U2 Part II
I am such a fan of how U2 uses their superstardom to promote issues of peace and justice. This bit from the LA Times was in Friday's Star Tribune.
ON THIS GENERATION'S CHALLENGE"I'm not sure if it's Catholic guilt or what, but I genuinely believe that second only to personal redemption, the most important thing in the Scriptures -- 2,103 passages in all -- refers to taking care of the world's poor. Each generation has to ask itself what it wants to be remembered for. Previous generations have ushered in civil rights in America, gotten rid of apartheid in South Africa and brought down the Iron Curtain. I think this generation can bring that kind of energy and conviction to problems in Africa. There are 6,000 people a day dying there just because we can't get them drugs that are available in the West. If we don't do something to change that, we are going to look in history like barbarians."
Bono, Los Angeles Times, April 2005
The whole show had a feeling that was much more than a rock concert. It was music that was about making this world a better place. According to Bono, The Edge is from the future. They went to the Mayo clinic while in the area so they could study his brain. When The Edge was asked what it was like in the future, he said, "better."
Maybe this is what it felt like to be a part of the peace and justice movements of the 60's, the music echoing a changing spirit of the people and a hope for a better tomorrow. We could use a better future and I hope we are up to the challenge of getting there.
Comments
So, I didn't have the joy of being at this particular concert, but your description reminds me of last year's "vote for change" concert. Which thought in turn reminds me of the sense I have that such experiences are their own kind of liturgy.
Posted by: Mary Hess | September 26, 2005 08:35 PM
I'm also quite fond of U2 and impressed by their positive collaboration, bold vision, and enduring humanitarian efforts. They offer such an incredible witness through their music and action and powerfully communicate what could be.
Posted by: Karis | September 28, 2005 05:20 PM
i had the opportunity and great fortune to be in the front row on the rail in front of the edge for the show. absolutely outstanding. that quote from the L.A. Times is remarkable. its a wonder how many people are still of the persuasion that Bono isn't a follower of Christ.
Posted by: Aaron | October 1, 2005 06:40 PM
Color me jealous. The only way I have known U2 in concert is from the absolute nose bleeds. Even still, those have been some of the best shows I've been to, an impressive feat.
Posted by: Ryan Torma | October 1, 2005 09:15 PM