Regeneration & Regrowth The continuing evolution of U2

Oisin McCarthy

As we navigate this time of year, we tend to associate Spring with generation and regrowth. This year not only is this evident with the environment, coincidentally, regrowth is a value which can be applied to one of Ireland’s greatest exports. Indeed, Ireland’s perhaps most polarising, yet undeniably quintessential musical quartet U2 have reared their heads once again, evolving once again by simply going back to basics with their latest offering, 40 songs of surrender. These entailing degrees of reimagination and poignant remastering of some of their familiar favourites, (some of which include With Or Without You, Beautiful Day, and Vertigo) correlated into an interesting pair along with some entertaining takes on some of the more underrated anthems from the band’s vast and dynamic discography, (City Of Blinding Lights, Walk On, and The Little Things That Give You Away to name a few).

However, it is perhaps for the best that U2 have revisited the fire that made them one pf the most beloved Rock n Roll entities in the world. After all, the last few years for the group have proven tumultuous and far from Rock n Roll. Lead man Bono has completed what would seem to embody a subtle soul search consequential in conjunction with the release of his memoir. The Edge has appeared a vagabond of sorts, often accompanying Bono in public appearances and side projects. Away from this, we have seen the other half, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton slip out of the limelight due to personal reasons.

However, it has become evident in recent times, that all is not lost for the band’s faithful. Bono and The Edge recently showed this in candid profile, in their sort of homecoming, documented by David Letterman. Seeing Bono and The Edge back amongst their roots was a heart-warming reminder that, while the flame has dimmed a little bit, the endearing soul of the music is still within them, and in the words of Bono himself, if there is a light, then we shouldn’t doubt. While Bono and Edge openly admitted to all four men at least toying with the idea of stepping down, they showed unity in “chasing the dragon of the song yet to be written”. This rediscovering of self-actualisation is coupled with the band’s next big undertaking, a residency in Las Vegas’ newest venue “the sphere”, however this will undoubtedly prove bittersweet for most with drummer Larry Mullen sitting it out due to health reasons. While they may not be the same raucous entity they once were, most can take solace in the fact that perhaps Ireland’s greatest musical product is far from giving up the stage just yet.