U2 and the Bands Who Pretend To Be Them
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?
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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I like U2,Radiohead and Coldplay.Why should I have to say one of them copied the other?
All are unique in their own way,while they all share certain similarities.
If you don't care for their music,don't listen.I don't like rap,I don't listen! Simple concept.
I guess next ,we'll all be comparing apples and oranges,trying to decide which one of those is best.
Figure out what you like and listen to it.It doesn't make a hoot in Hades what anyone but you thinks,you aren't listening to please anyone but yourself.
Music is as diverse as the peoples of our planet.We aren't all supposed to like the same thing, it's called " Freedom of choice"
Have a great day
Now Coldplay and U2, yeah, that's a fair comparison. Coldplay ripped them off big time. And good for them. Who's going to carry the torch after U2? Daughtry?
Later on...
Pretentious a=h0le with a messiah complex!
Radiohead are gods and U2 isn't deserving of a place in their pantheon.
and Joshua Tree were good too, but once they got wealthy, they lost their edge. Pun intended. I remember buying these on vinyl!
Why is it if some one is influenced by a band, they are accused of ripping them off? I'm sure a ton of bands were U2 fans in their formative years. I'm sure U2 were influenced by popular bands too.
then try to tell me about todays "musicians"
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ps-- greatest guitarist ever ( when combining voice with playing ability?) Terry Kath- listen to "sing a mean tune kid" -the guitar part- and try to NOT say " GOD-- who was this guy"???
The first band, no way. Nothing doing.
Radihead, most innovative rock band on the fringe of pop since... maybe U2 in 1980? ;-) but they did it all with their own style and even left that behind for something better. As someone else mentioned, there was also a big backfeed into U2 from Radiohead's the Bends...
And Coldplay, everyone saw clean through as a Radiohead knockoff on their Freshman and Sophomore albums, not a U2 knockoff. ANd yes, since than as they've gone more mainstream they have gravitated heavily to the sound of U2. His voice even sounds like Bono on the song you chose, so there is your 1/2 point.
:-P
Nothing beats Boy, October, and War for a triple-play debut from any band that I can think of. It can be matched, but never beaten. They are among the true greats of "Modern" Rock.