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Where does U2 rank?

In terms of collectibility or popularity that is. I believe sometime back in the mid-to-late 80s TIME magazine declared that U2 may be the second-most popular band in music history after The Beatles.

I think this may still indeed be true when looking at the entire scope of popular music history. Their world influence cannot be denied. Now, of course, I think the Stones are right there. However, I don't think Bono will ever pass Mick as an icon, although Bono is hard to top as a humanitarian.

So who comes in second after The Beatles? There will be the Zeppelin fans. But their popular influence simply does not touch U2. It's not close.

Oh...but let's not forget One Direction. (LOL!!!)

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 1:17pm

Sweet! Hey, I played a lot of Nirvana last night. Such great meaningful music. Cobain was an amazing talent.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 1:22pm

A few weeks ago, I played the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video for my two nephews, ages 9 and 11. The 9yo looked at Cobain, and said, "What is that?!" Lol.

I'm afraid for the future of mankind if the little boy bands take over!

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 1:14pm

A band that I like that doesn't seem to mentioned that much anymore is Van Halen - one of my Top 5 PERSONAL favorites.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 6, 2015 at 1:19pm

U2 have a large fan base.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 1:26pm

Yes, but I could be wrong, maybe the Rolling Stones are No. 2. I think of them as more iconic than U2.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 6, 2015 at 1:30pm

Are u2 in the hall of fame yet?

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 2:03pm

Bruce inducted them in 2005.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 1:33pm

Obviously this is all a matter of opinion. Full disclosure - I've been a big U2 fan for a long time, though I no longer rank them as my favorite band.

I think a lot of people underrate them, since there were no suicides, drug overdoses, high profile incidents, messy breakups, etc. Same four guys as there were 39 years ago. I guess people are bored by that. Rock stars who fizzle out and self destruct are more interesting I suppose.

Were the Beatles in the same league as U2 as a live band? Obviously, most of use here can't assess that, but I would bet, in general, that U2 blows away most classic rock acts in terms of the live experience. Their legacy in that category is well earned.

While their last couple efforts have been notably bland, the band has had much greater longevity from making great, relevant, interesting music than just about anyone else I can think of.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on December 6, 2015 at 1:41pm

I agree about the live experience. The Beatles however broke up while still extremely popular and didn't realm have a bad album in their discography. They were revolutionary and inspirational to bands in the same decade and even today. I may be wrong but I can't really think of many bands that U2 inspired. I think there are many prolific acts from the 60's and 70's that will rate above U2, but it is a matter of taste anyways.

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Permalink Reply by sling on December 6, 2015 at 2:01pm

add to that music stuff the beatles pioneer animated movies with Yellow Sub and comedic acting in movies like Help as they crossed into and dominate non music businesses

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 1:49pm

Very well said, Rich. Their number of hits is startling. My favorite album is probably "Joshua Tree", but they've had many great ones. Their music has been both intelligent and creative. There is no doubt that they were THE band of the 80s. Their music has evolved and changed over time into at least three phases. Listening to an album like "October" is a much different experience from "Joshua Tree" as is "Rattle and Hum".

My two favorite song of theirs, though, are not even on Joshua: "New Year's Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday".

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Permalink Reply by sling on December 6, 2015 at 1:48pm

Grateful Dead-probably seen by more people live than any other band, Jerry Garcia as Iconic as Jagger, tremendous song catalog, doing it and keeping it going beginning only few years after beatles ...also carved out a unique musical probably only surpassed by the beatles.