re: U2 is the most important band of the past 30 years

Kindly explain how any band is "important".

Achtung baby is their true masterpiece and in my opinion is the greatest rock album of the 1990s. Then they followed up with Zooropa in like 1993 and I bet most here have never listened to it. Great experimental album.

They kind of get robbed by not being considered “Radiohead before Radiohead”.

Couple those brilliant early 1990s albums with Joshua Tree (probably best album of the 1980s) and War and their longevity (Beautiful Day and Vertigo in the 2000s and their achievements in touring during that era) and how they captured American pride after 9/11 better than any other musical act - and they’re easily a top 5 band in history.

Bono is annoying as frick and they collectively play it way too safe after Pop. They definitely care more about financial success and playing football stadiums than they do about critical acclaim - but they have undeniably enjoyed both at the highest levels possible and so who are we to criticize the rush they get cranking out hits to 100,000 fans and staying in 5 star hotels while they do so?

Beatles
Stones
U2
Pick your next 7 - these first 3 are undeniable

Even their biggest detractors have to admit that they've had 4 distinct and very successful eras.

1. Boy / October / War punk protest rock

2. Under a Blood Red Sky / Joshua Tree Rattle and Hum Band of the 80's and Frat boy's delight

3. Achtung Baby / Zooropa / Pop prime of their careers and successful alternative / prog rock phase

4. Beautiful Day / Vertigo / Legends tour era of today

No....have a downvote

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Even their biggest detractors have to admit that they've had 4 distinct and very successful eras

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This is absolutely true, although I suppose you could perhaps quibble over the number of eras or lines of demarcation. But it is pretty remarkable how their sound has changed multiple times over the years yet still remained popular (even with some duds mixed in)

The same could be said about Edge's sound/style. The guitar/effects on recent recordings sounds very different from AB, which sounds very different from Boy. Yet you can kind of hear the evolution winding its way through the different releases. I understand why people don't like his playing, but it is impressive how he didn't just stick with the signature sound from the early days.

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You think U2 is bigger than say Zeppelin?

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Or Pink Floyd?

Exactly. Bands are NOT important

Never got the U2 was/is one of the greatest bands of all time.....pretty boring music if you’re into musicianship.

There are no "important" bands.

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Similarly, Coldplay is top 10.

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Bruuuuuuuuuuh.