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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 Innuendo on December 7, 2015 at 8:28am

U2 has definitely had their shining moments. I was in the crowd at wembley for Live Aid, and of course Queen were great (as were loads of other acts) but U2 really were phenomenal. They really stood their ground. As far as I'm concerned they proved their staying power during that gig. Fab band.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 7, 2015 at 2:18am

Its a silly topic because you can find articles on radiohead saying there the most important band after the beatles.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 7, 2015 at 7:44am

U2 has a ranking below country gospel. Lol.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 7, 2015 at 7:55am

Someone please tell Bono to stop trying to sign doodles like John lennon.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 7, 2015 at 8:05am

This is officially just trolling now.

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Permalink Reply by Paul on December 7, 2015 at 8:08am

Just stiring you blokes,if u2 mean that much to you thats cool.
Its a no win argument, like talking religion or football.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 7, 2015 at 8:24am

Nah, I get it. For the most part, I can't say I can relate to a lot of the musical tastes I see discussed on this forum. You like what you like. The music of The Beatles, The Doors or Zeppelin never really drew me in. I never understood Pink Floyd at all and always regarded KISS as a gimmick act.

I dare say a lot of us on the forum don't have a super comprehensive knowledge of music overall and hence tend to be more dismissive of bands and music we aren't especially familiar with. I'm in that category for sure. Very little music from the 60's and 70's means much to me. Not my generation. And, unfortunately, few of the artists from that era have put together an especially great body of work during my lifetime. The connection is a bit tougher.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 7, 2015 at 8:40am

U2 is the second-highest earning band in music history after the Beatles in terms of album sales and concert sales.

U2 has earned 22 Grammy Awards, more than any band in music history.

In 2008, "Rolling Stone" magazine called U2 "The biggest band in the world".

U2's 360 Tour sold 7.2 million tickets - more than any music tour in history and was the highest grossing tour in music history.

U2 has sold approximately 170 million albums, while Radiohead has sold approximately 30 million albums.

You're fighting a losing argument my friend, Paul.

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Permalink Reply by Robert on December 7, 2015 at 8:20am

For me U2 isn't even in top 5 of rock/popular rock music...

1. The Beatles

2. The Rolling Stones

3. Led Zeppelin

4. Pink Floyd

5. Queen

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Permalink Reply by James on December 7, 2015 at 8:38am

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on December 7, 2015 at 8:40am

These are who I think are the top 5 UK acts with maybe The Who squeezing in.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 7, 2015 at 8:33am

I will say something of U2's legacy that I think is fair - they're tougher to assess because the story isn't over. Bono, Edge Adam and Larry never split and are still out there doing their thing.

If Bono had died following a high point in which their body of work was already great - say right after Zoo TV ended in 1993 or Elevation in 2001 - would the band's legacy be much different right now? I'm quite certain it would be.