gaps in U2's just announced June 2010 dates

[tevaburger]

tevaburger - I just don't get this whole "must be a huge mega stadium rock to head line glasto", were Pulp in 1995 or Radiohead in 1997? No and they are the supposed amongst glastonburies greatest performances.

[tevaburger]

So not the Eagles then. Or Iron Maiden or AC/DC. Not Robbie Williams or Take That, Madonna, Aerosmith, Elton John or Bon Jovi? Paul Simon? Stevie Wonder? And that's just off the top of my head? Eric Clapton?

And if you don't think Prince or Madonna aren't in that category, you are wrong. Madonna sells out Wembley Stadium, and Prince sells out a month at the O2. C'mon - these are huge acts. I don't neccessarily like them, but they are equally as "worthy" to headline Glasto.

Prince and Madonna do not have the extensive back catalog of influential work (albums, not just singles) that a Springsteen, McCartney (beatles and post-beatles) or Bowie have, so while they are huge, i would put them on a bar below... I forgot about Elton John, so you're right there.

Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and AC/DC, IMaiden, just won't be invited. well, i suppose Iron Maiden could get the Status Quo slot this year.

Take That, Robbie Williams...do they even sell records outside the UK? I know it's an English festy, but I'm thinking worldwide influential rock acts here...

[Zacko]

I still dream of a Godspeed You! Black Emperor or Silver Mt. Zion headline performance....preferably on a really stormy night.

[sifi]

Prince and Madonna do not have the extensive back catalog of influential work (albums, not just singles) that a Springsteen, McCartney (beatles and post-beatles) or Bowie have, so while they are huge, i would put them on a bar below... I forgot about Elton John, so you're right there.

[ralph250]

The Dead Flag Blues thundering out of the speakers as the heavens open above and lightning is striking all around? It'd be like the f**king apocalypse....and it would. be. amazing.

[Crouchie]

Your 'hate' would not allow you? I reckon maybe your posting in this thread is probably a mistake and you might want to think about growing up a tad.

[Langdale Wolf]

and you may want to think about doing one.

[future_shock]

Prince and Madonna do not have the extensive back catalog of influential work (albums, not just singles) that a Springsteen, McCartney (beatles and post-beatles) or Bowie have, so while they are huge, i would put them on a bar below... I forgot about Elton John, so you're right there.

[Crouchie]

Take your own advice, dude.

Plenty of threads about to contribute positively to. Or, if you must come into this one, how about a nice critical analysis on U2's music? Would they be a successful headliner, regardless of your strong feelings towards Bono? Would they fetch a large crowd?

[tevaburger]

And Stevie Wonder? Anyone who has heard that run of albums from Talking Book through to Songs in the Key of Life has got the extensive back catalouge of influential work of which you speak.

Iron Maiden compared to Status Quo. Clearly you know not of what you speak.

I don't know what you are looking for. The idea that nearly all of those bands I mentioned couldn't headline is madness.

Edited October 29, 2009 by tevaburger

[Phurry01]

Madonna not big enough for Glastonbury? Madonna is one of the most successful female artists of the last 25 years. She's been selling out Stadiums all over the world since the 80's! Her last world tour was seen by over 3.5 million and grossed more then $400 million making it the highest grossing tour by a solo artist and 2nd highest tour of all time ahead of U2 & Springsteen. She is definitely big enough, when was the last time a female solo artist headlined the pyramid? I know Kylie was meant to perform in 2005 (equally worthy to headline) but that never went ahead? So maybe now it is the turn of the female pop stars to headline Glastonbury?

And as for Prince not being in the same category as Bowie, Springsteen and McCartney? What a load of rubbish

[Langdale Wolf]

I don't always want to contribute positvely.. that would be boring.

In answer to your questions I do think they would be a successful headliner and would draw a huge crowd, probably mostly from people who like their early stuff or people who are curious.

I just want to vent my hatred for the stupid little swine.

[ampersand]

In answer to your questions I do think they would be a successful headliner and would draw a huge crowd, probably mostly from people who like their early stuff or people who are curious.

[Toilet Duck]

Madonna not big enough for Glastonbury? Madonna is one of the most successful female artists of the last 25 years. She's been selling out Stadiums all over the world since the 80's! Her last world tour was seen by over 3.5 million and grossed more then $400 million making it the highest grossing tour by a solo artist and 2nd highest tour of all time ahead of U2 & Springsteen. She is definitely big enough, when was the last time a female solo artist headlined the pyramid? I know Kylie was meant to perform in 2005 (equally worthy to headline) but that never went ahead? So maybe now it is the turn of the female pop stars to headline Glastonbury?

[alframsey]

While i hate bono, Id love U2 to do Glasto. I know he is a bastard but U2 are one of the biggest rock bans in the world, no one can deny that. I love them, they are brilliant. GET THEM EAVIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[When Jokers Attack]

I love how many people in general don't like U2 just because they don't like Bono. I ain't a big fan of Bono but love U2, Released some of the best songs and albums of the last 25-30 years. If they played I would be there, However I wouldn't be bothered if they didn't as I ain't mad on the current setlists, Mainly a fan of War and Unforgettable Fire era and of course The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby which is my favourite U2 album and one of my favourite records of all time. I do like some of the material they have released over the last decade though.

I could imagine this rocking the pyramid on Saturday evening....

[Jaydog]

I love how many people in general don't like U2 just because they don't like Bono. I ain't a big fan of Bono but love U2, Released some of the best songs and albums of the last 25-30 years. If they played I would be there, However I wouldn't be bothered if they didn't as I ain't mad on the current setlists, Mainly a fan of War and Unforgettable Fire era and of course The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby which is my favourite U2 album and one of my favourite records of all time. I do like some of the material they have released over the last decade though.

[Langdale Wolf]

Many people when thinking about U2 think about Bono and Bono alone! He just brings the band down!

[Jaydog]

I think this is true - but many people with an IQ in double figures (or more!) are able to separate their dislike of a bloke they will never ever meet to the decent music he and the rest of his band produce.

I adore the music of Eric Clapton, but the guy is an Albion fan with a history of controversial political views - somehow not my ideal companion for a post-work pint. He'd probably drink me under the table too. Doesn't stop me adoring his work though.

[sifi]

This is a discussion we had in Wibble a while back. For example, Roger Waters left the UK I think because of the change to the fox hunting law. I don't like fox hunting, but it wouldn't stop me listening to his albums.

Although it might give me cause to consider illegally download anything new that he comes up with instead of buying it.

[Langdale Wolf]

It has nothing to do with their IQ! Saying that the average IQ is in triple figures clearly disagrees with your comment! You yourself say that people see Bono as the band so your statement contradicts itself! People see Bono as the band, for that reason they will say they hate U2 but know that they do like their songs deep inside.

I hate Bono and U2 but I have to admit, there are some songs I do like and would find myself singing them if they came on the radio!

[st00ka]

I hate Bono and U2 but I have to admit, there are some songs I do like and would find myself singing them if they came on the radio!

[st00ka]

Not everyone likes U2. Fine - I accept that. My dad loathes them - he finds their music boring. Fine. His opinion. But a lot of people don't like U2 purely because they hate Bono.

[Crouchie]

Pardon?

I'm saying that I think that anyone who is unable/unwilling to separate any feelings towards Bono and the music he makes is quite clearly stupid. Same with any other artist.

Now, if someone finds someone so objectionable (due to reported racism, controversial statements they may have made etc, etc - again, see Clapton or sifi's example of Roger Waters) that they refuse to listen to their music on general principle, that's a bit different. But to say that hate it simply because they harbour a baseless personal grudge on the performer themselves is stupid and ignorant.

Not everyone likes U2. Fine - I accept that. My dad loathes them - he finds their music boring. Fine. His opinion. But a lot of people don't like U2 purely because they hate Bono.

Averages? Where did you get that from?

Oh, for the record - I don't like Bono. I quite like U2. They'd be an excellent headliner.

[Langdale Wolf]

And your proof of this is where?

Most of the people I know ( and yes this can't be extrapolated to everone) don't like U2 because their music is overblown MOR stadium dirge.