This story is so last month, but since we’re angling for media access to two of U2′s upcoming October 360 Tour dates (Raleigh-Durham and Atlanta), we figured we’d better pipe up and say something quick!
At issue? Former Talking Heads front-man David Byrne’s recent “rip” on the Irish band for their excessive tour stage, a.k.a. “The Claw.”
Here’s the excerpt from Byrne’s blog …
Those (U2) stadium shows may possibly be the most extravagant and expensive (production-wise) ever: $40 million to build the stage and, having done the math, we estimate 200 semi trucks crisscrossing Europe for the duration. It could be professional envy speaking here, but it sure looks like, well, overkill, and just a wee bit out of balance given all the starving people in Africa and all. Or maybe it’s the fact that we were booted off our Letterman spot so U2 could keep their exclusive week-long run that’s making me less than charitable? Take your pick — but thanks, guys!
Oooh … he actually went there, people, mocking U2 lead singer Bono’s humanitarian work with the “One” campaign.
Here’s the thing. David Byrne is obviously a legend. “Life During Wartime?” Swoon. And while some would argue he is only legendary in a Lou Reed sort of way, that’s still legendary, which anyone who has rented the flic Adventureland on DVD can tell you.
U2′s 360 Tour is clearly “overkill” (they’re actually lugging three of those “Claws” around the world) but isn’t that what rock-n-roll is about?
Seriously, U2 is the biggest band on the planet (have been for years), so why shouldn’t they have the biggest stage in history to play on? The band has pledged to purchase carbon offsets to compensate for the environmental impact of the tour, haven’t they? Heck, they’re even donating the three massive stages as permanent music venues for other acts to perform on when the tour is done.
Frankly, our guess is that more than anything, Byrne’s “professional envy” is built around the fact that his music doesn’t appeal to as many people as U2′s.
Don’t get us wrong, we love both bands, but U2 is made up of better musicians who write better songs and, as a result, the band appeals to a much larger audience.
Again, though, we may or may not be TOTALLY shilling for media credentials.
Want a taste of U2 360? Here’s a clip of the band playing in Cardiff last week from U2Gigs.com …
By Toyota Kawaski August 28, 2009 at 9:40 am
This aint disco this anit no party this aint no fooling around
By Crooner August 28, 2009 at 11:17 am
How about “More Songs about Buildings and Food.” Brilliant. Take me to the effing river.
By Jacked Up August 29, 2009 at 7:22 pm
This will be the tour see,shill away for media credentials…get access by any means necessary