The Edge names the bands that most inspired U2’s early work
U2 are a relatively divisive band. Though they have a lot of hits and enough of a back catalogue to sell out an exciting Vegas residency, just as many people openly criticise the group. A big part of this is because they have changed their sound so much, and in the face of that change, plenty of people dislike the sound that comes from it.
Liam Gallagher, for example, took issue with the band because of their apparent lack of rock and roll. “I think rock ‘n’ roll deserves a little bit more than just making music,” he said, using U2 as an example, “They pass themselves as a rock ‘n’ roll band, but what the? C’mon, man, I’ve never seen fucking Bono. I mean, I’ve never seen any of them do anything remotely rock n roll.”
Many other musicians aren’t a fan of how the band operates. Their infamous decision to release their album for free notoriously shook the music world. “U2 are business moguls, not musicians anymore,” tweeted Sharon Osbourne. Ozzy agreed, saying, “U2 did an album free, and it’s like, why would anybody do that?… I don’t particularly like what he does. It’s phony.”
However, regardless of people’s opinions of U2, it’s hard to deny that they are an exceptional band that has always kept intrinsic melody and rhythm at the heart of what they do. This applies regardless of the band’s era, their business mindset at the time, or how rock ’n’ roll might be perceived.
When you listen to The Edge talk about some of the band’s early influences, it is clear that these aspects were built into the foundation of U2. He said they “Grew up really with a love of songs and melody and song structures, and our favourite bands will have been, early on, the Ramones, T Rex and Bowie, maybe the Stones.” He went on to reflect on the later bands that have also inspired them, “And then, later on, obviously we love The Pistols and The Clash, Patti Smith, those sorts of group.”
Some would call the way that they are mistreated, as at the heart of everything they’ve ever done is musical innovation and the one to create outstanding records. The way they have gone about it is often questionable, but before the business, the different eras and the controversy built into everything they do is excellent music.
They have some exceptional influences who helped them find their love for music, and these can be heard throughout their albums. Bands such as the Ramones, T Rex, and Bowie can be heard in the early U2 albums. Their melody and song structure are clearly present, and it makes for exceptional listening.
