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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 Adam Halloran on December 6, 2015 at 2:05pm

Beatles, Stones, Floyd, Zeppelin, and Queen are probably the most iconic UK groups.

Beach Boys, Doors, Creedence, Eagles, and Aerosmith are probably the top in the USA. Not counting Motown.

Then there are bands like Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, Nirvana, etc. Still all up to opinion and that isn't even going into individuals like Hendrix, Elvis, Bowie. I just think U2 has a place just begin many iconic groups or bands that inspired others.

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Permalink Reply by alan david munns on December 6, 2015 at 2:22pm

U2 overated band cant stand that bozo oh bono preching about this that and the other from his perch plenty of uk bands better than them imo

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 2:43pm

Tons of great UK bands, agreed. The Cure, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, The Who, New Order, to name but a few. But few bands have had the commercial success as U2. Plus, at least Bono is trying to save the world, which is more than many people are doing. Somebody needs to preach, because the world is pretty messed up right now. But I'm also no fan of political correctness.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 2:50pm

For the USA, let's not forget Van Halen, plus David Lee Roth, despite the fact that many girls I knew thought he was "hot", could look and dance like a serial killer - I'm talking Buffalo Bill style. Lol.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 3:21pm

USA - R.E.M. awesome.

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Permalink Reply by Nate on December 7, 2015 at 2:25am

Adam. I +1 your list. I would put all of these above U2 (maybe with the exception of Creedence).

Just my personal opinion but I put U2 in the same boat as Springsteen E-Street, R.E.M. and the likes, i.e. very good indeed but, for me, not special.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 2:54pm

Since we're talking greatest bands, I will note, and I think many will agree, there will never be another like AC/DC!!

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 3:10pm

Superior live act for sure.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 6, 2015 at 3:09pm

There have been points in their history when the band felt the need to reinvent themselves for better (Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind) or sometimes even worse (Popmart era). The band has produced great material when revisiting more classic sounds (Atomic Bomb) or by pushing their creativity into another dimension (Zooropa). A lot of the "great" bands, I guess I don't see that has much. Put Boy or Joshua Tree next to Achtung or Zooropa - all excellent albums that sound completely different. Have Van Halen, the Stones, AC/DC, been able to push themselves out of their comfort zone successfully? How many bands have?

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on December 6, 2015 at 3:37pm

I feel The Stones from the early 60's to the mid 60's and onto the 70's surely have different styles. Early Pink Floyd is different than The Wall and Floyd post Waters is different. Van Halen went from Roth to Hagar. Many bands have periods of reinvention either intentional or because of the nature of the beast. Metallica was a heavy band then comes their biggest selling album (Black Album) not as heavy and more inclusive to a bigger audience.

AC/DC to me is pretty repetive. That is just my opinion and no insult as I have never dived past their hits. Still even Madonna reinvented herself more times then anyone. She even had an english accent for a time... I don't think she has stayed as relevent, as pop has a shorter shelf life more then rock. I bet most millinials don't have a clue who she is and most have probably forgotten Brittany too.

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Permalink Reply by Xwiesy on December 6, 2015 at 3:10pm

I wouldn't even put U2 in the top 10.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 6, 2015 at 3:15pm

Whether you would or not, they're there in terms of fan base and sales. Even if I hated the Beatles (but I don't - they are my favorite all-time), I could not deny they are No. 1 all-time.