U2, Transcendency and the Literature of Chuck Klosterman

In Autumn 2004 pop literature author Chuck Klosterman interviewed U2 for SPIN magazine. Before he met the members of the band, he decided that he would use this opportunity to see if world humanitarian and lead singer Bono was real or full of sh*t.

A band like U2 in the current generation of rock, pop, r&b and metal are rare (arguably the closest we've come to it is Justin Timberlake and/or Britney Spears but that is a different topic that leads down a far too different road). Like every band that initiates out of an idea in someone's garage, U2 aspired to change the culture and climate of rock n roll. They wanted to become famous, hear their songs constantly played on the radio and become the Beatles or Stones of their generation. But unlike nearly every band that is conceived in a friend's car port, nearly all of that actually transpired.

However, what's truly amazing about this journey, as drummer Larry Mullen remembers, "...we had to work harder than most bands, because we couldn't play and we didn't understand songwriting at all. The truth is that we all had dreams, and we all wanted to be transcendent, but I don't think anyone really believed any of that would happen." None of them could fathom the ride they were about to experience, except for one man: Bono. And even if he didn't, he certainly must have thought about it.

Even more amazing is that the man who is arguably the weakest musical talent in the group is its most transcendent and identifiable figure. Like most lead singers, Bono is the ring leader, but unlike most lead singers he uses his fame for something more than himself. And in the process he's become a global icon and a deliverer of peace and hope to many in near and distant lands.

For a man who started out dreaming of the future, working for tomorrow and sacrificing his present for what he would become and the impact he would make, it truly defies what the word transcendent encompasses. Now is he a saint? Most certainly not. But he is someone who has proven that no matter what one's aspiration is; if you work hard enough, stay focused on your goals and persevere through character and strength of will - anything is possible.

Now does that happen to all who test their hands of fate? No. But it goes to show that in a wildly unpredictable world, that ordinary people like ourselves can achieve success beyond our wildest dreams and accomplish what we set out for, no matter how grandiose those aspirations may initially seem. And as four boys back in 1979 started out on their journey together, we can use their experience to learn from.

Now you may be asking yourself; is Bono full of sh*t? The answer is I don't know. I haven't met him yet.