up my nose.

The real shame is, I think, if they focused on the music and dropped the peripheral activities, they probably still have a couple of good albums in them that would be both critically and commercially successful - if they gave themselves a chance.

blindmelon · 12-10-2014 5:02pm

Guys, this is really interesting. I actually discovered U2 in between Rattle & Hum and Achtung Baby, Rattle and Hum was my first ever album. I think in those days U2 we're writing better songs.

Personally I didn't like the Desmond tu tu/yoda speech in the middle of the 360 gig. I hear though on the new tour they're going back doin indoor arenas. I think id prefer to see them in that environment.

One thing i'll say about U2, they're still playing guitars and while they're music mightn't be a raw as we'd like it to be, its better then the plastic pop X Factor manufactured thrash that just seems to be everywhere.

Cyber Ghost · 12-10-2014 5:03pm

Cause bono is a cúnt

The Wild Bunch · 12-10-2014 5:06pm

Bono

Small man syndrome. Short arsed muppet

endacl · 12-10-2014 5:07pm

I remember the hate starting in the Dublin of the 1980s, with the FOAD2U2 scrawls on walls all over town. Cheek of them. Bunch of lads who grew up in Ireland having the gall to imagine they could be successful. I'm not a huge fan. Well, not really any kind of fan at all, but I do admire what they've achieved.

What are Paranoid Visions up to these days? FAIRPLAY2U2.

rubberdiddies · 12-10-2014 5:14pm

Buddy Holly wrote: »

I like u2, find them innovative and they're still producing quality tunes. However they're newer music gets slated while other bands who have been around for as long as u2 haven't released a decent song in 20 years get heralded.

Think it's the refusal of Bono to pay tax in the country and they're link with Apple who are gradually becoming a hated company.

This is the misconception that makes people hate bono and by association U2. For some reason, people can't separate U2 the company from Bono, larry, Adam and edge the individuals.

A certain portion of U2 the company's business (ie: the publishing arm) pay business tax in holland.

That company then pays wages to Bono, larry, Adam and edge, all of whom are resident in Ireland and all of whom pay income tax in Ireland.

It's really not that difficult to understand but the ignorant people who simply want to knock them conveniently choose to omit that when saying that Bono doesn't pay tax in Ireland. It doesn't suit their high horse argument.

That, in my opinion is why people don't like U2. It's a uniquely Irish thing though. Other counties applaud success and encourage it

Darkest Horse · 12-10-2014 5:18pm

I don't think people hate U2 at all. I'm proud of them and believe we all should be.

12-10-2014 5:21pm

I don't hate u2. But their music is not of interest for me. Bono seems a bit self important but I think that anybody would.

Greenmachine · 12-10-2014 5:27pm

rubberdiddies wrote: »

This is the misconception that makes people hate bono and by association U2. For some reason, people can't separate U2 the company from Bono, larry, Adam and edge the individuals.

A certain portion of U2 the company's business (ie: the publishing arm) pay business tax in holland.

That company then pays wages to Bono, larry, Adam and edge, all of whom are resident in Ireland and all of whom pay income tax in Ireland.

It's really not that difficult to understand but the ignorant people who simply want to knock them conveniently choose to omit that when saying that Bono doesn't pay tax in Ireland. It doesn't suit their high horse argument.

That, in my opinion is why people don't like U2. It's a uniquely Irish thing though. Other counties applaud success and encourage it

Show me some numbers to back up this statement.

rubberdiddies · 12-10-2014 5:30pm

Greenmachine wrote: »

Show me some numbers to back up this statement.

Is that a serious question?
Research it

a hint though: anyone who earns income and is resident in Ireland must pay tax here.

Denis O Brien for example is a tax exile. Bono isn't. Not yet anyway

Edit: anyway it's kinda going off topic. I believe the majority of Irish people who don't like U2, actually don't like Bono and by association U2. I don't feel it's anything to do with music. I'm not their biggest fan (of their music) by a long shot but I have no reason to 'hate' them

Mr ratbag · 12-10-2014 5:32pm

no matter what bad names you call bono or what terrible things you say about him its still not enough

Mister Vain · 12-10-2014 5:34pm

I don't hate Bono as much as a lot of other people. What's more disappointing is the fact that they descended into mediocrity after been such a great band. They haven't had a good song since Beautiful Day IMO.

Vinnie L · 12-10-2014 5:35pm

It's Jealously more than anything else.
That and the fact their later music has generally been lazy crap glossed over with passed reputation.

rubberdiddies · 12-10-2014 5:38pm

Vinnie L wrote: »

It's Jealously more than anything else.
That and the fact their later music has generally been lazy crap glossed over with passed reputation.

I don't think it's lazy because I believe they spend 2 to 3 years writing and recording. I think yet certainly put the work in but that doesn't necessarily mean they can still produce the goods. On saying that though there are a couple of songs on the new album that I really like. And there's one to b released on the vinyl version that I heard the other day and think its a great song (can't remember the name of it though)

FourFourRED · 12-10-2014 5:39pm

Some people find it a cool thing to do, demonstrate hate for U2.

For me, I can take them or leave them. The music is ok but I don't want to be those types who shout their hate of U2 from the rooftops.

Dr Turk Turkelton · 12-10-2014 5:44pm

Nothing to do with jealousy in fact I actually don't mind their music.
The reason I don't like U2 is because of the little sh1tehawk lecturing us about Africa and having the ear of works leaders just because he was a good singer years ago.
If I wanted to listen to lectures I would have paid attention in school not gone to concerts.
His tax avoidance is his own business as I'm sure it's all legal.

tldr: shut the fcuk up about Africa and sing songs.

Vinnie L · 12-10-2014 5:46pm

Dr Turk Turkelton wrote: »

Nothing to do with jealousy in fact I actually don't mind their music.
The reason I don't like U2 is because of the little sh1tehawk lecturing us about Africa and having the ear of works leaders just because he was a good singer years ago.
If I wanted to listen to lectures I would have paid attention in school not gone to concerts.
His tax avoidance is his own business as I'm sure it's all legal.

tldr: shut the fcuk up about Africa and sing songs.

What about all the other celebrity's that speak out on these issues, do you rant about them as well ?

Dr Turk Turkelton · 12-10-2014 5:50pm

Vinnie L wrote: »

What about all the other celebrity's that speak out on these issues, do you rant about them as well ?

Do they have the ear of world leaders?
Do they address G8 summits?

No they talk a bit of crap on TV3 morning show which no one watches so they can be roundly ignored.

Vinnie L · 12-10-2014 5:57pm

Dr Turk Turkelton wrote: »

Do they have the ear of world leaders?
Do they address G8 summits?

No they talk a bit of crap on TV3 morning show which no one watches so they can be roundly ignored.

You need to watch more than TV3 if you believe that

Mister Vain · 12-10-2014 6:01pm

Bob Geldof is far more annoying than Bono btw.

Larry Wildman · 12-10-2014 6:05pm

Famous guy could just sit on a beach in Barbados.

Instead he uses his fame to raise awareness and funding in relation to Africa and similar issues.

How dare he...

endacl · 12-10-2014 6:11pm

Mister Vain wrote: »

Bob Geldof is far more annoying than Bono btw.

Yeah, but he's a 'Sir', so sold-out west-brit something something rant rant?

Plus, he made his millions behind the scenes, so he's not as easy a target.

Larry Wildman · 12-10-2014 6:14pm

Yeah, what's Geldof ever done for anyone?

As far as I know he just lived an excessive musician's life, made a truckload of cash producing tv programmes and never ever did anything meaningful or undertook any kind of project to help those less well off than him.

What a selfish so and so...

Cienciano · 12-10-2014 6:20pm

No one dislike them because of the boring bland generic "rock" sound of theirs? Around the mid 90's they stopped being a band and became a business.
I hate bono, but I really dislike john lennon and Roger waters, but love the Beatles and pink floyd. Its a lot more than bono being a wánker

Vinnie L · 12-10-2014 6:20pm

Neither of them would be my type of person, but I never really understood the harm in the likes of Geldof or Bono speaking out on these issues, it makes a change from ignoring and accepting them.

Mister Vain · 12-10-2014 6:24pm

endacl wrote: »

Yeah, but he's a 'Sir', so sold-out west-brit something something rant rant?

Plus, he made his millions behind the scenes, so he's not as easy a target.

Sir or no sir, he's still annoying. He was even annoying on Top Gear.

Cyber Ghost · 12-10-2014 6:47pm

endacl wrote: »

I remember the hate starting in the Dublin of the 1980s, with the FOAD2U2 scrawls on walls all over town. Cheek of them. Bunch of lads who grew up in Ireland having the gall to imagine they could be successful. I'm not a huge fan. Well, not really any kind of fan at all, but I do admire what they've achieved.

What are Paranoid Visions up to these days? FAIRPLAY2U2.

What does FOAD2U2 mean?

porsche959 · 12-10-2014 6:58pm

Cienciano wrote: »

No one dislike them because of the boring bland generic "rock" sound of theirs? Around the mid 90's they stopped being a band and became a business.

Around the mid 90's they stopped being a band and became a business

See, tbh, this is just naive. U2 always were run as a business. All successful rock groups are, really. I'm pretty sure they are on the record as saying they went with McGuinness as manager because his pragmatism and commercial awareness impressed them from day one.

I do agree with about you their sound being bland and generic in recent years. Seemingly this was a reaction to the poor sales of 'Pop' in the US market. Personally I loved that album but it was too much for the conservative US fanbase.

Sciprio · 12-10-2014 7:03pm

All because of you, all because of you.

Larry Wildman · 12-10-2014 7:04pm

Cienciano wrote: »

No one dislike them because of the boring bland generic "rock" sound of theirs? Around the mid 90's they stopped being a band and became a business.
I hate bono, but I really dislike john lennon and Roger waters, but love the Beatles and pink floyd. Its a lot more than bono being a wánker

Yeah, 'cause bands like the Stones and AC/DC are all about the music man...zero commerciality about them.

endacl · 12-10-2014 7:08pm

Cyber Ghost wrote: »

What does FOAD2U2 mean?

Fcuk off and die to U2. Dublin can possibly claim to have invented txtspk!

Icaras · 12-10-2014 7:09pm

It thinks its because they (or us maybe) hype up their new albums saying they have gone back to their Joshua Tree or Achtung baby days gets me all excited and then the release another generic rock album that starts off with everyone saying its great and then 6 months later realising its poor.

Cyber Ghost · 12-10-2014 8:07pm

Apparently the FOAD2U2 campaign was started by paranoid visions!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_Visions

Lyger · 12-10-2014 8:26pm

fluke wrote: »

We (as a nation) don't like people getting too ahead of themselves. We like to knock them down a bit and (we) build them back up.

Bono never played by the humble unspoken rules that we ask of people, so as a result he gets burned big time.

I have heard of this view - I don't agree with it.
What about Phil Lynott? There isn't disdain towards him.

I don't despise Bono the way some do, but he can be very smug and pontificating; it's nothing to do with him doing well.

U2 were brilliant in the first half of the 80s and remained good until the early 90s. But since the late 90s they've become quite bland and samey (with the odd exception) in my opinion - they just seem to be using a template and churning the same kind of thing out over and over, based on that template. Same with lots of bands/artists of course.
So I wouldn't say I hate U2, but they just don't appeal to me anymore.

AllGunsBlazing · 12-10-2014 9:56pm

fluke wrote: »

We (as a nation) don't like people getting too ahead of themselves. We like to knock them down a bit and (we) build them back up.

Bono never played by the humble unspoken rules that we ask of people, so as a result he gets burned big time.

All of that. And the fact the he is really a bit of a twat.

fluke · 12-10-2014 10:15pm

Egg Council Guy wrote: »

I have heard of this view - I don't agree with it.
What about Phil Lynott? There isn't disdain towards him.

I don't despise Bono the way some do, but he can be very smug and pontificating; it's nothing to do with him doing well.

U2 were brilliant in the first half of the 80s and remained good until the early 90s. But since the late 90s they've become quite bland and samey (with the odd exception) in my opinion - they just seem to be using a template and churning the same kind of thing out over and over, based on that template. Same with lots of bands/artists of course.
So I wouldn't say I hate U2, but they just don't appeal to me anymore.

Phil was a bit more of a man's man, he was a rocker. That how he's remembered. Same as Rory Gallagher. These guys were purely about the music.

On the other hand Bono and the guys don't really come across like that. I think a key problem with them is they are not relatable.

bnt · 12-10-2014 11:00pm

U2 is to me as Ronald Reagan was to the Democratic Party: "I didn't leave them, they left me". The albums from Unforgettable Fire to Pop still sound great to me today, but then I don't know what happened. Then they stopped using Brian Eno and/or Daniel Lanois & friends for production, which might explain a few things ...

(I'm surprised that no-one's mentioned that half of U2 are, literally, "West Brits" born in the UK.)

TheShow · 12-10-2014 11:02pm

Bono is the main reason

blackdog2 · 12-10-2014 11:25pm

Original sounding band (powered by a guitarist with an affection for 15 million delay pedals) turning into rock by numbers tripe and releasing three more albums afterwards

seachto7 · 13-10-2014 12:48pm

I was flicking through the radio and heard a new song on one channel followed by New Years Day on another channel. The obvious difference in quality would be plain to anyone with a passing interest in the band.
Not really a fan of the band.

adox · 13-10-2014 1:33pm

I hate the "jealously" and" we love to knock our own" lines.

How about their music is ****e, always has been, not my cup of tea.

Its as simple as that really.

The Humble Sausage · 13-10-2014 1:50pm

fluke wrote: »

We (as a nation) don't like people getting too ahead of themselves. We like to knock them down a bit and (we) build them back up.

Bono never played by the humble unspoken rules that we ask of people, so as a result he gets burned big time.

That's not an exclusively Irish trait. Every nation does it. The proof is that it seems Bono is not very well liked anywhere in the world.
Personally I think hes a bit of a knob but he is the lead man in the biggest band in the world and he seems no more of a pric or have any bigger a head than the captain of your local junior football team.

Links234 · 13-10-2014 1:59pm

I definitely agree it's not just an Irish thing, Bono gets the piss ripped out of him everywhere, even on South Park and Family Guy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJXqnYCWW7Y

Greenmachine · 13-10-2014 2:07pm

rubberdiddies wrote: »

Is that a serious question?
Research it

a hint though: anyone who earns income and is resident in Ireland must pay tax here.

Denis O Brien for example is a tax exile. Bono isn't. Not yet anyway

Edit: anyway it's kinda going off topic. I believe the majority of Irish people who don't like U2, actually don't like Bono and by association U2. I don't feel it's anything to do with music. I'm not their biggest fan (of their music) by a long shot but I have no reason to 'hate' them

Of course it is a serious question.

Why do people hate U2

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