# U2- best band ever? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 19, 2001, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265 "2001-11-19T20:12:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Great\_Dave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Great\_Dave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Dave)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/1 "2001-11-19T20:12:52Z")
Maybe it’s because I just saw them in concert, but I’m inclined to believe that U2 is quite possibly the best band ever. They have been popular for two decades, received much critical acclaim, and have used their fame to further worthy causes. And they appear to be far from done. While other bands might be better in certain areas, I think overall, U2 is best. And now, let’s hear from the Stones, Beatles, and all the rest fans. ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/2 "2001-11-19T20:41:30Z")
I wouldn’t say they’re the “best band ever”, but man, they’re pretty damn good. And one of my favorites. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/3 "2001-11-19T20:42:37Z")
I’ve never really followed the careers of rock bands too much; I’ve just had a few that I bought their records when I had the chance. However, a quote from the guitar player in The Police, when he was being interviewed prior to the release of their live album a few years ago, went something like this: In many ways, it was the idyllic rock band experience. Everybody enjoyed every phase of the band’s evolution, from driving around in somebody’s band playing small clubs all the way up to flying around the world in jumbo jets, nobody died of a drug overdose, and when the band folded, everybody had somewhere to go and something to do. That srikes me as being some kind of comment about success in the music industry. ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/4 "2001-11-19T20:59:25Z")
I’m not trying to step on anyones toes with this opinion, but I think Bono is a self-important jackass and that U2 are way overrated. They’re not bad at all, but I just don’t get it. You know what they say about opinions, though… ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Dave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Great\_Dave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Dave)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/5 "2001-11-19T21:13:44Z")
Bono does come off like that, taken in bits from Time or Rolling Stone, but he seems genuinely appreciative of the fans at the concerts I’ve seen. And unlike many entertainers with a pet issue, he has actually done a lot of work towards relieving third world debt. And almost everyone at a show is there because they want to see U2. Many shows I’ve seen are good, but a lot of people are there because of a friend inviting them or whatever. An arena singing ‘Pride’ (In the Name of Love) or another song is an awesome thing. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/6 "2001-11-19T21:58:36Z")
Not even close. No way U2 is even in the top 10. I wouldn’t hit a dog in the ass with a U2 CD. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/7 "2001-11-19T22:23:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BigDaddyD \* > \*\*Bono does come off like that, taken in bits from Time or Rolling Stone, but he seems genuinely appreciative of the fans at the concerts I’ve seen. And unlike many entertainers with a pet issue, he has actually done a lot of work towards relieving third world debt. > > \*\* And they don’t just pay lip service to their cause. Hey, ANYONE who can make Jesse Helms CRY about the plight of people in the Third World is okay in my book. ---
**Author:** ![Crusoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@Crusoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crusoe)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/8 "2001-11-19T22:26:51Z")
Eh, I prefer bands for musical reasons. Bono may have done a lot more for the world than most other musicians, but that doesn’t excuse U2’s general output since the late 1980s (well, in my opinion). Good man, fine, best band, never. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Lowry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Sam\_Lowry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Lowry)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/9 "2001-11-19T22:41:48Z")
I’m hesitant to bestow such a title as “best band ever” on any band but U2 is my favorite band. I have all their albums and love all of them, even the pseudo-techno they did in the 90’s. I do think that their level of talent in the studio and live and their influence on other bands qualifies them as one of the greatest bands ever. ---
**Author:** ![imthjckaz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/imthjckaz/32/3223_2.png) [@imthjckaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/imthjckaz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/10 "2001-11-19T22:43:57Z")
IMHO, Oh hell no! When the subject of best bands ever comes up, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Rolling Stones and Aerosmith come to mind. Although I like U2, it has never come across my mind to even think that they are the best band ever. **BBD** , you say that you just saw them in concert so you may be biased. You are. After concerts that I have attended, I also felt that the band I just saw, was the best I had ever seen, especially if I had a good time. By that account, I could have said that Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Kansas, REO, Journey, Van Halen, The Police, Oingo Boingo, Alanis Morriset or the Cranberries, are the best band ever. BBD, you had a good time, and U2 left you with a nice, warm fuzzy feeling. They area good band. I like em. But, are they the best ever? I think not. [sub]But, then that’s just imho[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/11 "2001-11-19T23:58:26Z")
U2 best band ever? No way! Overrated, overblown, mediocre musicians, pompous self-important blow-hards. I wish Bono would shut the hell up. The Edge is the edge between tedium and boredom. In my opinion, they have done nothing redeeming since The Joshua Tree. Now, I don’t think I can narrow one single band out to carry this title, but using your criteria, I would have to suggest The Grateful Dead. Popular for nearly 4 decades now (with no signs of stopping), excellant live shows for 3 decades (unfortunatly no longer) and they have NOT used thier fame, but rather thier resources for worthy causes, and for the most part shut the hell up and played music for the fans. just my opinion, though… ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Dave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Great\_Dave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Dave)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2001, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/12 "2001-11-19T23:59:29Z")
Having just seen U2 this past week probably does make me biased, however I think it just reaffirmed an existing opinion. I have been to many concerts that I enjoyed thoroughly, but haven’t walked away thinking I just saw the best band ever. > [@](#): > > When the subject of best bands ever comes up, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Rolling Stones and Aerosmith come to mind. The Beatles, of course, were incredibly influential and amazingly popular. In short, they kicked ass. But they cracked. They stopped touring in 1966 (what- two years after making it big in the US?) and broke up four years later. Arguably the best ever despite this lack of longevity. Led Zepplin had 6 or so great years, but put out a lot of crap, especially after Bonzo died. Real good stuff, they also make the top tier. The Stones have the most staying power, but to what end? Half the time it seems they put out albums just to make the mortgage. Also, you have to question anyone who puts the Hell’s Angels in charge of security. Still, the good stuff is real good, real good. They make the list. Aerosmith almost has the longevity of the Stones, and have had several comebacks- Janie’s Got a Gun, Livin’ on the Edge, to name two. One could argue that a really succesful band wouldn’t have to comeback so far, nor fallen so low. The boys from Boston are just good enough, though, to get penciled in. U2 had their first hit 18 years ago, and their first #1 15 years ago, and have shown no sign of stopping in the near future. They tried some different things (Passengers and Pop come to mind) but despite these setbacks have brought forth another hugely succesful album. And while it might not directly affect the music, I think it is a legitimate point that they are basically good people. All in all, I think it adds up to put them right at the top of the list, perhaps 'tween the Fab Four and the Stones. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Dave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Great\_Dave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Dave)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/13 "2001-11-20T00:07:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gatopescado \* > U2 best band ever? No way! Overrated, overblown, mediocre musicians, pompous self-important blow-hards. I wish Bono would shut the hell up. The Edge is the edge between tedium and boredom. In my opinion, they have done nothing redeeming since The Joshua Tree. Difference of opinion. I find their music to be quite good. I admit that the Joshua Tree is my favorite album, but the new stuff is pretty good. > [@](#): > > Now, I don’t think I can narrow one single band out to carry this title, but using your criteria, I would have to suggest The Grateful Dead. Popular for nearly 4 decades now (with no signs of stopping), excellant live shows for 3 decades (unfortunatly no longer) and they have NOT used thier fame, but rather thier resources for worthy causes, and for the most part shut the hell up and played music for the fans. > > just my opinion, though… Simulpost-- I forgot about the Dead! I agree with your analysis. About using fame to further worthy causes-- I think that U2 is a refreshing change to other bands, like REM (am I right?), that tell people to do something, but don’t really follow through themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Cardinal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardinal/32/4000_2.png) [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/14 "2001-11-20T09:07:16Z")
> [@](#): > > Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Rolling Stones and Aerosmith I was going to post earlier today that I think that with this last album U2 has put itself in the upper reaches of bands that have had popular _and critical_ acclaim for decades, making significant music that will really stand the test of time. I’d mention those above, except for Aerosmith. I don’t think that they have enough weight musically to be there, personally. Also, you forgot Pink Floyd and The Who, right? And for all you others who think U2 totally peaked at the Joshua Tree, you’re wrong 😉 . They peaked at Actung Baby, which is as solid a record as I own, and still sounds like nothing else I’ve heard. ---
**Author:** ![Jervoise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d2c977/32.png) [@Jervoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jervoise)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/15 "2001-11-20T13:26:18Z")
I like U2. A lot. But the best band ever? Probably not. On the other hand, I’m a little too young to truly appreciate the bands cited so far as the Best Ever[sup]TM[/sup]. I mean, I’ve certainly heard a bit of the Beatles, Stones, Grateful Dead, et al, but certainly not enough to testify to their apparent greatness. I’ll leave out Aerosmith - never heard much of their old stuff and my sensibilities are forever offended by that shite churned out for _Armageddon_. On the other, other hand (onto my third other hand here :)), how many people who grew up with these bands can really appreciate some truly great music from the 90s? Radiohead, anyone? Beck? YMMV, but I believe that the band any one person may pick as the Best Ever will necessarily have been a band that was prevalent during that person’s formative years. [Slight hijack] I don’t get _The Joshua Tree_ I mean, it starts fantastically, but to my ear it then trickles off into a mish-mash of undistinguished songs. I gotta agree with the last post: _Achtung Baby_ is IMO the best thing U2 have ever done. Fan-fucking-tastic stuff. But, don’t get me started on _ATYCLB_ - did Bono forget he had to write lyrics? (“Ele-Vation, ah, ooh, ah…” :rolleyes: ) [/Slight hijack] ---
**Author:** ![glass\_onion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9e8a1a/32.png) [@glass\_onion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glass_onion)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/16 "2001-11-20T13:41:53Z")
Well, U2 certainly are not, not IMO. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Narrad \* > \*\*I like U2. A lot. But the best band ever? Probably not. > > On the other hand, I’m a little too young to truly appreciate the bands cited so far as the Best Ever[sup]TM[/sup]. I mean, I’ve certainly heard a bit of the Beatles, Stones, Grateful Dead, et al, but certainly not enough to testify to their apparent greatness. I’ll leave out Aerosmith - never heard much of their old stuff and my sensibilities are forever offended by that shite churned out for _Armageddon_. > > On the other, other hand (onto my third other hand here :)), how many people who grew up with these bands can really appreciate some truly great music from the 90s? Radiohead, anyone? Beck? I would tend to agree. [/slight hijack] _My_ own personal Best Band[sup]TM[/sup] is Ocean Colour Scene, followed closely by Metallica. [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Cazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cazzle/32/75_2.png) [@Cazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cazzle)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/17 "2001-11-20T14:21:15Z")
U2? I think not! I don’t understand their popularity. I like two of their songs, and the rest either bore or annoy me (De-ziiiii-eah!). I accept the right of others to like them, but best band ever? Not by a long shot. ---
**Author:** ![horhay\_achoa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ccd318/32.png) [@horhay\_achoa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/horhay_achoa)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/18 "2001-11-20T15:36:24Z")
I would go so far as to say that U2 is one of the worstbands ever. Just my opinion of course, but they are terrible. ---
**Author:** ![phailure](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phailure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phailure)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/19 "2001-11-20T15:47:49Z")
Objectively, I’d have to go with the Beatles. Boy were they great! My second choice might be the Beach Boys. (Subjectively, I’d say ABBA and Kraftwerk. Now go ahead and bite my head off…) ---
**Author:** ![Spritle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Spritle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spritle)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265/20 "2001-11-20T16:28:42Z")
Best band ever? No way. I’d think that title would be reserved for the likes of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra or the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Honestly, every single hit they produced is instantly recognizable to people from 15 to 115. Maybe not the name of the song or what band is playing it, but EVERYONE can finish the line, “Pardon me boys, is that the Chattanooga \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_?” or “Once I built a railroad, I made it run, made it race against time. Once I built a railroad, now It’s done; brother, can you spare a \_\_\_\_\_\_?” (Most popular version is sung by Bing Crosby.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u2-best-band-ever/94265.md?page=2)