Why I Love U2

Traveling all over Indiana in my car this past week I listened to two audio books and music from my favorite band – U2. There are lots of reasons to love U2, their great music, social consciousness or deep and spiritual lyrics.  But as I listened to their most recent album I realized I admire U2 for a couple other reasons.  Reasons that provide inspiration for my own work and career (I often draw inspiration from unexpected places).

First is these four guys have stayed together for 30 years.  How many great bands have done that?  The four original guys – Bono, the Edge, Larry and Adam still playing together, creating great music. Not a mix and match of members with the same band name.  They must have worked through their egos, differing visions and life changes to stay together as a band.  What impact can longevity with others make in our work and the lives of others?

Secondly, they are still creative giants.  Their best work maybe their most recent work.  How many bands who actually stay together for a long time are still creating and producing quality music and shows. Many just do the reunion tour thing and play all their old stuff with a couple new songs thrown in the mix (that really are not that good).  It appears U2 has not allowed the vices and lifestyles that burn out so many bands or their past success keep them from continuing to contribute new and better music to the world.  Again, for me a great place to aspire to.

Longevity with a team of folks who put aside those things that divide and doing what it takes to continue to contribute original value to the world is a worthy way to make music and live our lives.

Magnificent

I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice
But to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry
It was a joyful noise.