50 Years In, What's the Point of U2? Bono and the Edge Have Answers.
Summary
David Marchese of the New York Times interviews Bono and The Edge in Dublin to celebrate U2’s 50th anniversary and the release of their new album, Carnival de Luz. The conversation explores the band’s enduring legacy, their spiritual influences, and the concept of "defiant joy" as a response to global political turmoil. They also discuss the evolution of their creative process, the challenges of reaching new audiences in the streaming era, and upcoming tour plans that blend shamanism with show business.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: A Few Good Men on Broadway
Introduction: U2 in Dublin and interview setup
Defining the 'best' band and artistic longevity
Pop charts, jealousy, and songwriting standards
Incorporating gospel and faith into rock music
Navigating religious themes without dogma
Reflecting on career peaks and legacy
The song 'Glorify' and its minimal demo
Origins: Larry's kitchen and teenage neurodivergence
Band names, mythology, and early influences
Evolution of the 'Carnival de Luz' album concept
Creating defiant joy as a counter to anxiety
Defiance vs. apathy and the role of rage
Sponsor: A Talent for Murder film
Sponsor: Vanguard bond funds
Protest music without explicit political naming
Confronting evil and the song 'If the World is at War'
The 'People of the Lie' and political commentary
Political polarization and inviting conservatives back
Global health crisis and DOGE cuts impact
Faith, enemies, and the nature of the current crisis
Band dynamics, humor, and embracing failure
Personal quirks and what drives bandmates
Vulnerability of performers and core drives
Songwriting process and iterative creation
Edge's guitar style and opposition to clichés
Music reinvention in a post-Vietnam era
New management strategies and unexpected venues
Dada-like absurdity and tour experimentation
The iTunes experiment and music industry economics
Taking risks and accepting failure
Shamanism, show business, and post-truth era
Two types of silence: contemplative vs. cowed
Love vs. fear and the live show experience
Ticket pricing and challenging the audience
Where the band is in its 50-year story
Why Edge stays: the 'design' of the band
Stage conflicts and the seriousness of music
Closing remarks and production credits
Sponsor: American Petroleum Institute
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