Music has always been a part of my life -- now welcome to the journey. Just a little blog to reminisce, review, rant and rave about the music in my life. "Music is my mother and my father. It is my work and my rest,my blood, my compass, my love" ~Jeff Buckley
I
appreciate the absurdities of being a rock star quoting the Scriptures.
Paul
David Hewson was born on May 10, 1960, and has never looked back. The morally
conscience lead singer of U2 has been a shapeshifter through the years,
adapting to sounds and style. He is a humanitarian, a philanthropist, a family
man, a brilliant lyricist, and a perfect lead singer for one of the world’s
most renowned rock and roll bands.
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Many
don’t realize the amount of times Scriptures or Psalms help to shape the
stories or message of their songs. The band has deep religious roots, so deep
it almost drove the band apart at one point. A favorite attribute, and also sticking point
for many, is that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Modern day psalm writer? He
may disagree but he does practice what he preaches:
We
don't have to please God in any other way really other than to be brutally
honest - that is the root not just to a relationship with God but is the root
to a great song … I want to hear a song about the breakdown in your marriage, I
want to hear songs of justice, I want to hear rage at injustice and I want to
hear a song so good that it makes people want to do something about the
subject.
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He does not shy to speak the truth for justice and equality. His honesty is both his strength
and his weakness. It’s probably what makes him the perfect lead singer and rock
star. In the past, particularly the ZOO TV years, there was a gray area of humbleness
and hedonism that aligned into characters such as The Fly and MacPhisto. Who can
forget the dance with the woman at the front of the crowd during Live Aid? The
Super Bowl Sunday performance after September 11th? Or his daring
political rant on the night of the Enniskillen Bombing before going into one of
the best versions of Bloody Sunday? He is also very honest about himself:
Taylor
asked: "What's one thing that you've learned about God through your
reading of the psalms?"
Bono
answered: "He listens."
Next
up from Taylor: "What's one thing that you've learned about yourself
through your reading of the psalms?"
Bono
said: "I don't listen enough." All
Art if Prophetic – David Fuller and Bono Interview
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Sending lots of love
and thanks for the words to contemplate, displays of kindness, and moments of inspiration.
Happy Birthday Bono! xoxoxo
Dressing like your sister
Living like a tart
They don't know what you're doing
Babe, it must be art
You're a headache, in a suitcase
You're a star
Someone has likened prayer to being on a rough sea in a small boat with no oars. All you have is a rope that, somewhere in the distance, is attached to the port. With that rope you can pull yourself closer to God. Songs are my prayers.
― Bono, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story
Excellent Bono/U2 reads:
Surrender - 40 Songs, One Story - Bono Walk On Spiritual Journey of U2 - Steve Stockman U2 At the End of the World - Bill Flanagan Into the Heart - Niall Stokes
I don't remember exactly when it happened. I don't remember the moment where I transcended liking U2 to having to understand every word of every song they sang. Like many, The Joshua Tree was first U2 album that I owned. It was actually one of the first CDs that I owned (Kick was the other).
When I really started to listen to and read the lyrics, I understood that they were more than your average rock band. U2 was trying to tell you something. U2 became, and still is, the rock band with a conscience.
Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, The Edge (Dave Evans), and Bono (Paul Hewson) joined forces in the late 70's, just some kids from the Mount Temple School that wanted to make music. 11 O'clock Tick Tock was the first the "world" heard of U2.
All of the elements of quintessential U2 are present: Clayton's very present bass lines, The Edge's signature guitar sound, Larry's fast snare, and Bono, the preacher man. Their religious upbringing helped shape many of their songs, especially on Boy and October. The songs were mainly about teen angst and religion with Out of Control, I Will Follow and Gloria being the best known from those albums.
Politics really entered into U2's realm with the War album in 1983 with songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, and Seconds (one of only a handful of songs The Edge would sing). 40, based on Psalm 40, still makes the concert rounds. Under a Blood Red Sky and Unforgettable Fire would propel U2 into their role as super group and world savers. The biggest song for them with Pride (In the Name of Love) would ready them for what would come next.
We must give credit to Sir Bob Geldof here. I truly think that he influenced Bono by way of showing him what was going on in the world. It was the 80's and there was a hunger crisis in Africa. Enter: Live Aid. U2's performance at Live Aid was one of their best and when Bono danced with that young lady from the crowd, we knew a true showman was born. But what Live Aid also did was it took Bono and his wife, Alison Stewart, to Africa. Their visit influenced one of rock's biggest selling albums, 1987's The Joshua Tree.
Every single song on The Joshua Tree could have been a hit. The haunting sounds of Where the Streets Have no Name, Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, and the almost disturbing With or Without You were on rotation on every radio station ... and on MTV. Yes, the age of video most definitely helped U2 close the loop on being the number one band at the time. Not only did you get to hear them, you got to see Bono's brooding, The Edge's hats, and we were introduced to the genius of well thought and produced music videos.
Most don't realize this about The Joshua Tree: it's political. At least six of the songs on the album are about political corruption in the US, Columbia, disappearances, drug abuse issues, starvation, and hopelessness. Bono wanted to be the voice of the voiceless and give hope to the hopeless.
The tour that followed gave us Rattle and Hum, the album and movie. We were essentially on this journey with U2, yes, to quote Larry Mullen, Jr. It was a "musical journey." They had the world at their fingertips. The cover of Time, top selling albums and being called the best band in the world. But what made U2, U2, happened on December 30, 1989
Go away and dream it all up again...
What everyone wanted was The Joshua Tree again but that they were not going to get. What we got was Achtung Baby and a schizophrenic Bono wearing devil horns and pleather suits.
Achtung took many by surprise. It was different, but they liked it. I still cannot and refuse to compare Achtung and Joshua Tree. U2 reinvented themselves but the world was doing the same thing. Tiananmen Square was fresh on everyone's minds, the Berlin Wall fell and East and West were now one. U2 was actually in Berlin when the re-unification happened. This and the entire story of that period of the band's existence is told brilliantly by Bill Flanagan in U2 At the End of the World. Bono faces eviction without his pants, might be the best opening to any bio I have ever read. The world was changing and U2 was leading the charge.
Next up - ZooTV and Zooropa. Again, U2 would conquer the world via live performance. The stage, complete with screens of all sizes, was a tribute to the out of control TV and satellite world that we live in. Each night, Bono (usually MacPhisto) would call someone on his phone. The world was Bono's stage. And in the political atmosphere of the late 80's and early 90's Bono was a kid in a candy store. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Gak4X2Jlc
Now, say what you will about the next album, I loved it (the tour was ok too if you can get over the Lemon Space Ship). Pop. It was disco-y and quirky but relevant. Songs like Please and Staring at the Sun question the violence in our world.
All That You Can't Leave Behind brought U2 away from the supersized techno glitz and re-invented themselves yet again with stripped down, but magnificent songs. Beautiful Day, Kite, Walk On, and Stuck in a Moment brought the fandom back to U2. But it would be the Super Bowl where U2 would bring the world to its knees in one of the most beautiful tributes to 9/11 I have ever seen. The names of those lost, floating up to heaven, never forgotten. In case any of you are wondering what Bono says before the song starts, he is reciting a portion of Psalm 116:
What can I give back to God For the blessings he's poured out on me I'll lift hig the cup of salvation A toast to God
I'll pray in the name of God I'll complete what I promised God I'll do And I'll do it together with his people
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, No Line on the Horizon brought U2 back on the road, and of course Under the Brooklyn Bridge.
And then a moment of who let the band decide that it would be a good idea to place your new album on everyone's iPhone. However ... Songs of Innocence was a really good 13th album for U2. The longest release gap between albums saw what would be a tribute to the band's personal lives and inspirations. Songs of Experience followed three years later (delayed by Brexit and Bono's Central Park bicycle incident) and was a heavier and more welcomed sound for the band.
I am certain though, that every word of every song is methodically planned. A bible verse, a political jab, or an historical moment woven perfectly into the melodies.
Bono, Modern Day Psalm Writer
It is no secret that Bono loves the role of front man, but Bono is also morally conscience and seems to always be looking for something to tell the world about. To me, he is our modern day King David. Bono writes our psalms for us. He also does not shy away from his belief of God. He penned a wonderful piece in the Guardian prior to the release of a new version of The Psalms in 1999. An excerpt:
David was a star, the Elvis of the Bible, if we can believe the chiselling of Michelangelo. And unusually for such a "rock star," with his lust for power, lust for women, lust for life, he had the humility of one who knew his gift worked harder than he ever would. He even danced naked in front of his troops -- the biblical equivalent of the royal walkabout. David was definitely more performance artist than politician.http://www.atu2.com/news/psalm-like-it-hot.html
The deep religious roots that almost drove the band out of existence in the 1980's still thrives within him. He's a humanitarian, a philanthropist, and a family man. I look forward to what he has to say next.
*U2 fanatics might get the title reference.
Excellent U2 reads: Walk On Spiritual Journey of U2 - Steve Stockman U2 At the End of the World - Bill Flanagan Into the Heart - Niall Stokes
You know, people can't fall in love with me just because I'm good at what I do ~ Robert Plant
We have all been there - admit it. You have had the crush. I have had several - ok, still have several. Robert Plant, Bono, Eric Clapton,James Hetfield, and Nikki Sixx.
I don't know what it is about rock stars. Ok, I lied, I do. They are sexy hot. I also admit, that my version of sexy hot rock stars does not fit everyone else's. We each have our own check list, I am sure.
You either are or are destined to become a rock icon
You have been through hell and back and possibly made a return trip a couple of times
You can have strong political convictions
Accents are best
Tattoos are welcomed
Hair - long locks are good but not required
You continue to put out music because you enjoy it
I guess the crush starts when you first hear the voice. Listen to a good live Since I've Been Lovin' You and you get all sides of Robert Plant. You get the blues, you get the golden god's vocal crescendos and, if you're watching, you see him feel the song. I should add that to the list - crushes must feel the song they are singing.
(note, this video contains a number of items from the above checklist: icon, hair, accent).
A great example of the emotion being worn on one's sleeve is definitely Bono.Bono, from inception, I think has been overtly
emotionally tied to his songs. U2 songs are not just poppy love ballads and kitschy tunes, they (most of the time) have some deep political, social, and/or religious meaning. (Dr. Wrabley at Pitt Johnstown knows that I know this - he received too many papers from me on them). In Rattle and Hum, U2 performed Sunday, Bloody Sunday. But this performance came on the heels of a bombing (that could have been stopped by the British Army) that killed numbers of veterans in a war memorial ceremony. Bono's emotion is raw. Whether singing about the United States occupation in Central America, the plight of millions in Africa, or lamenting civil rights activists - he was genuine. And U2 still continues to put on tours and make albums and stay true to their original concept - making music that educates as well as entertains. Bono - well, maybe it was the hair, it was definitely the accent, but what girl can resist a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve? (Back to checklist - rock icon, strong political conviction, accent, had long hair at one time, still enjoys making music).
You're probably asking yourself - Eric Clapton? Yes, Eric Clapton.Read his biography - you'll love him even more - you'll want to give him a great big hug. This man has been through hell - and won. His love life should make anyone thankful for their own. I don't know how he can still sing Layla, I couldn't fathom knowing Sweet Home Chicago was the last song he ever played with Stevie Ray, and am thankful that he doesn't have to sing Tears in Heaven anymore. His relationship with George Harrison still fascinates me. Look at the bands he has been in: Yardbirds, Cream, Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos.I finally saw him play in June of 2009. It was amazing. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing Eric Clapton. (back to the tally board: Icon, been through hell a couple of times, he has an accent and toured not that long ago with Jeff Beck).
Moving right along - I know, don't give me that, what? Why? Really? Hey, this is my list and I can put anyone on it that I want. And I happen to want to put James Hetfield on this list.Hmmm, let's see, heavy metal god, puts some politics into their songs (One, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The God that Failed), went through hell (third degree pyrotechnic burns, kicked drugs and alcohol), he's got tattoos and last time I checked 'Tallica has been on the road for the last two years AND they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! HA! HA! HA!
I was at this show in Manchester TN and Metallica kicked it big time. The proof was that the non-Metallica fans were enjoying themselves. The truth is - when at Bonnaroo, we're all MUSIC fans. It still sends chills through me to hear the music stop and James address the audience: Bonnaroo, Are you alive? Tell me, how does it feel to be alive?
Lastly, Nikki Sixx, the man whose poster used to hang inside of my closet - because he scared my mother. Talk about a rough paper route in life, family issues, he died a few times, shot up some JD -- need I go on about this guy. He can write (wrote most of the Crue's songs) published the diaries of his heroin days, an amazingly terrifying read if you want a glimpse into the not so sexy world of 1980's heavy metal touring. He is a photographer looking at the world through his eyes and putting it out there for us to question our perceptions of reality.
There, that is my list. I think I have remained true to my rock and roll (okay, rock, rock, blues and heavy metal) crushes. Each of these guys I truly respect. Yes, I am getting serious. Each of these men have some pretty heavy weight on them. Legend, sober, humanitarian, believer, fighter, lover can be used to describe anyone of these men. Crushes just aren't about looks - believe it or not.
So there are folks who failed to make THE list, but made the list of those I had obsessive, binge crushes on: Michael Hutchence: I did trek to his memorial in Sydney and even left flowers.
Donnie Wahlberg: I pray every time we go to Dorcester that I accidentally run into him and not shriek like a child - although I almost ruined an entire scene with him in it while running over the Brooklyn Bridge one morning (yes, Donnie, that was me and you are so welcome).
George Michael was a crush for so long - who wouldn't want that angelic voice singing to them?
Mike Patton of Faith No More: I contained all urges to jump onto the stage very well I think.
Dave Matthews: it's that hippy thing I think, and I like it when he does his South African accent. I have seen you over 30 times, is that obsessive?
Boy George (there Angie, I admit it) I told everyone in kindergarten I was going to marry Boy George.
Bobby Dall, the other bassist in my life. Rachel Bolan from Skid Row: Jan, what memories!!
