U2 - Welcome back to North America

force-10

Any news on the vinyl reissue of achtung baby this year?

Newch91

force-10 wrote:

Any news on the vinyl reissue of achtung baby this year?

Details should be coming soon, probably after the tour. Will post it on the Achtung thread.

Newch91

WHAT THE HELL?????

FREAKING "BAD"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Newch91

norm wrote:

rick1zoo2 wrote:

closed with Out Of Control! awesome!

yeah can't wait to d/l the dvd for this!

Post the link on here for it.

Newch91

Why couldn't U2 get the TV spot on VH1? Coldplay doesn't deserve it.

rick1zoo2

I just downloaded the show as an .avi file from U2start.com. It looks decent, might have to blast it again tonight. Thinking this has to be one of the epic U2 shows, on the order of Red Rocks, Live Aid, Slane.

g under p

They'll be here this wednesday in South Florida as they shutdown the Florida Marlins baseball team. The band sent them to Seatle to play their home games as in it takes U2 4 days to set up, play and breakdown their stage. I hope to be there this Wednesday.

Peace

Newch91

g under p wrote:

They'll be here this wednesday in South Florida as they shutdown the Florida Marlins baseball team. The band sent them to Seatle to play their home games as in it takes U2 4 days to set up, play and breakdown their stage. I hope to be there this Wednesday.

Peace

Have fun!

Newch91

Just finished watching Glastonbury on YouTube. That was definitely a great performance by them. LOVED the "Achtung Baby" start to the show. "With Or Without You" was a very powerful performance. Clearly the best band on the planet and best band performing.

norm

just started d/l'ing a dvd someone made of glasto and put up on demonoid

Newch91

norm wrote:

just started d/l'ing a dvd someone made of glasto and put up on demonoid

Nice. Let us know how the quality is.

norm

tonight live video feed

http://twitcasting.tv/bethandbono

rick1zoo2

norm wrote:

tonight live video feed

http://twitcasting.tv/bethandbono

watching that too, sort of.. Watching Meatballs on tv

rick1zoo2

June 26 2011- East Lansing, MI, US (Spartan Stadium) with Florence and The Machine

Even Better than the Real Thing
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
Until the End of the World
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / The Promise Land (snippet)
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Beautiful Day / Space Oddity (snippet)
Elevation
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy if I don't Go Crazy Tonight (remix) / Discothèque (snippet) / Life During Wartime (snippet) / Psycho Killer (snippet)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk On
ENCORE
One / Will You Love me Tomorrow (snippet)
Where the Streets Have No Name
ENCORE 2
Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me
With or Without You
Moment of Surrender / Jungleland (snippet)



Up next is Miami, FL Wedensday June 29

Newch91

Article, though I don't know if it's mocking them or not, about their Glastonbury set. Of course, there are the huge numbers of U2 haters that commented on the article. This comment makes reasonable sense.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glas ... sh-U2.html

I have been a big big fan of Bono and U2 since 1987 but just a few years ago, I started to doubt him and U2 because all negativity and slander of others, saying all that crap about Bono like many here. Giving out to Bono about everything he does and doesn’t, having millions himself, blah, blah. At least he is doing something about the 3rd world problems. Bono and U2 still do great things, and make good music. Period. You don’t get nominated for a freaken Nobel price if you are full of crap.

I also tend to be a little annoyed by Bono's preaching but those who hate him, or make fun of him for that reason, annoy me even more. I don't have a problem with people like him using their fame to get what they want to benefit other people and if he wants his Maserati, then, why not?

It's just a fact that people would rather have their rock stars dive into the excess of drugs, alcohol, and models than be married for 20 plus years and try and do good to the world...

One person's (even an incredibly rich person's) private donations to a cause like cancelling third-world debt still have hardly any impact on the outcome of the campaign.

Secondly, and more realistically, Bono's personal donations are well....private. Somebody might know what he has given individually, but don't be surprised if nobody really knows. In fact, I don't think it’s any of our business...

Having said that, U2 donated $6 million (GBP3.3 million) of their own money towards eliminating poverty in Africa. Don’t take my word for it, Google it. A source says, "It would seem hypocritical if they were asking people to help the charity effort and weren't doing something themselves. “But their personal gesture is not something they are going to boost."

Besides, what Bono offers as human capital - his time, his celebrity, his ability to make people from both ends of the religious and political spectrums shut up and listen - will probably prove FAR more valuable than the dollar amount he gives, if it hasn't already.

Ireland had an artist friendly tax system but decided to change that some time ago in the way that tax relief is claimed and that the upper level is now 250,000 euros in earnings - after that a flat rate of 50% is paid regardless of how the money is earned. I do not know everything about U2's tax affairs- but suffice to say their company is based in the Netherlands and how they pay personal taxes is based upon any countries laws regarding time spent in that country and such like.

As ever many large companies can manipulate tax and be based in any country they wish - many large companies have several subsidiary companies each based in specific countries to take advantage of that countries tax laws. Many perhaps all of them do not do business on the truly global scale that U2 do.

When the Irish Government changed the Laws and set the upper limit at 250,000 euros and then 50% thereafter they must have been either stupid or very stupid to think that major earners like U2 and others would not move. U2 is not just several guys singing songs; they employ many hundreds of people - from roadies to techs and designers as well.

About their taxes, they are not tax avoiding scum; they are tax compliant in every country. Their sales are global, not in Ireland. If they sell a ticket in Argentina, the taxes are not paid in Ireland, ever.

1) U2 does pay tax in Ireland where they are residents. They also pay tax in other countries too. After all they own property and cars and are taxed in Ireland for those and for income from touring and merchandise.

2) The artist's exemption law in Ireland was tax law that said if you're a composer, writer or poet etc. then you don't have to pay tax on that source of income. It was capped at €250,000 in 2006.

3) It was a group decision made by four members and their manager. One of that group might have been advocating for governments to increase aid, either way he was outvoted.

Also, how does Bono paying tax in his home country of the Republic of Ireland help the poor of the UK?

As for you lot on here talking about U2 ticket prices, milking the fans, but then praise the likes of Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Get yourself educated. Bands like Bruce Springsteen, Smashing Pumpkins, Rolling Stones asked 80 euros for a ticket in Ireland. That’s an absurd amount of money to ask of your fans. U2 has tickets prices from 30-90 euros, general admission floor tickets priced at €55 and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue priced at around €30, which is cheaper than their Vertigo tour, when it was 75 euros for the pit. And never have I been asked by Bono to donate money out of my own pocket. I am thoroughly annoyed by his preaching at concerts, but never did he ask me to give money. All he asked us in Amsterdam was to send a text message á 25 cents. So everyone here giving out about them asking for your money is just laughable. You heard the sound of the bell, but don’t know where the clapper hangs.

I don't think he tries to make ordinary people who own no villas or Ferraris feel guilty about not doing enough. I think people imagine that because they, somehow, feel guilty. What he does, most of the time, is try to convince politicians to do something, and that makes much more sense, because they are the ones who hold the power, not the ordinary guy who can only give a little money from time to time.

Also, about the cash... Well of course Bono is immensely rich. He is part of one of the most successful bands in the world, and has been for over 30 years now. People always criticize him for being rich and being an egomaniac.

But one reason why U2 have stayed together for so long (which I think is admirable in itself), is that precisely, Bono did not let his ego destroy it. Most bands, even great ones, end up arguing and splitting because they cannot deal with the various members' inflated ego, or because they argue about money. As far as I know, however, Bono has always agreed to getting the same amount of money as the other members even though he was by far the most famous among them (and the lyricist). And I've never heard of any major crisis within the band because of Bono's ego. For me that's a good indication that his egomania and lust for money are not that bad.

As for calling U2 hypocrites, U2 at least do something about the problems of others. But by listening to all you people, in total envy of the success of U2, it’s better for a rock band to do nothing at all with their platform and pay taxes in the Netherlands. Coz then you are not a hypocrite, so then it’s all good. Rolling Stones pay their taxes in the Netherlands, so why don’t Art Uncut go protest at their gigs? But of course Rolling Stones are Teflon, let’s not give out to them. Innocent, pure rockers, Rolling Stones are way better than U2. Utter fail. Just shows the bias and mindless repeating of hate against U2 without knowing any of the facts.

As for the Irish poverty and bankrupt status of the country, that was caused by the greed of the banks, the construction coons and the epic failure of the Irish Government. That has nothing to do with U2. Do you think U2 paying a couple of millions of more tax in Ireland would have prevented for Ireland to go default? Give me a break. Those millions would have gone into the endless pit, and rich man’s pockets, not to hospitals and schools. Ireland holds a low corporate tax, they defend with their lives. Isn’t that calling the kettle black? They lure multinationals and other businesses into Ireland with their low tax. Microsoft, Xerox, Symantec, IBM, Google, eBay, Zynga, the list is endless, all took their business to Ireland. That’s the same freaken thing. That’s a lot of jobs not offered to the US market. Why don’t you all go protest against that? Inflate balloons at the Hewlett Packard offices in Dublin 4? But when U2 moves their business to the Netherlands, you shout murder.

Irish politicians Bertie Ahern & Ray Burke lowered taxes on an oil field exploitation that was in their territorial waters. Thanks to a deal made between the corrupt Haughey government and multinational oil companies, they are now missing out on billions from that oil field. Billions that don’t go to the Irish people, but to the UK and other countries. That’s all ok, isn’t it? But being smart about your taxes is not.

All I have said here, you can find on the web. It’s not made up, its fact, except for some personal opinions about U2 and you lot.

Whatever, their Glasto gig was legendary to me, and many other fans. Thanks to the men of U2.

Newch91

rick1zoo2 wrote:

June 26 2011- East Lansing, MI, US (Spartan Stadium) with Florence and The Machine

Even Better than the Real Thing
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
Until the End of the World
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / The Promise Land (snippet)
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Beautiful Day / Space Oddity (snippet)
Elevation
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy if I don't Go Crazy Tonight (remix) / Discothèque (snippet) / Life During Wartime (snippet) / Psycho Killer (snippet)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk On
ENCORE
One / Will You Love me Tomorrow (snippet)
Where the Streets Have No Name
ENCORE 2
Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me
With or Without You
Moment of Surrender / Jungleland (snippet)



Up next is Miami, FL Wedensday June 29

I would've thought they'd throw in "Bad" after Friday.

rick1zoo2

Newch91 wrote:

rick1zoo2 wrote:

June 26 2011- East Lansing, MI, US (Spartan Stadium) with Florence and The Machine

Even Better than the Real Thing
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
Until the End of the World
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / The Promise Land (snippet)
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Beautiful Day / Space Oddity (snippet)
Elevation
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy if I don't Go Crazy Tonight (remix) / Discothèque (snippet) / Life During Wartime (snippet) / Psycho Killer (snippet)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk On
ENCORE
One / Will You Love me Tomorrow (snippet)
Where the Streets Have No Name
ENCORE 2
Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me
With or Without You
Moment of Surrender / Jungleland (snippet)



Up next is Miami, FL Wedensday June 29

I would've thought they'd throw in "Bad" after Friday.

hopefully they will rotate it in for either Philly, NJ or Pittsburgh

Newch91

rick1zoo2 wrote:

Newch91 wrote:

rick1zoo2 wrote:

June 26 2011- East Lansing, MI, US (Spartan Stadium) with Florence and The Machine

Even Better than the Real Thing
The Fly
Mysterious Ways
Until the End of the World
I Will Follow
Get On Your Boots
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / The Promise Land (snippet)
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Beautiful Day / Space Oddity (snippet)
Elevation
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy if I don't Go Crazy Tonight (remix) / Discothèque (snippet) / Life During Wartime (snippet) / Psycho Killer (snippet)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk On
ENCORE
One / Will You Love me Tomorrow (snippet)
Where the Streets Have No Name
ENCORE 2
Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me
With or Without You
Moment of Surrender / Jungleland (snippet)



Up next is Miami, FL Wedensday June 29

I would've thought they'd throw in "Bad" after Friday.

hopefully they will rotate it in for either Philly, NJ or Pittsburgh

Hope so. The Glastonbury version was really good. Why take out Ultraviolet and put HMTMKMKM back in?

direwolf74

Newch91 wrote:

Article, though I don't know if it's mocking them or not, about their Glastonbury set. Of course, there are the huge numbers of U2 haters that commented on the article. This comment makes reasonable sense.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glas ... sh-U2.html

I have been a big big fan of Bono and U2 since 1987 but just a few years ago, I started to doubt him and U2 because all negativity and slander of others, saying all that crap about Bono like many here. Giving out to Bono about everything he does and doesn’t, having millions himself, blah, blah. At least he is doing something about the 3rd world problems. Bono and U2 still do great things, and make good music. Period. You don’t get nominated for a freaken Nobel price if you are full of crap.

I also tend to be a little annoyed by Bono's preaching but those who hate him, or make fun of him for that reason, annoy me even more. I don't have a problem with people like him using their fame to get what they want to benefit other people and if he wants his Maserati, then, why not?

It's just a fact that people would rather have their rock stars dive into the excess of drugs, alcohol, and models than be married for 20 plus years and try and do good to the world...

One person's (even an incredibly rich person's) private donations to a cause like cancelling third-world debt still have hardly any impact on the outcome of the campaign.

Secondly, and more realistically, Bono's personal donations are well....private. Somebody might know what he has given individually, but don't be surprised if nobody really knows. In fact, I don't think it’s any of our business...

Having said that, U2 donated $6 million (GBP3.3 million) of their own money towards eliminating poverty in Africa. Don’t take my word for it, Google it. A source says, "It would seem hypocritical if they were asking people to help the charity effort and weren't doing something themselves. “But their personal gesture is not something they are going to boost."

Besides, what Bono offers as human capital - his time, his celebrity, his ability to make people from both ends of the religious and political spectrums shut up and listen - will probably prove FAR more valuable than the dollar amount he gives, if it hasn't already.

Ireland had an artist friendly tax system but decided to change that some time ago in the way that tax relief is claimed and that the upper level is now 250,000 euros in earnings - after that a flat rate of 50% is paid regardless of how the money is earned. I do not know everything about U2's tax affairs- but suffice to say their company is based in the Netherlands and how they pay personal taxes is based upon any countries laws regarding time spent in that country and such like.

As ever many large companies can manipulate tax and be based in any country they wish - many large companies have several subsidiary companies each based in specific countries to take advantage of that countries tax laws. Many perhaps all of them do not do business on the truly global scale that U2 do.

When the Irish Government changed the Laws and set the upper limit at 250,000 euros and then 50% thereafter they must have been either stupid or very stupid to think that major earners like U2 and others would not move. U2 is not just several guys singing songs; they employ many hundreds of people - from roadies to techs and designers as well.

About their taxes, they are not tax avoiding scum; they are tax compliant in every country. Their sales are global, not in Ireland. If they sell a ticket in Argentina, the taxes are not paid in Ireland, ever.

1) U2 does pay tax in Ireland where they are residents. They also pay tax in other countries too. After all they own property and cars and are taxed in Ireland for those and for income from touring and merchandise.

2) The artist's exemption law in Ireland was tax law that said if you're a composer, writer or poet etc. then you don't have to pay tax on that source of income. It was capped at €250,000 in 2006.

3) It was a group decision made by four members and their manager. One of that group might have been advocating for governments to increase aid, either way he was outvoted.

Also, how does Bono paying tax in his home country of the Republic of Ireland help the poor of the UK?

As for you lot on here talking about U2 ticket prices, milking the fans, but then praise the likes of Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Get yourself educated. Bands like Bruce Springsteen, Smashing Pumpkins, Rolling Stones asked 80 euros for a ticket in Ireland. That’s an absurd amount of money to ask of your fans. U2 has tickets prices from 30-90 euros, general admission floor tickets priced at €55 and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue priced at around €30, which is cheaper than their Vertigo tour, when it was 75 euros for the pit. And never have I been asked by Bono to donate money out of my own pocket. I am thoroughly annoyed by his preaching at concerts, but never did he ask me to give money. All he asked us in Amsterdam was to send a text message á 25 cents. So everyone here giving out about them asking for your money is just laughable. You heard the sound of the bell, but don’t know where the clapper hangs.

I don't think he tries to make ordinary people who own no villas or Ferraris feel guilty about not doing enough. I think people imagine that because they, somehow, feel guilty. What he does, most of the time, is try to convince politicians to do something, and that makes much more sense, because they are the ones who hold the power, not the ordinary guy who can only give a little money from time to time.

Also, about the cash... Well of course Bono is immensely rich. He is part of one of the most successful bands in the world, and has been for over 30 years now. People always criticize him for being rich and being an egomaniac.

But one reason why U2 have stayed together for so long (which I think is admirable in itself), is that precisely, Bono did not let his ego destroy it. Most bands, even great ones, end up arguing and splitting because they cannot deal with the various members' inflated ego, or because they argue about money. As far as I know, however, Bono has always agreed to getting the same amount of money as the other members even though he was by far the most famous among them (and the lyricist). And I've never heard of any major crisis within the band because of Bono's ego. For me that's a good indication that his egomania and lust for money are not that bad.

As for calling U2 hypocrites, U2 at least do something about the problems of others. But by listening to all you people, in total envy of the success of U2, it’s better for a rock band to do nothing at all with their platform and pay taxes in the Netherlands. Coz then you are not a hypocrite, so then it’s all good. Rolling Stones pay their taxes in the Netherlands, so why don’t Art Uncut go protest at their gigs? But of course Rolling Stones are Teflon, let’s not give out to them. Innocent, pure rockers, Rolling Stones are way better than U2. Utter fail. Just shows the bias and mindless repeating of hate against U2 without knowing any of the facts.

As for the Irish poverty and bankrupt status of the country, that was caused by the greed of the banks, the construction coons and the epic failure of the Irish Government. That has nothing to do with U2. Do you think U2 paying a couple of millions of more tax in Ireland would have prevented for Ireland to go default? Give me a break. Those millions would have gone into the endless pit, and rich man’s pockets, not to hospitals and schools. Ireland holds a low corporate tax, they defend with their lives. Isn’t that calling the kettle black? They lure multinationals and other businesses into Ireland with their low tax. Microsoft, Xerox, Symantec, IBM, Google, eBay, Zynga, the list is endless, all took their business to Ireland. That’s the same freaken thing. That’s a lot of jobs not offered to the US market. Why don’t you all go protest against that? Inflate balloons at the Hewlett Packard offices in Dublin 4? But when U2 moves their business to the Netherlands, you shout murder.

Irish politicians Bertie Ahern & Ray Burke lowered taxes on an oil field exploitation that was in their territorial waters. Thanks to a deal made between the corrupt Haughey government and multinational oil companies, they are now missing out on billions from that oil field. Billions that don’t go to the Irish people, but to the UK and other countries. That’s all ok, isn’t it? But being smart about your taxes is not.

All I have said here, you can find on the web. It’s not made up, its fact, except for some personal opinions about U2 and you lot.

Whatever, their Glasto gig was legendary to me, and many other fans. Thanks to the men of U2.

Amen, brother! All the U2 haters can suck it. Bono is a good dude, and at least he's using his fame for worthwhile causes. People tend to forget that he's been heavily involved in the Africa thing since the mid-80s. This isn't just him suddenly deciding he's gonna try and change the world because he's a rich & famous rock star. The guy is insanely dedicated, and from everything I've read on the subject, he certainly puts his money where his mouth is.

Their Glastonbury performance was brilliant by the way.

Newch91

direwolf74 wrote:

Newch91 wrote:

Article, though I don't know if it's mocking them or not, about their Glastonbury set. Of course, there are the huge numbers of U2 haters that commented on the article. This comment makes reasonable sense.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glas ... sh-U2.html

I have been a big big fan of Bono and U2 since 1987 but just a few years ago, I started to doubt him and U2 because all negativity and slander of others, saying all that crap about Bono like many here. Giving out to Bono about everything he does and doesn’t, having millions himself, blah, blah. At least he is doing something about the 3rd world problems. Bono and U2 still do great things, and make good music. Period. You don’t get nominated for a freaken Nobel price if you are full of crap.

I also tend to be a little annoyed by Bono's preaching but those who hate him, or make fun of him for that reason, annoy me even more. I don't have a problem with people like him using their fame to get what they want to benefit other people and if he wants his Maserati, then, why not?

It's just a fact that people would rather have their rock stars dive into the excess of drugs, alcohol, and models than be married for 20 plus years and try and do good to the world...

One person's (even an incredibly rich person's) private donations to a cause like cancelling third-world debt still have hardly any impact on the outcome of the campaign.

Secondly, and more realistically, Bono's personal donations are well....private. Somebody might know what he has given individually, but don't be surprised if nobody really knows. In fact, I don't think it’s any of our business...

Having said that, U2 donated $6 million (GBP3.3 million) of their own money towards eliminating poverty in Africa. Don’t take my word for it, Google it. A source says, "It would seem hypocritical if they were asking people to help the charity effort and weren't doing something themselves. “But their personal gesture is not something they are going to boost."

Besides, what Bono offers as human capital - his time, his celebrity, his ability to make people from both ends of the religious and political spectrums shut up and listen - will probably prove FAR more valuable than the dollar amount he gives, if it hasn't already.

Ireland had an artist friendly tax system but decided to change that some time ago in the way that tax relief is claimed and that the upper level is now 250,000 euros in earnings - after that a flat rate of 50% is paid regardless of how the money is earned. I do not know everything about U2's tax affairs- but suffice to say their company is based in the Netherlands and how they pay personal taxes is based upon any countries laws regarding time spent in that country and such like.

As ever many large companies can manipulate tax and be based in any country they wish - many large companies have several subsidiary companies each based in specific countries to take advantage of that countries tax laws. Many perhaps all of them do not do business on the truly global scale that U2 do.

When the Irish Government changed the Laws and set the upper limit at 250,000 euros and then 50% thereafter they must have been either stupid or very stupid to think that major earners like U2 and others would not move. U2 is not just several guys singing songs; they employ many hundreds of people - from roadies to techs and designers as well.

About their taxes, they are not tax avoiding scum; they are tax compliant in every country. Their sales are global, not in Ireland. If they sell a ticket in Argentina, the taxes are not paid in Ireland, ever.

1) U2 does pay tax in Ireland where they are residents. They also pay tax in other countries too. After all they own property and cars and are taxed in Ireland for those and for income from touring and merchandise.

2) The artist's exemption law in Ireland was tax law that said if you're a composer, writer or poet etc. then you don't have to pay tax on that source of income. It was capped at €250,000 in 2006.

3) It was a group decision made by four members and their manager. One of that group might have been advocating for governments to increase aid, either way he was outvoted.

Also, how does Bono paying tax in his home country of the Republic of Ireland help the poor of the UK?

As for you lot on here talking about U2 ticket prices, milking the fans, but then praise the likes of Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Get yourself educated. Bands like Bruce Springsteen, Smashing Pumpkins, Rolling Stones asked 80 euros for a ticket in Ireland. That’s an absurd amount of money to ask of your fans. U2 has tickets prices from 30-90 euros, general admission floor tickets priced at €55 and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue priced at around €30, which is cheaper than their Vertigo tour, when it was 75 euros for the pit. And never have I been asked by Bono to donate money out of my own pocket. I am thoroughly annoyed by his preaching at concerts, but never did he ask me to give money. All he asked us in Amsterdam was to send a text message á 25 cents. So everyone here giving out about them asking for your money is just laughable. You heard the sound of the bell, but don’t know where the clapper hangs.

I don't think he tries to make ordinary people who own no villas or Ferraris feel guilty about not doing enough. I think people imagine that because they, somehow, feel guilty. What he does, most of the time, is try to convince politicians to do something, and that makes much more sense, because they are the ones who hold the power, not the ordinary guy who can only give a little money from time to time.

Also, about the cash... Well of course Bono is immensely rich. He is part of one of the most successful bands in the world, and has been for over 30 years now. People always criticize him for being rich and being an egomaniac.

But one reason why U2 have stayed together for so long (which I think is admirable in itself), is that precisely, Bono did not let his ego destroy it. Most bands, even great ones, end up arguing and splitting because they cannot deal with the various members' inflated ego, or because they argue about money. As far as I know, however, Bono has always agreed to getting the same amount of money as the other members even though he was by far the most famous among them (and the lyricist). And I've never heard of any major crisis within the band because of Bono's ego. For me that's a good indication that his egomania and lust for money are not that bad.

As for calling U2 hypocrites, U2 at least do something about the problems of others. But by listening to all you people, in total envy of the success of U2, it’s better for a rock band to do nothing at all with their platform and pay taxes in the Netherlands. Coz then you are not a hypocrite, so then it’s all good. Rolling Stones pay their taxes in the Netherlands, so why don’t Art Uncut go protest at their gigs? But of course Rolling Stones are Teflon, let’s not give out to them. Innocent, pure rockers, Rolling Stones are way better than U2. Utter fail. Just shows the bias and mindless repeating of hate against U2 without knowing any of the facts.

As for the Irish poverty and bankrupt status of the country, that was caused by the greed of the banks, the construction coons and the epic failure of the Irish Government. That has nothing to do with U2. Do you think U2 paying a couple of millions of more tax in Ireland would have prevented for Ireland to go default? Give me a break. Those millions would have gone into the endless pit, and rich man’s pockets, not to hospitals and schools. Ireland holds a low corporate tax, they defend with their lives. Isn’t that calling the kettle black? They lure multinationals and other businesses into Ireland with their low tax. Microsoft, Xerox, Symantec, IBM, Google, eBay, Zynga, the list is endless, all took their business to Ireland. That’s the same freaken thing. That’s a lot of jobs not offered to the US market. Why don’t you all go protest against that? Inflate balloons at the Hewlett Packard offices in Dublin 4? But when U2 moves their business to the Netherlands, you shout murder.

Irish politicians Bertie Ahern & Ray Burke lowered taxes on an oil field exploitation that was in their territorial waters. Thanks to a deal made between the corrupt Haughey government and multinational oil companies, they are now missing out on billions from that oil field. Billions that don’t go to the Irish people, but to the UK and other countries. That’s all ok, isn’t it? But being smart about your taxes is not.

All I have said here, you can find on the web. It’s not made up, its fact, except for some personal opinions about U2 and you lot.

Whatever, their Glasto gig was legendary to me, and many other fans. Thanks to the men of U2.

Amen, brother! All the U2 haters can suck it. Bono is a good dude, and at least he's using his fame for worthwhile causes. People tend to forget that he's been heavily involved in the Africa thing since the mid-80s. This isn't just him suddenly deciding he's gonna try and change the world because he's a rich & famous rock star. The guy is insanely dedicated, and from everything I've read on the subject, he certainly puts his money where his mouth is.

Their Glastonbury performance was brilliant by the way.

Agreed on everything you said. Here's an article from Save the Children UK that goes a little more in depth about Bono and how much of a key player he's been in ending third-world poverty.

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/15918.htm

P.S. LOVE your avatar!