U2 hate site
Tina Rhoades ([email protected])
Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:42:23 -0500
I visited the "U2 Sucks!" page for a peek. In general, the site is
silly and absurd, making claims with no valid points to back them.
(Other than "Rattle and Hum" is not a blues album, of which it was
never claimed to be. Or that music in general is derivative, since there
are only 12 notes. Yes, I am being generous here, as this was not
really the argument brought forth.)
Due to all of the fuss, I expected it to be more insulting and
belligerent, much like the, er, gentle words of disagreement left by U2
fans. (Apparently, free speech is an absolute only if the person speaking
is of the same attitude and inclination.) I'm sure the site keeper is now
working on the "pretentious U2 fan" page (folks that admire a band
which sings of peace, love, and harmony, however.....) It reminds me
of some U2 concerts for which Pearl Jam opened. Because of lack
of respect shown to the band (insults screamed and items thrown at
the band members), Eddie Vedder felt the need to appeal to Bono for
support from the stage.
A note of interest is that the hate site had a link to an interview
(of little insight) with one of the members of Negativland, the group
which did a parody of U2. (Flanagan touches upon this in his fine
book "U2 At the End of the World. For a credible, opposing
opinion, check the book "The Story of the Letter U and the
Numeral 2.") When the parody group used the "U2" symbol for its
album, Island Records squashed them like a bug, as they felt this
would be deceiving to U2 fans who might purchase the record,
thinking it to be material from their fab four. (Negativland argues that
our boys borrowed their moniker from the spy plane of the same name.
Also, they feel that other institutions, such as "U2 Grocery," use the
title without penalty.) Apparently, it's only acceptable to deceive
(i.e. marketing "the Best Of"--with bonus CD, as a limited addition,
collector's item) if you're the one making all of the money (flame shield
going up).
As wonderful as our gents may be, they are not perfect or above
criticism--as I'm sure they would agree.
Tina
P.S. My passion for U2 is beyond compare to many (as we all
believe this to be the case for ourselves. :) ) So, please don't
e-mail me to state that I can not possibly be a "true" or "real"
U2 fan. That line is tired and old. If you do, I'll ask Bono and
the boys to personally spank each and every one of you. (Yeah,
I know, how possibly threatening could the thought of that be! ;) )
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on Sun Jan 10 1999 - 09:44:08 PST