Does Ireland appreciate U2?

DEFTLEFTHAND

I know we all hate Bono but guys his band had something special going on at one point.

They were legitimately the biggest band in the world.


Their hits are timeless, somewhat like a latter day Beatles imo.

Oink

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I know we all hate Bono but guys his band had something special going on at one point.

They were legitimately the biggest the band in the world.


Their hits are timeless, somewhat like a latter day Beatles imo.

I find the whole I hate Bono thing rather tiring at this stage.

They kinda lost me a bit from/after Zooropa though. I miss the days when they were more rock than pop.

Also, Rattle and Hum! Why is that album not as popular? Dayum there’s some good stuff in there!

AndyBoBandy

I appreciate them as a band, and the fact they made some great hits, and helped shine a light on some of Ireland’s darker issues.

I don’t appreciate the fact they recently tried to build an absolute monstrosity of a vanity project to themselves on the quays.

Maybe leave that for 10 years after your all dead.

I also don’t appreciate them moving their business to Holland to avail of better tax arrangements so as to put an extra few quid in their pockets. its not like they’re short of a few euro. Dublin/Ireland has been very good to U2, yet when money was involved (small change in their grand scheme of things), they upped and f**ked off elsewhere like any big corporate entity would do.

Atoms for Peace

FOAD2U2

Krispie

As above, after Zooropa they changed style too much or me. Used to have albums with few fillers now I scan the album and listen to the 2 or 3 good tracks.

Wait for the posts re tax etc. They are more than a band, they are a business and brand. There is not a successful Irish company who pays good money to accountants that would advise client to pay all duties here. Madness. We would all do same in this position. Look at JP last week, pays feck all tax but all of a sudden gives money to GAA per club and last years charity donations revealed and he's a grand lad, doing good for the country. He's a business getting relief on all donations ffs. My hat goes off to him too.

They have always highlighted good causes, but Bono did go overboard but at same time he got the column inches for whatever the cause. Brings tourists by the busload here, look at windmill lane/Vico Road/Cedarwood etc.

I actually named my kid Joshua after the masterpiece that is.... "The Tree":D

Younger boardies will look and say U-Who??:o

Odhinn

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I know we all hate Bono but guys his band had something special going on at one point.

They were legitimately the biggest band in the world.


Their hits are timeless, somewhat like a latter day Beatles imo.

They don't appeal to me at all. Neither did the beatles.

Fr Tod Umptious

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I know we all hate Bono but guys his band had something special going on at one point.

They were legitimately the biggest band in the world.


Their hits are timeless, somewhat like a latter day Beatles imo.

Back 30 years ago, yea they were very much appreciated, but it has waned over the years.

Think it has something to do with Ireland coming on in the world culturally and economically since then.

We don't have to rely on U2 anymore

Irish Guitarist

The best thing Bono and The Edge ever did was to write this.

i have a few U2 CDs but haven't felt compelled to listen to them in years.

no.8

Irish Guitarist wrote:

The best thing Bono and The Edge ever did was to write this.

Great song but only 1 persons opinion and that's all it will be taken for.

Shower Doctor

U2 are as annoying as Eoin Macdermott.

Oink

Oink wrote: »

Also, Rattle and Hum! Why is that album not as popular? Dayum there’s some good stuff in there!

I always felt that album was a mixed bag- and it probably is because it’s a soundtrack rather than a studio album. A lot of people felt at the time that the just weren’t breaking any new ground. They were simply imitating and indeering themselves with the blues and rock greats that went before them. So some saw it as a cynical ploy of self promotion rather than anything ground breaking
I like some of the sounds but it’s not a classic album by any means

Up to Achtung Baby, before Bono disappeared up his own arse.

Odhinn

Deleted User wrote: »

Up to Achtung Baby, before Bono disappeared up his own arse.

I was indifferent to them until joshua tree, thereafter I couldn't stand the sound of them.

facehugger99

I appreciate how ****e they are - does that count?

Collie D

4 sold out nights in the Point and two in Belfast would indicate they're very much well appreciated nearly 40 years after the release of their first album. And I'd imagine they could easily double that.

I wouldn't compare them to the Beatles, they didn't break any real new ground to the extent the Beatles did, but by any objective measure they're a very good band who have written some wonderful songs (and some duds too). I wouldn't say Bono is the greatest singer in the world but he utilises his (still-above-average) vocal abilities very well. Also I think his heart is in the right place most of the time, though he does often engage his mouth more than his brain and doesn't do himself many favours by coming across as somewhat sanctimonious. Can't say anything too bad about the other lads in the band.

With regards the tax thing, my understanding is that they still do pay a lot of tax in Ireland (as in income tax), it's more the business end of the U2 brand that relocated to the Netherlands. I wouldn't criticise them too much for that, bearing in mind that our own economy currently depends a lot on businesses coming here to avail of our low corporate tax rate.

Does Ireland appreciate U2?

Why should it? They are just another business, and another business which avoids paying taxes to this state for that matter. As such, they are about as worthy of respect as Anthony O'Reilly, Denis O'Brien, Mick Smurfit, John Magnier, Dermot Desmond and all the rest of the tax dodgers.

Titzon Toast

They're a great band that some people love to hate.
I've seen them live a few times and they always put on a great show. That'll do me.

Summer wind

My favorite

Anesthetize

I appreciate Echo and the Bunnymen.

piplip87

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Why should it? They are just another business, and another business which avoids paying taxes to this state for that matter. As such, they are about as worthy of respect as Anthony O'Reilly, Denis O'Brien, Mick Smurfit, John Magnier, Dermot Desmond and all the rest of the tax dodgers.

It's funny they don't pay tax on the U2 revenue which a tiny tiny percentage is raised in Ireland. Bono probably pays more income tax here in a year then you will.pay for.your life.

Arthur Daley

The three behind Bono are under appreciated. Especially the edge. For their music they should be as lauded in Dublin, as the Beatles are in Liverpool. Some day they will be fully recognised as they have 4 times the longevity of the Beatles, even though they couldn't break new ground like the Beatles did 66-70.

Probably the two greatest bands in music history (for their entire body of work) and they come from this same small part of the world.

AndyBoBandy

piplip87 wrote: »

It's funny they don't pay tax on the U2 revenue which a tiny tiny percentage is raised in Ireland. Bono probably pays more income tax here in a year then you will.pay for.your life.

Bono and the boys are probably only on a modest salary (sub 100k), and they’d pay their tax on that.
The Dutch company (which holds all the wealth & profits) probably buys their flights, pays for their hotels and lavish lifestyle, even down to petrol for their cars. Any personal expenses would be tax deductible, so the modest tax they pay on their sub 100k salary would be reduced even further.

Littlehorny

Arthur Daley wrote: »

The three behind Bono are under appreciated. Especially the edge. For their music they should be as lauded in Dublin, as the Beatles are in Liverpool. Some day they will be fully recognised as they have 4 times the longevity of the Beatles, even though they couldn't break new ground like the Beatles did 66-70.

Probably the two greatest bands in music history (for their entire body of work) and they come from this same small part of the world.

^^^This... Your right because I don't think people do appreciate the sheer volume of work that U2 have put out.
Compared to alot of other greats they have consistantly been making music for 40 years. Bands like the Stones haven't wrote material in donkeys.
What I like about U2 also is that they made a pact that the money is evenly split between them and because of this mutual respect they seem to be still good friends to this day.

The Crowman

They should really call it a day at this stage TBH. Creatively they've been a spent force for years.

FFred

It is very cool to say you hate U2. Fact.

donegal_man

Like some of their stuff, not enough to to go see them live but enough to compile a Spotify playlist. As to their tax arrangements, it's no different to what most wealthy people opt to do. Unfortunately Bono does come across as a sanctimonious pain in the neck who seems to believe his own hype.

AllForIt

Erm I think there was one U2 tune I liked back in there day and I can't even remember what that one was now right now.

Irish Guitarist

no.8 wrote: »

Great song but only 1 persons opinion and that's all it will be taken for.

*The opinion expressed by Irish Guitarist regarding the best thing Bono and The Edge ever did is not endorsed by Boards.ie or any other company.

No person or entity associated with this post received payment or anything of value, or entered into any agreement, in connection with the depiction of tobacco products.

No animal was hurt in the making of this post.

touts

I used to like them when they were Irish but then they decided they were Dutch.

Esel

It's Bo-no to his real fans.

"The name is Vox. Bono Vox."

AnneFrank

Bono lost me when he got a des Kelly on his head and high heels on his feet

Eggs For Dinner

Never really in to U2. Admired their achievements more than their music

4068ac1elhodqr

Does U2 (bono) 'appreciate' democracy and civil duties?

He's happy to beg the public for cash for 'charidy', whilst using 'extreme tax avoidance' for himself. Because he's 'worth it'.
He's happy to troll the Swedish Democrats who took about 20% of votes recently, because they don't suit his 'view'.
He's happy to vocally slay the 17.4m brexiteers, without any consideration as to 'why' it actually happened.

Anyone can sing a song or two, it doesn't instantly make you the global voice of reason or wisdom.

Junkyard Tom

Esel

castletownman

What sort of eejit is The Edge that even for his daughter's wedding a few years ago he wouldn't remove that stoopid beanie hat for the occasion?

He must have some case of hat hair by now.

murpho999

touts wrote: »

I used to like them when they were Irish but then they decided they were Dutch.

Seriously who cares where a relatively small company pays its taxes.
They would still pay personal income tax here.

Do you also object to the likes of Apple or Google being based in Ireland to avoid paying taxes in their home countries?

Just judge them on their music.

mossleycnoc

Their album “all that you can’t leave behind” was their last decent one imo- and that was released almost 20 years ago! The downfall was when they became multimillionaire social justice warriors- think that’s when most Irish lost respect and appreciation for them.

Esel

murpho999 wrote: »

Just judge them on their music.

Words by Bono. Music by U2.

mossleycnoc

Their album “all that you can’t leave behind” was their last decent one imo- and that was released almost 20 years ago! The downfall was when they became multimillionaire social justice warriors- think that’s when most Irish lost respect and appreciation for them.

5rtytry56

^^Say no more. Have the CD bought in 2000. Also have the U2 POP CD. Inferior to the former though.

Franz Von Peppercorn

castletownman wrote: »

What sort of eejit is The Edge that even for his daughter's wedding a few years ago he wouldn't remove that stoopid beanie hat for the occasion?

He must have some case of hat hair by now.

I think he has no case of hair now.

Franz Von Peppercorn

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

Bono and the boys are probably only on a modest salary (sub 100k), and they’d pay their tax on that.
The Dutch company (which holds all the wealth & profits) probably buys their flights, pays for their hotels and lavish lifestyle, even down to petrol for their cars. Any personal expenses would be tax deductible, so the modest tax they pay on their sub 100k salary would be reduced even further.

Doubt if Irish tax law facilitated that. It didn’t for my IT company when I consulted. Sure U2 can charge most of the travel and hotel costs of their tours to expenses but bono can’t book a personal flight to his house in Monaco or New York and charge that.

In theory anyhoo. I suppose in practice the 1% can avoid where they like.

10000maniacs

I used to like U2, but when he suggested that all migrants are refugees and of course they are Europe's problem, not Africa's, I puked a little in my mouth.
How are we supposed to pay for er... "refugees" to come here when billionaires like Bono come up with nifty solutions to avoid paying tax in their home country.

Ken Tucky

I wasn't a fan growing up. Not liking U2 was a cool thing to do. Their earlier stuff. post punk wherever wasn't great in my opinion. But in between the albums they had some amazing songs.
Joshua tree happened....yeah good songs but still not for me. Loved Rattle and Hum. Was great that U2 fans didn't lol!
Then wow. Achtung Baby and the ZOO TV shows. Blew my mind. Cool as f**k.
Loved Zooropa. And very fond of pop.
Seen them in Slane2001?? Peppers were on before them. Was very good.
They should give up now though. Their music is bland and boring. Seriously can anybody say these songs of boredom are good.
Anyhow I appreciate what they were. Not what they are now...just like all great bands

piplip87

piplip87 wrote: »

Bono probably pays more income tax here in a year then you will.pay for.your life.

You don't understand how this tax dodging operates, do you? In tax terms Paul Hewson is a mere employee of his company who is paid a very modest salary out of which he pays income tax to the Irish state. The cars, houses and lifestyle expenses that he benefits from are, in tax terms, company expenses. So, yeah, ironically for your ignorance I probably do pay more income tax in absolute terms to the Irish state than Paul Hewson pays.

PS: Congrats on the desire to defend rich parasites. You'd make a great royalist.

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

Bono and the boys are probably only on a modest salary (sub 100k), and they’d pay their tax on that.
The Dutch company (which holds all the wealth & profits) probably buys their flights, pays for their hotels and lavish lifestyle, even down to petrol for their cars. Any personal expenses would be tax deductible, so the modest tax they pay on their sub 100k salary would be reduced even further.

This, exactly.

Scott Tenorman

Bono's solution to ISIS :rolleyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycXFWO8sjZY

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

SoPS: Congrats on the desire to defend rich parasites. You'd make a great royalist.

It’s a thread about U2 and you still manage a bit of shinner-head foaming at the mouth. Well done,

U2 are a great bunch of lads. Fair play to them.

Mookie Blaylock

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

I appreciate them as a band, and the fact they made some great hits, and helped shine a light on some of Ireland’s darker issues.

I don’t appreciate the fact they recently tried to build an absolute monstrosity of a vanity project to themselves on the quays.

Maybe leave that for 10 years after your all dead.

I also don’t appreciate them moving their business to Holland to avail of better tax arrangements so as to put an extra few quid in their pockets. its not like they’re short of a few euro. Dublin/Ireland has been very good to U2, yet when money was involved (small change in their grand scheme of things), they upped and f**ked off elsewhere like any big corporate entity would do.

Why should they pay over the odds in taxes in a country that accounts for less than 1% of their profits.
Any sane artist would do the exact same tbh ..no issues with that at all....they create jobs in the country already and are ploughing €30 million into a new distillery....we should be thanking them, not berating them

AndyBoBandy

Mookie Blaylock wrote: »

Why should they pay over the odds in taxes in a country that accounts for less than 1% of their profits.
Any sane artist would do the exact same tbh ..no issues with that at all....they create jobs in the country already and are ploughing €30 million into a new distillery....we should be thanking them, not berating them

I work for a global multi national, and of the work I do for the company, €0 is earned in Ireland, so by your logic, I shouldn’t pay any tax in Ireland?

What jobs have they created in Ireland?