I’m not really a U2 fan, but I recorded for a friend. Conan’s entire show consisted of U2. They performed a few songs (that I have no clue about) and even participated in a “In the 2000” sketch. They endured being Photoshopped by Conan (showing them in their “heavy” period, for example).
Very amusing.
They were pretty awesome on Conan. Bono was also eloquent and insightful about his charitable work as well, as he usually is.
That was very cool, even if I wound up staying up way past my bedtime to see it right away instead of waiting to tape it. I starting giggling helplessly as soon as The Edge came out in the “Year 2000” getup, and Bono joining in pretty much finished me off. The interview was good and it was nice to see the rest of the band getting (somewhat) of a chance to speak. I also enjoyed catching Larry’s “oh here he goes again” expression when Bono started going into the house on the hill story to illustrate the difference between Ireland and the States - if I’ve heard Bono use that line in interviews before, I can only imagine how many times his bandmates have heard it. And of course, the live performances were awesome.
Mr. Blue Sky - as always, obsessive U2 fans have come through, and if you want to know what songs they played, you can find out here.
I thought it was great! The interview segments were good, and the band played really well. And the Edge doing The Year 2000 was priceless.
You know, they really had nothing to gain by going on Conan O’Brian’s show. They don’t need the extra press, and they took a risk by playing like a regular band on a soundstage instead of in the tightly controlled environment of their tour setup. They ended up coming across great and really quite human. Well, very talented humans!
And sure, Bono is a pompous ass, but at least he (and the rest of the band) realizes he’s a pompous ass. And quite an eloquent ass who has and continues to do some good work. The show really increased my respect for both U2 and Conan, who handled what must have been a very intimidating interview very well.
They may have been the intention. It can’t hurt to soften your image every now and then.
When they were on a similar UK show (Jonathon Ross for those interested) a few months back they did a bit of chat, played one of their old hits, bit more chat, their single of the time and then just as the credits finished rolling Bono was heard to say something along the lines of “and this one’s just for you here” and they launched into a third song just for the studio audience which I thought was pretty cool.