Poll: U2. You know, the one with Bono in it.

[repeating integers]

I'm not quite sure what'll happen when I post this thread, but searching for similar threads turned up literally no results. So let's go.

Simple question: what does the Escapist think of U2? I've been reading up on them recently and have 7 of their albums (not The Joshua Tree, unfortunately), and while I quite like most of them I'm kind of surprised by the ridiculously strong reactions to them. Fans (many reviewers fall under this label, it seems) busily saying they were once the best band in the world, critics (basically the entire Guardian readership) equally busily slagging off Bono for being arrogant - and flamewars, of course. Lots of those.

Ground rules for posting:

- Please give reasons for your opinion
- Don't snark, it makes you look like a douche
- Don't act like a douche in any other way, either - remember, opinions = opinions (shocking, I know) rather than facts

Bonus questions if you want to answer them:
- Any explanation as to why they're such a love-or-hate band, when their music sounds far too tame to my ears to reasonably produce such a reaction?
- What's the most hilarious experience you've had with a fanatic on either side of the divide?

 

[Reverend Del]

I have enjoyed U2 since Boy. I can understand the general distaste for Bono, but at the end of the day he's trying to help.

I like the music because I do, there's no real reason beyond that I like the way it sounds.

 

[everythingbeeps]

Can't stand any aspect of U2. Hate their music, hate Bono and his stupid sunglasses, hate that stupid guitarist with the stupid name and the stupid hat.

 

[repeating integers]

Can't stand any aspect of U2. Hate their music, hate Bono and his stupid sunglasses, hate that stupid guitarist with the stupid name and the stupid hat.

Can you really call it a "hat"? It adheres so perfectly to his skull I often wonder if he was born wearing it.

 

[Colour Scientist]

They have had their moments but, being Irish, I am of the opinion that Bono is an arrogant twat.

I can't help it, tis in my roots.

 

[DustyDrB]

They were pretty good in the 80s, even though Bono's vocals take some getting used to. "Bullet the Blue Sky" is probably my favorite of theirs. A lot of people seem to hate Bono on a personal level, and I don't get that. It almost never has anything to do with the music, but it's because they get sick of seeing him being a philanthropist. And a lot of people seem to hate The Edge (OK...it is a stupid name) because he uses a lot of effects. Relax guys, not every guitarist wants to be stupid fast "HEAR MY SWEEPS AND CALL ME A GOD".

 

[repeating integers]

They were pretty good in the 80s, even though Bono's vocals take some getting used to. "Bullet the Blue Sky" is probably my favorite of theirs. A lot of people seem to hate Bono on a personal level, and I don't get that. It almost never has anything to do with the music, but it's because they get sick of seeing him being a philanthropist. And a lot of people seem to hate The Edge (OK...it is a stupid name) because he uses a lot of effects. Relax guys, not every guitarist wants to be stupid fast "HEAR MY SWEEPS AND CALL ME A GOD".

I actually think The Edge's guitar playing is one of U2's strengths - he uses his guitar to complement the songs so well, rather than going off on attention-drawing riffs.