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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 sling on December 6, 2015 at 7:30pm

yes but not close in terms of sales

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 3:19pm

R.E.M. - remarkable band - in my Top 5.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 6, 2015 at 3:24pm

Off the topic what are they doing with the playboy magazine, I read Pammy Anderson is going to be the last women on the nude issue forever.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on December 6, 2015 at 3:44pm

I just don't see or hear many artists who look up to U2 as a significant influence. I did hear a lot of people were mad that they got a free U2 album on itunes though.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 3:46pm

Which I still consider the ultimate white whine.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 6, 2015 at 9:18pm

Kiss are higher in the totem pole!

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 9:36pm

I assume you mean the limited edition KISS resin totem pole they likely sell at their online store. ;)

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 10:45pm

If you could see me now, I'm just scratching my head. Hey, Kiss is great, but they are not close to U2's level.

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Permalink Reply by Cogo on December 7, 2015 at 2:07am

I agree, it gets a bit "silly" when you Paul says that Radiohead, Black Sabbath and Kiss should be ranked higher than U2...

Yes, I'm a big U2 fan so I'm partial, but come on Paul my friend... ;-)

For me personally, I see Beatles, Rolling Stones and maybe Queen (based on Freddie Mercury's legacy) as "bigger" bands, that's it!

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 7, 2015 at 2:15am

Sabbath are known for creating heavy metal.
Radio head would be on par with u2.
What are u2 known for?

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Permalink Reply by Cogo on December 7, 2015 at 7:24am

Radiohead on par with U2...

I´m out of this discussion now, I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even if they´re wrong... ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 9:36pm

I think a number of more modern artists have been influenced to an extent, though they'd prefer not to admit it as it isn't quite as "hip" to cite U2 as an inspiration. I believe modern superstar bands like Coldplay and Muse have been linked to U2 as far an influence. Older stars like Bruce always liked the band and knew they were something special, while I recall stories of Mick Jagger taking notes at a Zoo TV show and Miles Davis listening to The Unforgettable Fire on his death bed.