From Goog, "Bloody Sunday": "On Sunday, January 30, 1972, British soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians during a civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland, killing 13 men and injuring at least 14 others. The event, also known as the Bogside Massacre, took place in the predominantly Catholic Bogside area of Londonderry. Many of the victims were shot while trying to flee or help the wounded, and others were injured by rubber bullets, shrapnel, or batons. The day is considered one of the darkest moments of the Northern Ireland Troubles."
I'm Australian with Irish and Welsh back ground, when this song come out... (Yes I'm old)... It chilled me here in Australia... But when the Bogside Massacre happened... I wasn't born yet.... But I feel the pain some how....
Love U2 and this song. Sunday Bloody Sunday was released in 1983 on the album War. Yes, It's an anti war song!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Bono's voice, perfect for a rock band and yes the Edge is a fabulous guitar player. The whole band is talented!!! Their music has meaning! Bono is known world wide as a peace activist and has raised millions of dollars for his charity work! People have been writing songs about war and peace, tragic events for ever!!!!!!!!!!!
The hundreds and thousands of people - young and old - who pay good money to see them live don't "hate in them". Curious expression - a different approach to using the English language.
@OlliWoodda re songs about tragedy: I grew up in an Irish household (my mom’s parents both immigrated from Ireland). 75% of Irish music is about tragedy, Irish independence from Great Britain, “the Troubles,” etc. I swear I know as much about Irish history as I do American history! I think back in the day (100+ years ago), the songs were a way to communicate & remember/pass down their history. We remember the hero’s of Irish independence through song. And the battle songs! This would be WAY out of your wheelhouse for the show, but consider listening to Wolftones. An Irish band that has been around for 50+ yrs singing the songs of Ireland. It’s all tragedy 😢 and fight. 🫶🤘
The Irish always have a story, and a cause,always passionate. We share the history we don’t want repeated, and we share the history of the strength and character of the nation of Ireland. Bono doesn’t need a perfect singing voice, he and the band are so much more.
As far as Bono's voice I think it's better to sound unique than to be known as a "great singer". When you sound like YOU and no one else you are remembered and known for it.
The “Troubles” be applied but living in 🇺🇸about Dr. King… Ollie if you hear more ballad songs Bono’s voice much better & live, this outdoor concert environment was cool, he had the flu at the time but backdrop used for videos… and again No auto tune not take this as example
I believe a recording of this concert at Red Rocks was played on MTV or somewhere, then was released on VHS. Every music fanatic I knew had and wore out the VHS of U2 Live at Red Rocks. A legendary performance and seeing concerts there became a bucket list entry for me. Many years later, I’ve been to dozens of concerts there and it’s always an incredible atmosphere and live music environment. Great pick, gentlemen!
Bono's skills as a front man expose themselves in his ability to connect with the audience and he does that better than most and that is what makes him the best front man of the eighties. I saw U2 in concert three times back in the eighties and they were all excellent shows. Check out the video for "Where The Streets Have No Name" for more Bono in his prime. On the guitar hero side, two other songs from War, "New Year's Day" and "Two Hearts Beat As One" showcase the Edge's playing and the style that became ubiquitous. Also check out "Twilight" from their debut album for some fire.
When he says 'this song is not a rebel song' means it's not an I.R.A. song. He's sick of the war in Northern Ireland. His parents are both Catholic and Protestant. Peace,love and Unity. 🙏
I've been a subscriber since last year, and one of the biggest reasons why I'm still a subscriber is because you have discussions about what you just listened to. A lot of reactors will say a few things about liking it or not, but they don't dive into the music like the three of you do. I appreciate hearing others' thoughts and opinions (whether they're good or bad) on songs and musicians that I love. So please keep that up! 🤓 I've also been loving your new intros that I've been seeing. Much love from Oregon! ❤️
Much love! Anyone can listen to a song, but we like to explain our feelings about it and sprinkle in some history about the songs. We often get fact checked lol but we love it!
That was U2 at 23 years old, they've been at it for the last 40 years. Bono is considered one of the premier frontmen of Rock. Check out U2's follow up album "Unforgettable Fire" Bono's voice at 25 opens up so much till he reaches his peak around the time of "Beautiful Day".
At least they sing & perform LIVE! Bono is singing & dancing around with no auto tune....love to hear many 'greats' do their thang totally live lol Nice reaction ❤
This is U2 at their best. They lost me on later recordings, but at this time of their career they were excellent. What I loved about Bono's voice at this time was the emotion. Remember, this is a real - very real - live performance. He's moving around a lot, several tracks in, getting winded. It's honest.
I really enjoy your reactions! I would actually prefer to hear when you don’t like things (Bono’s voice, for example) then have you blow smoke. I love his voice. He’s not Steve Perry or Freddie or Robert Plant, but he’s got his own thing. Even though U2 is one of those bands people love to hate, I love them. I’ve been to see them 2x. Both times it was a “stand on your feet, jump up & down” experience. So much energy! The crowd leaving the stadium will often be singing one of their songs. It’s a lovely experience. 🫶👏
Sunday Bloody Sunday was the day a dozen unarmed civilians were shot by British military in Northern Ireland and is what started the thirty year dirty war called The Troubles.
Good memory, watched this on laser disc in the barracks in Weisbaden. they had aome great songs back in the day . live in the 80s terrific show in Frankfurt.
U2 as a band works together. Their sound would not be what it is if they all did not have their personal, magic, music powers. This song is strong. It is beautiful & it is real. Their earlier stuff like Rattle & Hum, War, etc. were all pretty epic. Thank you for sharing.
I love listening to Bono’s voice. Been listening to U2 since the Boy album. No different than I’ve been listening to Dylan since the sixties. It’s what appeals to you.
They were seroius abt this issue. The awareness & protest against the violence tge made helped empower their generation to advocte for Peace, which happened a decade later.
This very video was what helped break U2 out in a major way, with the help of MTV. The setting, Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, with the fires on the surrounding rocks was such a great visual that it propelled the video and the band forward. Saw U2 on their "Joshua Tree" tour in Philly, and it was an "EVENT', with an appearance by Bruce Springsteen for the encore. Miami Steve Van Zant, or Little Steven and The Disciples Of Soul opened the show.
“The Troubles” as it was called in Northern Ireland was still happening. Car Bombings, pub bombings. Bloody Sunday was a particularly brutal day. The Cranberries sing about The Troubles in Zombie.
U2 also have a song called The Troubles on Songs of Innocence. I think there are a couple of different takes, but the version with Lykke Li is really good.
Personally I think Bono is an amazing Rock vocalist. You don't need to be a vocal phenom (ha) to be a great Rock vocalist -- I mean, look at Mick Jagger or Liam Gallagher or Stevie Nicks. But I happen to think that Bono is genuinely good. He has power and control, and he sounds the same live as he does in the studio. I always point people to the song "Red Hill Mining Town", it's a powerful performance and one of my favorite rock vocals of all time. I appreciate you guys!
This concert was originally going to be rained out, and many fans stayed away. However, the young band had spent money on getting ready to film it, and they decided to roll the dice with the weather. It paid off massively as the fog added a smokey element. It captures the magic of early U2. Note the key line at the end: “The battle’s yet begun to claim the victory Jesus won.” It speaks to the real meaning of faith and Hope in Christ and not human wars over religious control that have plagued Ireland. Try One, a super U2 song.
Bono is a big time activist, so he's definitely funneled a lot of time and money in to various causes. He's especially in to campaigning to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa and has co-founded several relief projects that he still raises money for. And I'm not sure when exactly it started, but I've really noticed over the last several years this rising conversation about Bono's vocal chops, and I'll just say that in my opinion he sings as well as a lot of Rock front men, meaning his voice suits the material and it makes for hits. I think a lot of the digs about his voice started after U2 got very big and a lot of people started resenting them for various reasons and were just looking to crap on them. Anyway, a lot of the singers today who are considered better, you gotta wonder how good a lot of them really are without auto-tuning and all that jazz.
I'd say Bono's singing was great within that particular genre and aesthetic. Also, we could say the song is not so much about the event, but that it's time to stop the tradition of fueling even more anger, resentment, and violence... it was a very timely song for that generation.
Listen to the studio versions of Pride (In the Name of Love), The Unforgettable Fire or even With or Without You to hear how great Bono’s voice is. Great band all the way around.
U2 has evolved and grown in so many ways over the decades, that you really have to look at their music by decades. I turned down an offer to see the band for this show, but the weather that day was really bad. It rained all day, that i thought the gig was going to be postponed. It wasn't of course, and that video became extremely popular on MTV. As for Bono's singing, it too has evolved over time. When you hang with other singers, collaborate with some of them, like Leonard Cohen, Luciano Pavoratti, Frank Sinatra...you better up your game.
When I see this version of the song (which was a really great choice btw) I remember that my Jamaican gf was very enamored of Bono in his black jeans. Fortunately, I also had a lot of black jeans in my wardrobe ;)
The Edge is a good guitarist who provides perfect support to these songs with his sonic ideas. He is not even close to being considered one of the greatest in rock, but again, it doesn't matter for what U2 needs.
Ummm totally wrong. He is considered one of the best rock guitarists which is why he starred in 'It might get Loud" with Jimmy Page and Jack White. 3 guitar legends. He doesn't do 10 minute long solos. Doesn't need to. His technique, skill and sound are one of a kind.
He's not a technician or a virtuoso, but he is a sonic innovator and a mood setter. I kinda feel bad because even his own band picks on him -- remember that scene with BB King in the Rattle & Hum movie: *BB:* Are you doing the chords? I can't do chords. *Bono:* That's OK, Edge can't do leads. 😆
@@marlew6629 No, you are totally wrong. Sorry but getting computers and pedals to make unique sounds is not the key measure of a great guitarist. And his technique is pedestrian. And Jack White is not a great guitarist either. Jimmy Page is. Edge not only does not do 10 minute solos, he doesn't do solos. That is not part of his skill set. Put a great guitarist on an acoustic guitar and he is still great. Edge, without the toys, etc. is not. I love U2 and I love what Edge brings to U2--he is a perfect fit. But that does not make me abandon critical thinking skills about guitar playing.
The WAR album was the one that established the group, after their early hit's promise: "I will follow". Off the same album are the other great melodic thumpers: "New Year's Day" and "Two hearts beat as one". Enjoy!
Bono's voice got better as he got older and put work into it. PJ Harvey, (whose singing greatly improved over the years), opened for U2 in the '90's and told him he needed to work on his voice.
I just saw a U2 tribute band..Desire in Toronto on Canada day and they were so amazing. Even the band members looked like the boys. I have always loved them as soon as the first single was released. Great reaction guys and Peace out ✌️ ☮️ 🙏
There first albums are Amazing! This album put them on the cover of Time magazine & they blew up. Bono’s voice is great for the band. Fantastic song. They’re Irish so the song makes sense. New Years Day is another banger from War. Check out Vertigo from later in their career & Mysterious Ways from the middle of their career.
Cool reaction. I appreciate your honesty and depth. For a similar protest song you should try Ohio by Crosby Stills Nash and Young about the Kent State massacre, it’s a brilliant song.
Well done again! Yeah Bono doesn't have the voice of some of all time best singers, but in my opinion, no other singer could bring the raw emotion needed to sing on this subject. The Bloody Sunday event hit the core of the oppressed in N. Ireland and fueled "The Troubles" even more. To me it is this group's expression of the pain and frustration felt by a country of people who lived with war on a daily basis and the ultimate betrayal of forces in place to protect people that end of killing them..Some who were "on the fence" and not actively participating in the IRA soon joined afterwards.
I like that you guys do your research on songs like this and Dylan's Hurricane. It really helps you to appreciate the song. Another song in that vain you should check out is Ohio by CSNY.
Bono is one of the great voices. Is is smooth and polished.. no. He is channeling his soul, he reaches in and grabs you. Believe it or not his voice has a very intimate quality, in the sense that he is very laid bare when he sings. I would compare him to Annie Lennox - or even Freddie Mercury - it's not the bells and whistles of singing I am talking about, but a raw honestly - like the greatest singers he's channeling something spiritual when he sings. He's incredible. I would say listen to more U2 before you make your call on him. Listen to One, or Bad, or In God's Country, Pride - He has a very rare quality that can't be taught.
Bono’s voice from 1986 onwards is incredible, songs from The Joshua Tree & Rattle & Hum in particular showcase this for me, or ‘One’ from Achtung Baby perhaps.. Put headphones on & listen to *With or Without You *I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For *Red Hill Mining Town *Where The Streets Have No Name *All I Want Is You * When Love Comes To Town w/BB King *Heartland A great frontman though, I agree Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪
Bono is a tenor and he can sing. If you’re doing guitars- check out “ It might get loud”. It’s a 1 hour documentary with Jimmy Page, Edge and Jack White from the White Stripes( seven nation army) check it out cause Jimmy breaks down Kashmir specifically ❤❤❤❤😊
Imo, Bono isn't a technical singer, he's an emotional singer 💚🎶🎵 As Fenom said not everyone can be a Steve Perry or Luther but not everyone wants to be, how boring would that be.
Edge is not the most skilled guitarist in that he's not a virtuoso, or soloist. But he is inventive in finding new ways to play chords, and creating soundscapes and textures. He's definitely influential. I kind of lost track of U2 after a while, but they put out a series of albums in the 80s that were fantastic. War (1983) Under A Blood Red Sky [Live] (1983) The Unforgettable Fire (1984) Wide Awake In America [Live EP] (1985) The Joshua Tree (1987) Rattle and Hum (1988) Achtung Baby (1991) Of course, they continued to have many hits after this...
Bono (the lead singer) is known for his activism if that makes you feel any better, Olli. But as someone who loves history, I gotta say, the retelling of events in song is as old as time. Bards sang news and tales of battles, tragedy and joy. If it makes you feel a way, it fulfilled it's purpose.
Saul Williams does an incredible cover of Bloody Sunday that's SO worth checking out. Very interesting to see him mirror the devestating sentiment expressed by U2 regarding the The Troubles in Ireland, putting his own spin on the song by alluding to other civil rights issues experienced in the US and elsewhere around the world. "How long must we sing this song?", indeed.
U2s first album "Boy" was great but when this album War (2nd) came out it catapulted them into Rock history IMO. This video was very early, great to see after all these years. Bono has a great voice! 👍
My roommate who used to be partners in an Audio Visual Co in SWFL took these lads out on his boat for a whole day when they used a hotel on Marco Island to stage their state wide tour. This was back in 79 or 80 and they were famous but just a bit before they blew up into huge stars. I sure wish I wasn’t working that day or I’d have been on that boat too.
The Edge looks like Will Ferrell? Wow, I guess all white people do look alike ;) And it's true "everybody can't be Steve Perry." Bono is a great singer, but he sings with emotion that isn't ever going to be flawless or dipped in honey. Obviously he's also singing live here. Rock music has never been about vocal gymnastics or anyone aspiring to be either Whitney or Pavarotti. Some metal singers do have those aspirations. But the best rock singers, whether it's Jagger, Joe Strummer, or even Joey Ramone deliver vocals that are more about being unique and authentic than just being able to blow out your lungs. If you want a hip hop comparison, the guys who can spit the fastest are rarely as good as someone like Snoop who delivers it "laid back" with a little bit of a Southern drawl, and sound only like himself.
Edge's playing has always been so amazing! Bono has a unique voice, he isn't amazing, but he's good...he ain't no Geoff Tate. Which reminds me, you need to react to Queenryche, specifically Take Hold of The Flame Live in Toyko as well as Queen of The Reich Live Tokyo.
sometimes i wonder if y'all are listening to the same audio as i am lol. this LIVE FROM RED ROCKS concert version is even superior to the album/studio recording. this live performance just EXPLODES and crackles, gets me on my feet it's so good!!! a great singer isn't defined by a many octave range or vocal gymnastics imo. bono's raw vocal power, emotion, and ability to transmit feelings and meaningful connection are what makes him an amazing singer. i will ALWAYS choose bono (and U2) over steve perry (and journey). with all that said, i recommend you next check out: pride (in the name of love) one if you still think bono is only just okay after those 2, well, let's just wait and see 😏 cheers, gents!
From Goog, "Bloody Sunday": "On Sunday, January 30, 1972, British soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians during a civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland, killing 13 men and injuring at least 14 others. The event, also known as the Bogside Massacre, took place in the predominantly Catholic Bogside area of Londonderry. Many of the victims were shot while trying to flee or help the wounded, and others were injured by rubber bullets, shrapnel, or batons. The day is considered one of the darkest moments of the Northern Ireland Troubles."
"this is NOT a Rebel song ;-) "
Thx. I knew some of that info but not the details. Much appreciated.
Just like the Boston Massacre. The military has no business subjugating citizens.
Check out Martin McGuinness role in this mess. Hidden truths
I'm Australian with Irish and Welsh back ground, when this song come out... (Yes I'm old)... It chilled me here in Australia... But when the Bogside Massacre happened... I wasn't born yet.... But I feel the pain some how....
Bono has the ability to convey so many deep, meaningful emotions with his voice, not many have that ability.
how to avoid taxes.
@@bob1967-p6r Ah, Bob - you live in Ireland, do you? Or have family there?
Love U2 and this song. Sunday Bloody Sunday was released in 1983 on the album War. Yes, It's an anti war song!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Bono's voice, perfect for a rock band and yes the Edge is a fabulous guitar player. The whole band is talented!!! Their music has meaning! Bono is known world wide as a peace activist and has raised millions of dollars for his charity work! People have been writing songs about war and peace, tragic events for ever!!!!!!!!!!!
People hate on U2,but their early years where revolutionary 🤘🤘
Totally!!! Early to mid 80s were fantastic.
@@quincee3376their 90’s were pretty awesome as well.
i like *everything* up to and including Joshua Tree and lots after that
Their LiveAid set was so iconic!
The hundreds and thousands of people - young and old - who pay good money to see them live don't "hate in them".
Curious expression - a different approach to using the English language.
this concert at Red Rocks is legend
The entire album is 🔥 LEGENDARY, if you know you know!
That VHS was .... and the opening singing before the concert - who and what was that?
this tape was my anthem
@OlliWoodda re songs about tragedy: I grew up in an Irish household (my mom’s parents both immigrated from Ireland). 75% of Irish music is about tragedy, Irish independence from Great Britain, “the Troubles,” etc. I swear I know as much about Irish history as I do American history! I think back in the day (100+ years ago), the songs were a way to communicate & remember/pass down their history. We remember the hero’s of Irish independence through song. And the battle songs! This would be WAY out of your wheelhouse for the show, but consider listening to Wolftones. An Irish band that has been around for 50+ yrs singing the songs of Ireland. It’s all tragedy 😢 and fight. 🫶🤘
Well said!☘️
The Irish always have a story, and a cause,always passionate. We share the history we don’t want repeated, and we share the history of the strength and character of the nation of Ireland. Bono doesn’t need a perfect singing voice, he and the band are so much more.
As far as Bono's voice I think it's better to sound unique than to be known as a "great singer". When you sound like YOU and no one else you are remembered and known for it.
Exato! mas não tem como negar que o Bono Também é um Grande cantor! grande abraço!!
Pride (In the name of love) - U2. Gents, love to see you react to this. This is about Martin Luther King. It was a huge U2 hit in the early 80s.
The “Troubles” be applied but living in 🇺🇸about Dr. King… Ollie if you hear more ballad songs Bono’s voice much better & live, this outdoor concert environment was cool, he had the flu at the time but backdrop used for videos… and again No auto tune not take this as example
Pride was about Dr King, this is about Bloody Sunday
I disagree. Bono has an amazing voice for this genre of music.
Agree, not sure what they're thinking. 🤔
I believe a recording of this concert at Red Rocks was played on MTV or somewhere, then was released on VHS. Every music fanatic I knew had and wore out the VHS of U2 Live at Red Rocks. A legendary performance and seeing concerts there became a bucket list entry for me. Many years later, I’ve been to dozens of concerts there and it’s always an incredible atmosphere and live music environment. Great pick, gentlemen!
Summer of '83. 14 years of age. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" were staples in parties...
Yes!
Always played on the Scooter runs at that time
man I was exactly there with you - 14 in 1983, in New Zealand - first drunk experience to this album
Bono's skills as a front man expose themselves in his ability to connect with the audience and he does that better than most and that is what makes him the best front man of the eighties. I saw U2 in concert three times back in the eighties and they were all excellent shows. Check out the video for "Where The Streets Have No Name" for more Bono in his prime. On the guitar hero side, two other songs from War, "New Year's Day" and "Two Hearts Beat As One" showcase the Edge's playing and the style that became ubiquitous. Also check out "Twilight" from their debut album for some fire.
When he says 'this song is not a rebel song' means it's not an I.R.A. song. He's sick of the war in Northern Ireland. His parents are both Catholic and Protestant.
Peace,love and Unity. 🙏
U2 has always been bringing awareness and raising money for loads of causes.
Bono’s voice got stronger and better as he got older. Listen to anything from 1987-2001. As good as it gets
I've been a subscriber since last year, and one of the biggest reasons why I'm still a subscriber is because you have discussions about what you just listened to. A lot of reactors will say a few things about liking it or not, but they don't dive into the music like the three of you do. I appreciate hearing others' thoughts and opinions (whether they're good or bad) on songs and musicians that I love. So please keep that up! 🤓 I've also been loving your new intros that I've been seeing. Much love from Oregon! ❤️
Same here
Much love! Anyone can listen to a song, but we like to explain our feelings about it and sprinkle in some history about the songs. We often get fact checked lol but we love it!
@@thisisitreactions i agree with matey,you three dudes dive in a lot more than most reactors
@@thisisitreactionswhy we love you!
That was U2 at 23 years old, they've been at it for the last 40 years. Bono is considered one of the premier frontmen of Rock. Check out U2's follow up album "Unforgettable Fire" Bono's voice at 25 opens up so much till he reaches his peak around the time of "Beautiful Day".
At least they sing & perform LIVE! Bono is singing & dancing around with no auto tune....love to hear many 'greats' do their thang totally live lol
Nice reaction ❤
This is U2 at their best.
They lost me on later recordings, but at this time of their career they were excellent.
What I loved about Bono's voice at this time was the emotion.
Remember, this is a real - very real - live performance.
He's moving around a lot, several tracks in, getting winded.
It's honest.
I think he's great because it's different. WITH ARE WITHOUT ME!!! HIS VOICE IS GREAT!!
I really enjoy your reactions! I would actually prefer to hear when you don’t like things (Bono’s voice, for example) then have you blow smoke. I love his voice. He’s not Steve Perry or Freddie or Robert Plant, but he’s got his own thing.
Even though U2 is one of those bands people love to hate, I love them. I’ve been to see them 2x. Both times it was a “stand on your feet, jump up & down” experience. So much energy! The crowd leaving the stadium will often be singing one of their songs. It’s a lovely experience. 🫶👏
Sunday Bloody Sunday was the day a dozen unarmed civilians were shot by British military in Northern Ireland and is what started the thirty year dirty war called The Troubles.
Bloody Sunday was 30th Jan 1972, the Troubles are dated as starting in 1968.
.
Check out Patrick McGuinness and his participation in the " unarmed massacre"
Buried facts
Freshman year of college when this one dropped blown away then listened to the rest of the album over and over
Good memory, watched this on laser disc in the barracks in Weisbaden. they had aome great songs back in the day . live in the 80s terrific show in Frankfurt.
U2 as a band works together. Their sound would not be what it is if they all did not have their personal, magic, music powers. This song is strong. It is beautiful & it is real. Their earlier stuff like Rattle & Hum, War, etc. were all pretty epic. Thank you for sharing.
He ain't heavy,he's my brother, the hollies
From the fantastic Red Rocks concert.
I love listening to Bono’s voice. Been listening to U2 since the Boy album. No different than I’ve been listening to Dylan since the sixties. It’s what appeals to you.
They were seroius abt this issue. The awareness & protest against the violence tge made helped empower their generation to advocte for Peace, which happened a decade later.
This very video was what helped break U2 out in a major way, with the help of MTV. The setting, Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, with the fires on the surrounding rocks was such a great visual that it propelled the video and the band forward. Saw U2 on their "Joshua Tree" tour in Philly, and it was an "EVENT', with an appearance by Bruce Springsteen for the encore. Miami Steve Van Zant, or Little Steven and The Disciples Of Soul opened the show.
There was well over 100,000 people at the Philly show, at the old JFK Stadium.
Must be some different ingredients in my musical ear, because Bono's singing always sounded awesome to me.
I loved U2 in their early years, meaning the first decade or so. I still like them, but they had a certain magic in the beginning, very unique.
“The Troubles” as it was called in Northern Ireland was still happening. Car Bombings, pub bombings. Bloody Sunday was a particularly brutal day. The Cranberries sing about The Troubles in Zombie.
U2 also have a song called The Troubles on Songs of Innocence. I think there are a couple of different takes, but the version with Lykke Li is really good.
Personally I think Bono is an amazing Rock vocalist. You don't need to be a vocal phenom (ha) to be a great Rock vocalist -- I mean, look at Mick Jagger or Liam Gallagher or Stevie Nicks. But I happen to think that Bono is genuinely good. He has power and control, and he sounds the same live as he does in the studio. I always point people to the song "Red Hill Mining Town", it's a powerful performance and one of my favorite rock vocals of all time. I appreciate you guys!
Johnny....Great comment!
One of the best live band ever. Saw War and Joshua Tree tours. It was life changing.
Great reaction guys. You'll turned that around like a rubics cube. Protest songs have their place. Btw, U2 has a great catalog.
This concert was originally going to be rained out, and many fans stayed away. However, the young band had spent money on getting ready to film it, and they decided to roll the dice with the weather. It paid off massively as the fog added a smokey element. It captures the magic of early U2. Note the key line at the end: “The battle’s yet begun to claim the victory Jesus won.” It speaks to the real meaning of faith and Hope in Christ and not human wars over religious control that have plagued Ireland. Try One, a super U2 song.
One of my U2 Favorites is - New Years Day!
Bono is a big time activist, so he's definitely funneled a lot of time and money in to various causes. He's especially in to campaigning to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa and has co-founded several relief projects that he still raises money for.
And I'm not sure when exactly it started, but I've really noticed over the last several years this rising conversation about Bono's vocal chops, and I'll just say that in my opinion he sings as well as a lot of Rock front men, meaning his voice suits the material and it makes for hits. I think a lot of the digs about his voice started after U2 got very big and a lot of people started resenting them for various reasons and were just looking to crap on them. Anyway, a lot of the singers today who are considered better, you gotta wonder how good a lot of them really are without auto-tuning and all that jazz.
I'd say Bono's singing was great within that particular genre and aesthetic. Also, we could say the song is not so much about the event, but that it's time to stop the tradition of fueling even more anger, resentment, and violence... it was a very timely song for that generation.
Listen to the studio versions of Pride (In the Name of Love), The Unforgettable Fire or even With or Without You to hear how great Bono’s voice is. Great band all the way around.
U2 has evolved and grown in so many ways over the decades, that you really have to look at their music by decades.
I turned down an offer to see the band for this show, but the weather that day was really bad. It rained all day, that i thought the gig was going to be postponed.
It wasn't of course, and that video became extremely popular on MTV.
As for Bono's singing, it too has evolved over time. When you hang with other singers, collaborate with some of them, like Leonard Cohen, Luciano Pavoratti, Frank Sinatra...you better up your game.
This is one of my favorites of theirs. Bono has a kick ass rock voice. Please react to, "Where the Streets Have No Name."
Having seen U2 many times, Bono is a great front man with an amazing voice. Once you hear more then 2 songs I think you may agree.
When I see this version of the song (which was a really great choice btw) I remember that my Jamaican gf was very enamored of Bono in his black jeans. Fortunately, I also had a lot of black jeans in my wardrobe ;)
U2 "THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE" (original video) 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love his voice!
song was about the struggles in northern ireland between the english and the catholic irish. called the troubles.
It was nothing to do with the English, it was protestants and catholics (both Irish) the English were sent over to keep the peace.
@@barr790 LOL. English = Protestants, and England favored them historical.
More specifically it was of course about Bloody Sunday.
@@barr790 Their peacekeeping methods were deeply suspect on this particular day.
@@jameswiglesworth5004on many other days too.
They were original, with a different sound and style…I was in high school when they came out, loved them.
As his name suggests Bono Vox has a good voice, an iconic voice to many iconic songs and that's all that matters.Peace y'all.
I like the sound of U2 ( Bono ) good singers in the band.👍🩵🩵🩵🎵🎶
I saw them in the early 80s in, I think it was San Francisco I'd never heard of them. Great concert.
The Edge is a good guitarist who provides perfect support to these songs with his sonic ideas. He is not even close to being considered one of the greatest in rock, but again, it doesn't matter for what U2 needs.
Never a shredder, but a master of his own unique style.
Ummm totally wrong. He is considered one of the best rock guitarists which is why he starred in 'It might get Loud" with Jimmy Page and Jack White. 3 guitar legends. He doesn't do 10 minute long solos. Doesn't need to. His technique, skill and sound are one of a kind.
@@marlew6629 i wouldnt put jack white in that legends bracket either
He's not a technician or a virtuoso, but he is a sonic innovator and a mood setter. I kinda feel bad because even his own band picks on him -- remember that scene with BB King in the Rattle & Hum movie:
*BB:* Are you doing the chords? I can't do chords.
*Bono:* That's OK, Edge can't do leads. 😆
@@marlew6629 No, you are totally wrong. Sorry but getting computers and pedals to make unique sounds is not the key measure of a great guitarist. And his technique is pedestrian. And Jack White is not a great guitarist either. Jimmy Page is. Edge not only does not do 10 minute solos, he doesn't do solos. That is not part of his skill set. Put a great guitarist on an acoustic guitar and he is still great. Edge, without the toys, etc. is not. I love U2 and I love what Edge brings to U2--he is a perfect fit. But that does not make me abandon critical thinking skills about guitar playing.
Dudes, I luv your reactions, how younz reflect on what you're listening/watching is pretty cool.
If you're questioning Bono's singing, listen to the songs "One", "With or Without You" or "All I Want is You".
@MarkChappell1 Agree. Or Running To Stand Still. Or even Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own. Then also, Kite.
The WAR album was the one that established the group, after their early hit's promise: "I will follow". Off the same album are the other
great melodic thumpers: "New Year's Day" and "Two hearts beat as one". Enjoy!
Bono's voice got better as he got older and put work into it. PJ Harvey, (whose singing greatly improved over the years), opened for U2 in the '90's and told him he needed to work on his voice.
I just saw a U2 tribute band..Desire in Toronto on Canada day and they were so amazing. Even the band members looked like the boys. I have always loved them as soon as the first single was released. Great reaction guys and Peace out ✌️ ☮️ 🙏
Consciousness-raising is something not to discount.
You must do Pride. So powerful.
Every 80's and early 90's (thier peak era) U2 song is better than A Beautiful Day.
A bloody good song, man.
You're bloody well right.
There first albums are Amazing! This album put them on the cover of Time magazine & they blew up. Bono’s voice is great for the band. Fantastic song. They’re Irish so the song makes sense. New Years Day is another banger from War. Check out Vertigo from later in their career & Mysterious Ways from the middle of their career.
The Edge, guitarist, so hugely underrated
Cool reaction. I appreciate your honesty and depth. For a similar protest song you should try Ohio by Crosby Stills Nash and Young about the Kent State massacre, it’s a brilliant song.
It’s more the charisma. Bono is an incredible frontman
Well done again! Yeah Bono doesn't have the voice of some of all time best singers, but in my opinion, no other singer could bring the raw emotion needed to sing on this subject. The Bloody Sunday event hit the core of the oppressed in N. Ireland and fueled "The Troubles" even more. To me it is this group's expression of the pain and frustration felt by a country of people who lived with war on a daily basis and the ultimate betrayal of forces in place to protect people that end of killing them..Some who were "on the fence" and not actively participating in the IRA soon joined afterwards.
Great song & album before they were huge Pop icons
I am not a massive U2 fan, but Under A Blood Red Sky is one of the best live albums in my opinion.
I was expecting the Studio version, never heard this live cut but it was great!!!
Bono and Mike Scott my 2 childhood lyrical hero’s.
Bono is about the passion and feeling
I like that you guys do your research on songs like this and Dylan's Hurricane. It really helps you to appreciate the song. Another song in that vain you should check out is Ohio by CSNY.
Where thr streets have no name is my favorite by U2
Bono is one of the great voices. Is is smooth and polished.. no. He is channeling his soul, he reaches in and grabs you. Believe it or not his voice has a very intimate quality, in the sense that he is very laid bare when he sings. I would compare him to Annie Lennox - or even Freddie Mercury - it's not the bells and whistles of singing I am talking about, but a raw honestly - like the greatest singers he's channeling something spiritual when he sings. He's incredible. I would say listen to more U2 before you make your call on him. Listen to One, or Bad, or In God's Country, Pride - He has a very rare quality that can't be taught.
Bono’s voice from 1986 onwards is incredible, songs from The Joshua Tree & Rattle & Hum in particular showcase this for me, or ‘One’ from Achtung Baby perhaps..
Put headphones on & listen to
*With or Without You
*I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
*Red Hill Mining Town
*Where The Streets Have No Name
*All I Want Is You
* When Love Comes To Town w/BB King
*Heartland
A great frontman though, I agree
Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪
Bono is a tenor and he can sing.
If you’re doing guitars- check out “ It might get loud”. It’s a 1 hour documentary with Jimmy Page, Edge and Jack White from the White Stripes( seven nation army) check it out cause Jimmy breaks down Kashmir specifically ❤❤❤❤😊
Amazing voices, like charts, are not that much important. Bono is a truly great performer...
Imo, Bono isn't a technical singer, he's an emotional singer 💚🎶🎵 As Fenom said not everyone can be a Steve Perry or Luther but not everyone wants to be, how boring would that be.
Edge is not the most skilled guitarist in that he's not a virtuoso, or soloist. But he is inventive in finding new ways to play chords, and creating soundscapes and textures. He's definitely influential. I kind of lost track of U2 after a while, but they put out a series of albums in the 80s that were fantastic.
War (1983)
Under A Blood Red Sky [Live] (1983)
The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
Wide Awake In America [Live EP] (1985)
The Joshua Tree (1987)
Rattle and Hum (1988)
Achtung Baby (1991)
Of course, they continued to have many hits after this...
In 1972, the British Army, at point blank range shot unarmed protestors in Derry, Northern Ireland. In 1983 that war was still happening.
The Good Friday Agreement thankfully brought peace to everyone, Catholic and Protestant, apart from a few disgruntled maladjusted extremists.
Bono (the lead singer) is known for his activism if that makes you feel any better, Olli. But as someone who loves history, I gotta say, the retelling of events in song is as old as time. Bards sang news and tales of battles, tragedy and joy. If it makes you feel a way, it fulfilled it's purpose.
Check out "One" for a slow build up where Bono's voice plays a key part.
Saul Williams does an incredible cover of Bloody Sunday that's SO worth checking out. Very interesting to see him mirror the devestating sentiment expressed by U2 regarding the The Troubles in Ireland, putting his own spin on the song by alluding to other civil rights issues experienced in the US and elsewhere around the world. "How long must we sing this song?", indeed.
U2s first album "Boy" was great but when this album War (2nd) came out it catapulted them into Rock history IMO. This video was very early, great to see after all these years. Bono has a great voice! 👍
My roommate who used to be partners in an Audio Visual Co in SWFL took these lads out on his boat for a whole day when they used a hotel on Marco Island to stage their state wide tour. This was back in 79 or 80 and they were famous but just a bit before they blew up into huge stars. I sure wish I wasn’t working that day or I’d have been on that boat too.
Watch Every Breaking Wave live from MTV awards, you’ll really see the power of Bonos voice
when he raises the flagg of truce just amazing moment in history of this band
the white flag is surrender
Hecis a great singer and front man sining is finrme are you kidding me he has a great voice one of a kind im disappointmet to me
Not a bad voice? He has one of the best voices in Rock history. ...U2 live aid performance is unreal!
Do "With or with out you" studio version if you wanna hear Bono sing
The Edge looks like Will Ferrell? Wow, I guess all white people do look alike ;) And it's true "everybody can't be Steve Perry." Bono is a great singer, but he sings with emotion that isn't ever going to be flawless or dipped in honey. Obviously he's also singing live here. Rock music has never been about vocal gymnastics or anyone aspiring to be either Whitney or Pavarotti. Some metal singers do have those aspirations. But the best rock singers, whether it's Jagger, Joe Strummer, or even Joey Ramone deliver vocals that are more about being unique and authentic than just being able to blow out your lungs.
If you want a hip hop comparison, the guys who can spit the fastest are rarely as good as someone like Snoop who delivers it "laid back" with a little bit of a Southern drawl, and sound only like himself.
Edge's playing has always been so amazing!
Bono has a unique voice, he isn't amazing, but he's good...he ain't no Geoff Tate. Which reminds me, you need to react to Queenryche, specifically Take Hold of The Flame Live in Toyko as well as Queen of The Reich Live Tokyo.
The dance he was doing was a Jig, a traditional Irish dance. He loves his people and wants them to have peace, instead of killing each other.
Red Rocks! Great concert venue ❤
Back when I was in school when the song was out I had absolutely no idea about the meaning behind it.. it differently once I knew the history
Sunday bloody popular in clubs in 80s❤❤❤
sometimes i wonder if y'all are listening to the same audio as i am lol. this LIVE FROM RED ROCKS concert version is even superior to the album/studio recording. this live performance just EXPLODES and crackles, gets me on my feet it's so good!!!
a great singer isn't defined by a many octave range or vocal gymnastics imo. bono's raw vocal power, emotion, and ability to transmit feelings and meaningful connection are what makes him an amazing singer. i will ALWAYS choose bono (and U2) over steve perry (and journey).
with all that said, i recommend you next check out:
pride (in the name of love)
one
if you still think bono is only just okay after those 2, well, let's just wait and see 😏
cheers, gents!
Makes me think of Bullet the blue sky