U2 and the Bands Who Pretend To Be Them

Posted Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:00pm PDT by Shawn Amos in GetBack

Are you sitting down? It's been 28 years since U2's debut release. 28 freaking YEARS! That's older than the median age of most dudes on the rock charts these days. You were probably in high school when you first heard U2. You're hopefully not in high school now. 28 years. I just have to say it out loud again.

Today U2's first three albums, Boy (1980), October (1981), and War (1983) have been re-released to remind us of their humble Dublin beginnings. And while some would say they've worn out their welcome, I say that any band who stays together, works hard, and plays every show like it's their last is all right with me. They've made the world safe for anthemic rock. Any modern rock band who plays two chords before jumping a dramatic octave owes something to U2.

Here are three bands who wouldn't exist without U2. I'm sure you'll have your opinions. Go ahead and have at it. I can take it.

THE KILLERS
Listen to "Mr. Brightside." Ignore the matching '80s suits and listen to that guitar sound and the bass pumping out root notes. Sound familiar?

RADIOHEAD

Before they beautifully detoured into art rock esoterica, Radiohead was vying for the anthem rock throne. Their aching "High And Dry" was offered up as their version of "With Or Without You."

COLDPLAY
They stole U2's producer. They stole U2's iPod commerical. They stole U2's super-sincerity. They are U2 with a piano.

Want more? Here's our collection of Bono pics.

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3105 Comments

41. Lance G - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:12am PDT

While your looking to give credit, why not listen to some Boston songs and tell me U2 wasn't influenced by that. Boston created their own equipment to produce their "haunting guitar" sound that everyone uses to describe U2.

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42. willb - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:14am PDT

You're blog is weak sauce.

43. michaeld - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:17am PDT

U2 was a great band, until the American music industry got it's hands on them. Seriously, we're talking about the same industry that created mtv, boy bands, and countless talentless little girls who love to lipsink. Uhg.

44. SHAWNE - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:17am PDT

I will guarantee you this children....neither of those bands will have the longevity of U2;Fact...NON-Fiction dudes!

45. MeMe - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:18am PDT

RADIOHEAD iS THE BEST i DONTBELIEVE THEY RIPPED OFF U2 IN ANYWAY THE BENDS IS A CLASSIC!!!

46. Andre - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:20am PDT

U2 owes a lot to Echo And The Bunnymen.

47. gardy - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:20am PDT

Thom Yorke=Jeff Buckley

Bono is Bono.

Musically Radiohead is more adventurous.

But to me Achtung Baby is a classic.

Coldplay is a no no.

48. Robert F - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:21am PDT

Does this blogger know what he's talking about or does he just have a really bad man-rush on U2. Radiohead, The Killers, and Coldplay all defined themselves with different styles of music. Just because these bands did it better than U2 doesnt mean that they stole from U2, it just means they're better!!! Great Job Dork, you've successfully made an arse of yourself.

49. Ben - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:21am PDT

All those noted are fine bands but U2 is a top 5 band of all time. U2 can be mentioned in the same breathe with the Beatles, Stones, and Zeppelin. Radiohead, Coldplay, etc. are still dwarfs among legends such as these.

50. Emily W - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:21am PDT

Thom Yorke is a musical genuis; this blog should be a huge offense to all Radiohead fans!

51. Winks 24 - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:22am PDT

You are all insane!!!! Who cares, if the music and/or lyrics move you that its what muscians strive for, to mean something to someone. If U2 does it for you, awesome, Radiiohead, cool. I would imagine that U2 is flattered that they meant enough to someone to influence such currently influential groups. But they are U2 after all and I really can't think of a modern group that has such meaning behind their music and have lasted TOGETHER for 28 years.

That is what alll musicians strive for.

52. SHAWNE - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:22am PDT

well then HI BILL you must be one of us....cause your here 2 moron!

53. michaeld - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:23am PDT

Coldplay blows.

54. Fred - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:24am PDT

Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace obviously ripped off U2.

55. spidy - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:24am PDT

U2 is my favorite band. radio head and cold play are pretty good, but as far as i am concerned they don't come close to the greatness of U2. U2 have been the most innovative band since they have been able to introduce a different sound with each new album. otherwise they would have faded long ago. that is a testament to their musical genius and creativity.

56. Yahoo! Music User - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:25am PDT

People, U2's attempt at glam in the nineties was their way of poking fun at bloated rock stars; NOT trying to be them. Have you no sense of irony?!

57. Robert - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:25am PDT

Radiohead, the Killers, U2, all pay homage to Joy Division and New Order, and each have covered their songs. There is your common thread among those bands.

58. gardy - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:25am PDT

Coldplay and Killers are by-products of a music industry in decadence.

In 10 years they will be mere statistics and U2 and Radiohead will be remembered for their contributions forever.

59. Marc - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:25am PDT

Killers pay more homage to the New Wave bands of the early 80s, not U2. As for the other two, I think this person is just a very, very angry U2 fan. They haven't been great since 1991's Achtung Baby. And if you want U2 ripoff bands, start with the late 80s The Alarm first.

60. Yahoo! Music User - Thu Jul 24, 2008 11:26am PDT

Ask the average person on the street if they’ve ever heard of Radiohead? Most will say NO. Coldplay, possible? U2, of course everyone has. Radiohead and Coldplay shouldn't even be mentioned in the same conversation with U2. When those two bands sell over 130 million records, win the number of music awards U2 has and still have the ability to sell out huge stadiums 28 years later, then mention them in the same breath as U2.

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