I wanted to set the record straight on behalf of the members of U2 on comments made to the BBC by our much-loved and valued manager, Paul McGuinness, regarding Radiohead's decision to make the music of 'In Rainbows' available as a download, using the 'honesty box' idea for payment.
We agree with our manager that this is a head-scratching and worrisome time for many musicians who, unlike ourselves, are depending on royalty or publishing cheques to pay the rent (particularly songwriters). We also agree that it is disturbing to see internet service providers and technology companies profit from the so-called 'disintermediation' of the music business when so many music lovers are losing their jobs. And while there is no doubt that it's extremely difficult for a new artist to get the kind of investment on which U2 depended in the first few wobbly years of recording, we disagree with Paul's assessment of Radiohead's release as "having backfired to a certain extent." We think they were courageous and imaginative in trying to figure out some new relationship with their audience. Such imagination and courage are in short supply right now...they're a sacred talent and we feel blessed to be around at the same time.
With respect,
Bono
I think that it is good that BONO spoke out. And U2 ARE friends with the guys in Radiohead. I think that while McGuinness might be mildly annoyed by Bono's comments, it is healthy that ANY member of the band can publicly state whether they disagree with management on an issue in part or in whole.
And for those that were up in arms about McGuiness' comments, Bono has made the bands view clear.
Tottaly agreed with Bono!!
And with everyone else's comments!!
It is a very healthy thing from the band to stand up and speak up their opinion, when they agree and also when disagree with the comments or statements, made by someone who is related to the band and set the record straight... it is also remarkable how he speaks about Macguinness' comments, he simple says they disagree but reafirm their respect and love to him....
thanks for the post mate!
Tottaly agreed with Bono!!
And with everyone else's comments!!
It is a very healthy thing from the band to stand up and speak up their opinion, when they agree and also when disagree with the comments or statements, made by someone who is related to the band and set the record straight... it is also remarkable how he speaks about Macguinness' comments, he simple says they disagree but reafirm their respect and love to him....
thanks for the post mate!
I imagine that McGuinness knew ahead of time that Bono was writing the letter. And I imagine that a heart to heart was had. Something to the effect of 'let's not badmouth the practices of other bands... especially our friends'.
I imagine that McGuinness knew ahead of time that Bono was writing the letter. And I imagine that a heart to heart was had. Something to the effect of 'let's not badmouth the practices of other bands... especially our friends'.
I think Paul McGuiness is one of the most arrogant twats I have ever come across...I dont care how important he is to U2. Slagging off other bands is not the thing to do. I agree about a lot of his views about ISP's etc but I only agree as it seems to be cripling upcoming musicians. However I think he couldnt give a rats ass about other musicians and only cares about lining his own pockets with even more cash!
I think Paul McGuiness is one of the most arrogant twats I have ever come across...I dont care how important he is to U2. Slagging off other bands is not the thing to do. I agree about a lot of his views about ISP's etc but I only agree as it seems to be cripling upcoming musicians. However I think he couldnt give a rats ass about other musicians and only cares about lining his own pockets with even more cash!
While we're discussing how McGuinness said the thing backfired, I
have one question:
What has he done for U2?
I know he's been the manager since the early days, but what he said was wrong. You do not critisize the way a band releases an album. You don't shoot your mouth off saying it "backfired". Mr. McGuinness, what you said was bad in taste, and very disrespectful. You should apologize for what you said. Shame on you.
Also, you lost my respect. First you want to governments to regulate ISPs to stop illegal downloading. I'm sorry, but that will always go on. Plus Bill Clinton said "no" to regulating ISPs in 1995. Perhaps U2 could be managed by Bill Curbishley, someone that I think who is a much better manager. Mr. McGuinness, the music business has changed, but cut the shit. I see right through you. You're another Kit Lambert. You want to see the band do well, for your wallet. I don't care how close you think you are to this band, go away. Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam can do better off without you.
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did you know? One night during the Achtung Baby recordings the band were struggling with a track called "Ultra Violet", The Edge came up with two possible parts which sounded both pretty good. They decided to put them together and there suddenly was the song "One", recorded completely in the following couple of hours.
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"I actually think it's about sex in Dublin as a teenager. It's about finding a place where you can be with your girlfriend, which was a real problem at the time."
- Bono on the song 'Another time, Another Place'
