U2

Whilst on the theme of music…

Around this time last year I just happened upon a BBC transmission (which I know was also shown in other parts of the world on different networks) which featured U2 accompanied by a full orchestra and choir performing a mixture of old and new tracks at Abbey Road studios in London.

Now – I am a long-time U2 fan, though my enthusiasm for them has varied from all-out ecstasy (Joshua Tree et al) to solid respect and admiration (throughout more recent years). They have written some of my favourite ever songs – those to which I return again and again. I am a massive fan of The Edge as a guitarist and of Bono both for his wonderful voice and for his passion.

I have also  – as you might expect – a great deal of time and respect for my fellow countrymen (and women!) but if there is one trait that I deplore – and which seems to me to have become more pronounced throughout the sceptered isles in recent decades – it is that eagerness to express dislike – contempt – loathing even – for those who have somehow had the nerve to become successful. The level of vitriol directed at sporting heroes such as Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton seems to me beyond all reasonable measure. U2 – and especially Bono – have been marked men from the point at which they were first dubbed “The biggest band in the world”.

Now – it would seem to be in Bono’s nature to make himself – however inadvertently – a target for such abuse. Yes – he wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid to say and write things that others may feel to be pretentious. Yes – his worthy activism might seem at odds with some of his more commercial decisions and anyone who has made a great deal of money is almost bound to upset those who feel that the taxman might not be getting his fair whack… but, please – respect where respect is due. Though it may be acceptable to voice opinions regarding perceived errors of judgement, through the decades since the 80s Bono and U2 have been – and continue to be – a source of great joy and pleasure for millions of people. In other parts of the world huge numbers delight at any opportunity to express their enthusiasm and gratitude and I am happy to join them.

The BBC Abbey Road TV special was lambasted by some who seemed outraged that the BBC – a public service broadcaster – had provided U2 with a platform at a time when they were promoting a new album. I just saw a wondrous and exquisite musical event that reconnected me personally to an act that I had not looked at closely for a couple of years – and no – I didn’t buy the album! What I actually wanted to purchase – but couldn’t because it has not been released – was a DVD of that Abbey Road performance.

It seemed to me that U2, the orchestra – with John Metcalfe (who worked of late with Peter Gabriel’s ‘New Blood’ orchestra) arranging and conducting – and the choir complemented each other perfectly. The chosen songs – old and new – were revealed afresh and the performance in an intimate setting was really very touching. I was in particular moved to tears by renditions of “Every Breaking Wave” and “13 (There is a Light)”, but the whole concert was in my opinion simply wonderful.

Though you cannot purchase a DVD or CD of this excellent event you can, fortunately, locate all of the component parts of the show on YouTube and I encourage those with open minds and open hearts to indulge themselves thereon.