Q&A on U2.com

Remember that U2.com/MSN Q&A thing? Well, Jo Whiley’s talked to U2, asking them YOUR questions between 8 and 9 pm GMT today. U2achtung.com is offering the full interview as a download in three parts: Part 1, 2, 3. Some high lights:

Bono: “On Achtung Baby we didnt know where the walls were… and then on Pop we actually ran into some walls”.

Bono (to Larry and Adam) “Edge came in with a cd of a new song that’s provisionally called “Full Metal Jacket”. It’s the roughest… it’s the mother of all rock and roll songs, a remarkable guitar thing. It’s a reason to make a record. Edge is singing on it.”

Edge: “This week my favourite song is Running to Standstill”
Bono: “Are you on the smack, are you?”

Most important moment in their lives:
Adam: “My own birth, preceded by my conception nine months earlier. My own birth, I’m still getting over it.”
Edge: “The birth of my kids.”
Bono: “Getting married.”
Larry: “When the Irish government had a backlog in the 70s and gave out drivers’ licenses… it meant I could drive.”

The Edge: “I was in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, for Halloween and I dressed up like “The Edge” with a guitar and went out on the street. People were going ‘you’re really like him, you’re a little short, but you’re really really like him'”.

94 thoughts on “Q&A on U2.com”

  15. Funny how just a few days ago, many people were critical of the ‘arrogance’ of No Doubt’s drummer who suggested U2 may have been effected by their energy levels. And here we have Bono saying Edge had created the ‘mother of all rock and roll songs’. What pretentious garble!

  16. Funny how just a few days ago, many people were critical of the ‘arrogance’ of No Doubt’s drummer who suggested U2 may have been effected by their energy levels. And here we have Bono saying Edge had created the ‘mother of all rock and roll songs’. What pretentious garble!

  17. How is it pretentious to praise a friend’s work?

    Anyway, I thought it was great when Adam said he looked good in an apron and Bono said:
    “Not when you go out Adam, can you cook?”

    These four men love and respect each other and it was nice to hear.

  18. How is it pretentious to praise a friend’s work?

    Anyway, I thought it was great when Adam said he looked good in an apron and Bono said:
    “Not when you go out Adam, can you cook?”

    These four men love and respect each other and it was nice to hear.

  19. Lisa – according to yourDictionary.com, the word pretentious means:

    “Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when unjustified.
    Making or marked by an extravagant outward show; ostentatious.”

    Pretentious can be used even when speaking of another person.

    The reason why I think the comment was pretentious? It was totally unjustified. Of course, I haven’t heard ‘full metal jacket’ yet, but to claim it the ‘mother of all rock and roll songs’ would suggest Bono has heard every Rock n’ Roll song there is! But then again, I am still looking for the ‘Titanium Soul’ on ATYCLB.

  20. Lisa – according to yourDictionary.com, the word pretentious means:

    “Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when unjustified.
    Making or marked by an extravagant outward show; ostentatious.”

    Pretentious can be used even when speaking of another person.

    The reason why I think the comment was pretentious? It was totally unjustified. Of course, I haven’t heard ‘full metal jacket’ yet, but to claim it the ‘mother of all rock and roll songs’ would suggest Bono has heard every Rock n’ Roll song there is! But then again, I am still looking for the ‘Titanium Soul’ on ATYCLB.

  23. Adam – I am fully aware that Bono was ‘using hyperbole’, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be pretentious.

  24. Adam – I am fully aware that Bono was ‘using hyperbole’, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be pretentious.

  25. Ok, but then how can you compare it to Adrian Young? Whether they both were technically pretentious statements or not, that guy was not using hyperbole, which is why he came off as arrogant.

  26. Ok, but then how can you compare it to Adrian Young? Whether they both were technically pretentious statements or not, that guy was not using hyperbole, which is why he came off as arrogant.

  27. I agree – Adrian Young’s comment was probably pretentious, and did come across as arrogrant. And he certainly got grilled over it. Bono’s comment was also pretentious and arrogant. Every musician/actor/sportsperson must have confidence in their own ability, otherwise they won’t succeed. Some see this self-confidence as arrogance. My point (hence my intial post)? According to some who post here, U2 are the only band in the world who are allowed to make boastful remarks and if anyone else were to make an arrogant statement/hyperbole, especially in relation to U2, then they (e.g. Adrian Young)are ‘twats’. Some people I guess are just narrow-minded (just refer to the post from 29/10/02 “U2 Move about no Doubt”. I actually agree with your comment there Adam). Personally I am just looking forward to some U2 music with more guitar in it!

  28. I agree – Adrian Young’s comment was probably pretentious, and did come across as arrogrant. And he certainly got grilled over it. Bono’s comment was also pretentious and arrogant. Every musician/actor/sportsperson must have confidence in their own ability, otherwise they won’t succeed. Some see this self-confidence as arrogance. My point (hence my intial post)? According to some who post here, U2 are the only band in the world who are allowed to make boastful remarks and if anyone else were to make an arrogant statement/hyperbole, especially in relation to U2, then they (e.g. Adrian Young)are ‘twats’. Some people I guess are just narrow-minded (just refer to the post from 29/10/02 “U2 Move about no Doubt”. I actually agree with your comment there Adam). Personally I am just looking forward to some U2 music with more guitar in it!

  31. Personally..I didn’t have a problem with either statement…Young’s comments came of as very respectful to me..and Bono was just using hyperbole to express his enthusiasm over a song his friend wrote..jeez..why does Everything have to cause some sort of conflict?

  32. Personally..I didn’t have a problem with either statement…Young’s comments came of as very respectful to me..and Bono was just using hyperbole to express his enthusiasm over a song his friend wrote..jeez..why does Everything have to cause some sort of conflict?

  33. Personally..I didn’t have a problem with either statement…Young’s comments came of as very respectful to me..and Bono was just using hyperbole to express his enthusiasm over a song his friend wrote..jeez..why does Everything have to cause some sort of conflict?

  34. Personally..I didn’t have a problem with either statement…Young’s comments came of as very respectful to me..and Bono was just using hyperbole to express his enthusiasm over a song his friend wrote..jeez..why does Everything have to cause some sort of conflict?

  35. I think Bono has a right to say that about U2’s music! after 15 grammy’s 110 million album sales, 3 of the biggest tours in history and just coming off possibly the biggest year of their 22 or 23 year career I think he can say whatever the f^&k he wants. Whats No Doubt done ? PS: Don’t get me wrong I like no doubt too! I was just using Hyperbole 🙂

  36. I think Bono has a right to say that about U2’s music! after 15 grammy’s 110 million album sales, 3 of the biggest tours in history and just coming off possibly the biggest year of their 22 or 23 year career I think he can say whatever the f^&k he wants. Whats No Doubt done ? PS: Don’t get me wrong I like no doubt too! I was just using Hyperbole 🙂

  39. Hyperbole, shyterbole… imagine No Doubt playing the superbole ..?? [Yawn.. time for potty break & get the wife to put the kettle on].

    To me it sounds like Bono is really into their new music.

  40. Hyperbole, shyterbole… imagine No Doubt playing the superbole ..?? [Yawn.. time for potty break & get the wife to put the kettle on].

    To me it sounds like Bono is really into their new music.

  41. larry doesn’t seem to like fans very much. i thought he’d be able to understand why fans would want to meet u2 or go see the studio where they record. remember what he was like when he visited graceland? but bono seemed very gracious about the fans.

  42. larry doesn’t seem to like fans very much. i thought he’d be able to understand why fans would want to meet u2 or go see the studio where they record. remember what he was like when he visited graceland? but bono seemed very gracious about the fans.

  47. Well, if you listened to the entire chat you’ve probably also deduced that Larry is a prick, Bono is somewhat delusional, The Edge is a goof, and Adam is the coolest man on the planet.

  48. Well, if you listened to the entire chat you’ve probably also deduced that Larry is a prick, Bono is somewhat delusional, The Edge is a goof, and Adam is the coolest man on the planet.

  49. I betcha Larry wasn’t much of a prick that night he helped that fellow that had just had a pretty bad motorcycle accident. Just because Larry isn’t as outspoken and smart ass in the public eye as Bono is, doesn’t mean he is a prick. I met the man once in NYC and he was cool. Reserved but cool. He signed my paper, thanked me for being a fan and took off. Maybe you’re a prick, just kidding I haven’t met you how the hell would I know? Even if Larry is a prick, I bet he could kick any of our asses.

  50. I betcha Larry wasn’t much of a prick that night he helped that fellow that had just had a pretty bad motorcycle accident. Just because Larry isn’t as outspoken and smart ass in the public eye as Bono is, doesn’t mean he is a prick. I met the man once in NYC and he was cool. Reserved but cool. He signed my paper, thanked me for being a fan and took off. Maybe you’re a prick, just kidding I haven’t met you how the hell would I know? Even if Larry is a prick, I bet he could kick any of our asses.

  51. Not wanting to be stalked by fans (and he did clarify that he meant fanatics) does not make him a prick. It makes him guarded and mindful of his and his family’s provacy. You can’t fault him for that.

    I agree with you, Lisa- all the way. Some people just like to bitch because they can.
    I especially liked the good natured ribbing between the guys. They were wonderful to listen to.

  52. Not wanting to be stalked by fans (and he did clarify that he meant fanatics) does not make him a prick. It makes him guarded and mindful of his and his family’s provacy. You can’t fault him for that.

    I agree with you, Lisa- all the way. Some people just like to bitch because they can.
    I especially liked the good natured ribbing between the guys. They were wonderful to listen to.

  53. Well, then my favorite is “Full Metal Jacket.” You know? The new tune by The Edge. The one Bono called “the mother of all rock tunes,” like he calls all new u2 hard rock songs. Didn’t he call “Mofo” the same thing back in 1996? Saying something like “if I could put my whole life into a song, it would be that one.” Then why isn’t it on the new CD? Same goes with “Please.” “Numb”instead of “Please?” Pullleeeeze. Anyway, “Full Metal Jacket” is my favorite. Even though I’ve never heard it.

  54. Well, then my favorite is “Full Metal Jacket.” You know? The new tune by The Edge. The one Bono called “the mother of all rock tunes,” like he calls all new u2 hard rock songs. Didn’t he call “Mofo” the same thing back in 1996? Saying something like “if I could put my whole life into a song, it would be that one.” Then why isn’t it on the new CD? Same goes with “Please.” “Numb”instead of “Please?” Pullleeeeze. Anyway, “Full Metal Jacket” is my favorite. Even though I’ve never heard it.

  61. I’m gonna get internet vegetables thrown at me for saying this – but the tone of these debates indicates that some of us are just the type of fan that the boys said they did not prefer to meet….lighten up. It was a thoroughly enjoyable interview – a rare glimpse at the real interpersonal dynamic that makes U2 what we all love. If they don’t measure up to your preconceived notions of who you want them to be – who’s fault is that?

  62. I’m gonna get internet vegetables thrown at me for saying this – but the tone of these debates indicates that some of us are just the type of fan that the boys said they did not prefer to meet….lighten up. It was a thoroughly enjoyable interview – a rare glimpse at the real interpersonal dynamic that makes U2 what we all love. If they don’t measure up to your preconceived notions of who you want them to be – who’s fault is that?

  63. The troll was fed and is now dead! Kudos to the Bloggers!! The tone of these debates, albeit kept friendly…is fueled by passion. Hopefully a passion for the music and spirituality, not a “fanatic” type approach of sleeping at the end of Bono’s driveway or licking Larry’s Motorcycle seat.

  64. The troll was fed and is now dead! Kudos to the Bloggers!! The tone of these debates, albeit kept friendly…is fueled by passion. Hopefully a passion for the music and spirituality, not a “fanatic” type approach of sleeping at the end of Bono’s driveway or licking Larry’s Motorcycle seat.

  65. The troll was fed and is now dead! Kudos to the Bloggers!! The tone of these debates, albeit kept friendly…is fueled by passion. Hopefully a passion for the music and spirituality, not a “fanatic” type approach of sleeping at the end of Bono’s driveway or licking Larry’s Motorcycle seat.

  66. The troll was fed and is now dead! Kudos to the Bloggers!! The tone of these debates, albeit kept friendly…is fueled by passion. Hopefully a passion for the music and spirituality, not a “fanatic” type approach of sleeping at the end of Bono’s driveway or licking Larry’s Motorcycle seat.

  67. Oh, it’s all in good fun. I’ve been a fan for so long, yet I’ve never had any preconceived notions for any member of U2. When I met Larry, Bono, & The Edge in Miami the night before the start of Elevation 2001, I was dumbstruck. I had no idea what to say to these guys. I politely asked them for their autographs, had a chat with each of them, took some photos, and they went on their merry way. It was a very cordial & pleasant encounter. Their music has touched me in so many ways & I’ve traveled thousands of miles to see them play. I would never purposely slander the character of any member of my favorite band, solely for the purpose of preconceived notions that I may or may not have. As I said, it’s all in good fun. I enjoyed listening to Larry live up to his seemingly moody persona… looking mean, not talking much, etc. He was the only one to give a prick-ish answer to some of the questions during the chat. it’s fun to make fun of that. Don’t you ever make fun of your friends? Don’t you ever poke fun at yourself? 🙂 Anyway, I think we’re allowed to be critical of our heroes, and maybe make fun of them. They’re spoiled rock stars after all. So, I end this with the top 5 Larry Mullen performances of all time: 5. Mofo 4. Please 3. Kite 2. Out of Control 1. Mysterious Ways.

  68. Oh, it’s all in good fun. I’ve been a fan for so long, yet I’ve never had any preconceived notions for any member of U2. When I met Larry, Bono, & The Edge in Miami the night before the start of Elevation 2001, I was dumbstruck. I had no idea what to say to these guys. I politely asked them for their autographs, had a chat with each of them, took some photos, and they went on their merry way. It was a very cordial & pleasant encounter. Their music has touched me in so many ways & I’ve traveled thousands of miles to see them play. I would never purposely slander the character of any member of my favorite band, solely for the purpose of preconceived notions that I may or may not have. As I said, it’s all in good fun. I enjoyed listening to Larry live up to his seemingly moody persona… looking mean, not talking much, etc. He was the only one to give a prick-ish answer to some of the questions during the chat. it’s fun to make fun of that. Don’t you ever make fun of your friends? Don’t you ever poke fun at yourself? 🙂 Anyway, I think we’re allowed to be critical of our heroes, and maybe make fun of them. They’re spoiled rock stars after all. So, I end this with the top 5 Larry Mullen performances of all time: 5. Mofo 4. Please 3. Kite 2. Out of Control 1. Mysterious Ways.

  73. What’s this song “Jerusalem” that Edge claims is off the October album? Guess he hasn’t listened to that one in while, huh.

  74. What’s this song “Jerusalem” that Edge claims is off the October album? Guess he hasn’t listened to that one in while, huh.

  77. I once had the honor of a mooning by Larry from the twenty second floor of the US Grant hotel in San Diego- 14th April 1987, as some of us were having a conversation with Bono & The Edge, twenty two floors below, he has since aged gracefully. When I met him, he was the one who started the conversation and Adam told Larry the chauffeur was anxious and Larry told Adam to shut up! I wasn’t there but when Larry visited us in Anaheim, CA last April there was an “overzealous” fan there, and he was drunk as well. He couldn’t put two words together, and Larry had no trouble ignoring him and talking all the time for everyone else there. I’ve already made up my mind and am satisfied.

  78. I once had the honor of a mooning by Larry from the twenty second floor of the US Grant hotel in San Diego- 14th April 1987, as some of us were having a conversation with Bono & The Edge, twenty two floors below, he has since aged gracefully. When I met him, he was the one who started the conversation and Adam told Larry the chauffeur was anxious and Larry told Adam to shut up! I wasn’t there but when Larry visited us in Anaheim, CA last April there was an “overzealous” fan there, and he was drunk as well. He couldn’t put two words together, and Larry had no trouble ignoring him and talking all the time for everyone else there. I’ve already made up my mind and am satisfied.

  91. Bono can not be pretentious if he’s not talking about himself, he’s adulating his friend Edge for the song he make, even he may say that ’cause what’s the greatest Rock band nowadays i f not U2? So the mother of all rock and roll songs is supposed to be a U2 song.

  92. Bono can not be pretentious if he’s not talking about himself, he’s adulating his friend Edge for the song he make, even he may say that ’cause what’s the greatest Rock band nowadays i f not U2? So the mother of all rock and roll songs is supposed to be a U2 song.

  93. I would like to ask u2, all menbers if they,d like to meet small town NH? I and my wife have always been great fans and would like an oppurtunity to meet the band! I know this sounds crazy but we have always wanted to meet you, and I was wondering(Matt) if you knew how to downhill ski? I would be happy to teach you how to ski if you do not know how. I feel that this would be a great learning experience for you and for myself to show you. Unfortunately I am not sure if this is the best site to contact you in reguards to this. Please let me know if this is. From an honest individual this would be a rewarding experience for you all and me. I have always admired your work and perhaps you can admire mine aswell in teachng you the ability to be free on the snow. Please contact me at booonies@yahoo.com if you are interested or if I should sent this message to a different site to contact the band. Thank You. Matt

  94. I would like to ask u2, all menbers if they,d like to meet small town NH? I and my wife have always been great fans and would like an oppurtunity to meet the band! I know this sounds crazy but we have always wanted to meet you, and I was wondering(Matt) if you knew how to downhill ski? I would be happy to teach you how to ski if you do not know how. I feel that this would be a great learning experience for you and for myself to show you. Unfortunately I am not sure if this is the best site to contact you in reguards to this. Please let me know if this is. From an honest individual this would be a rewarding experience for you all and me. I have always admired your work and perhaps you can admire mine aswell in teachng you the ability to be free on the snow. Please contact me at booonies@yahoo.com if you are interested or if I should sent this message to a different site to contact the band. Thank You. Matt

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