The band U2’s The Edge thinks will stand the test of time: “No one can touch them”
U2 remain a peculiar band because, while they are often mocked by those outside their legion of diehard fans, their early material before the worldwide success of The Joshua Tree in 1987 was some of the best produced by a guitar band of that era. Although they may be seen today as bloated stadium rockers, there was a time when Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr were considered the epitome of cool. It’s ironic, but true.
Regardless of what naysayers about the quartet might say, it is likely that many of those who are critical of them haven’t even heard of their early material, let alone been bothered enough to give it a try, given our profoundly black-and-white tinted world. It is almost impossible to delve into the world of early records such as their debut Boy or 1983’s War, the album that saw them take the quality of the work up a few levels, and state they do not contain at least a handful of compelling tracks.
Put it this way, U2 can’t be so terrible that the great Brian Eno, a man championed for his positive and far-reaching effect on music, worked with them and co-produced 1984’s markedly underrated masterpiece of the era’s ‘Big Music’ phenomenon, The Unforgettable Fire. Not only that, but he and Daniel Lanois then returned for the group’s undisputed crowning achievement and beyond.
Alas, like every band worth their salt, U2 continued to push themselves creatively, and for a time, with each release, they took it up a level, culminating in the resounding sonic expanse of The Joshua Tree. Lyrically and musically, it is the band’s chef-d’oeuvre and captured a moment in time, catapulting the group to the very top of the industry, where they have sat ever since.
Of course, while such success is what most musicians crave and is their ultimate motivation, replicating such an artistic, critical and commercial triumph is something that only a few have achieved, with The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Nirvana three that instantly spring to mind. Since that moment, U2 have continued to produce music fit only for the mainstream, despite whatever creative twists of genius the group thought they were instituting on misguided moments such as Zooropa. They have moved ever further away from their punk origins and morphed into the caricature they largely are today, despite their sentiments never really changing.
Regardless of who U2 are today, they still have a foolproof legacy, as their pre-Joshua Tree years confirm. Furthermore, much of their later work is still cherished by hardcore fans. While it might not seem like it to many, they are self-aware enough to know what legacy means to groups like them who have reached the peak of success and produced moments of timeless brilliance.
Another group that managed to replicate immense and time-spurning success on numerous occasions was Led Zeppelin. This is something The Edge is fully aware of and appreciates. When the classic rock pioneers were on the verge of playing their iconic reunion performance at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in 2007, he asserted that despite being a punk, he is a “fan” of the band and that “no one can touch them” and their consequential efforts.
Appearing on BBC Radio 1’s Masterpieces series in November of that year, The Edge revealed himself to be a lover of Led Zeppelin and then reflected on their legacy, which he maintained is timeless.
He declared: “At the time that punk rock happened, they were really at the top of the list of bands that had to be seen off. But, you know, the dust has settled on their legacy, and listening back at this point, it’s clear that they’ve made an immense impact, and their work really does stand the test of time, and no one can touch them, in many respects. I think, yeah, the lap of honour is warranted for sure.”
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