|
Music Books [Issue
#23]
:
U2 By U2 By
U2 And Neil Mccormick
As the currently reigning most important rock band in the world, U2 has sold over
130 million albums and have played virtually everywhere on the globe.
U2 By U2 chronicles their miraculous journey from a group of teenage dilettantes
to the writing, recording, performing, political powerhouse they have ultimately
become. If the book were only a collection of the incredible photographs, it would
be worthy of purchase. However, the band openly gives a recounting of its extraordinary
partnership. The subjects’ candor, wit, and humor emanates from each member as
he recalls every anecdote. Set up much like The Beatles Anthology book, U2’s somehow
feels more legitimate. Secondly, the band’s existence has spanned nearly 30 years,
which allows the four individuals and manager Paul McGuinness to reflect on a
lifetime of achievement and the occasional misstep. The Edge discusses the purchase
of his first guitar that he later describes the acquisition with the understatement
that it was the most important item ever obtained at a particular flea market
in Ireland’s history. Bassist Adam Clayton speaks of his alcohol dependency, which
caused him to miss a live show in Australia. For those who only know the quartet
as “Bono and the other three,” the story shows the genuine chemistry between Bono,
The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr.
Harper Collins
|
