Why fans still love U2

By David A. Maurer
dmaurer@dailyprogress.com | 978-7244
There was a time when the combination of the letter “U” and “2” would immediately conjure up a mental image of a black spy plane.
Today, merge the letter and number and most people will think of the Irish rock band. How times do change.
On June 30 in Barcelona, Spain, U2 kicked off its 360 Degree Tour in support of its latest album, “No Line on the Horizon.” On Thursday evening, the four-man group will make landfall at Scott Stadium. The concert starts at 7 p.m. with the opening group Muse.
Some feel the upcoming concert is a bigger event than when the Rolling Stones performed at the football field on Oct. 6, 2005.
“I was talking to a doctor at work the other day and he said [the U2 concert] was the biggest thing that has happened to Charlottesville,” said Melissa Peregoy, a certified ophthalmic assistant at a Charlottesville eye clinic.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of people recently — not only patients at work, but coworkers and friends who are going to the concert. Everyone seems to be so excited that this big, huge band is coming to Charlottesville and making this a stop on their world tour.
“I’m really looking forward to it, and think it’s going to be amazing. I’m really excited about their music and listening to them live.”
For those not that familiar with the group, here’s what the excitement is about. Rolling Stone magazine, which has been covering the music scene since 1967, ranks U2 at No. 22 on its list of 100 greatest artists of all time.
Many will argue that U2 is not ranked nearly as high as it deserves. These advocates will toss out facts — including that the group has sold more than 145 million albums and has won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band.
Another telling zinger is that U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 — its first year of eligibility. The band got there with dazzling, inventive musicianship and catchy, thought-provoking songs with meaningful, poetic lyrics.
U2 has been around since 1976, but like many Americans, Peregoy didn’t pick up on the band until the release of its seminal album, “Joshua Tree,” in 1987. Like countless others, she became an instant fan.
“I was about 12 when ‘Joshua Tree’ came out, and I immediately liked that music,” said Peregoy, who lives in Gordonsville. “I loved that they have such a unique sound.
“Especially early on it was very easy to identify from the opening riff of a song that that was U2. They carried that unique guitar sound and bass line throughout their albums.
“They’ve definitely become more diverse in their sound, but it’s still unique. I also love that they do have some social consciousness in their lyrics, and a lot of Christianity that’s not really in your face, but it’s definitely there.”
Among U2 fans, it’s common knowledge that the band’s lead singer and guitarist, Bono; the Edge, given name Dave Evans; and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. once were members of a charismatic Christian group. Interestingly, bass player Adam Clayton, who was something of the odd man out during this period in the early 1980s, was later reportedly praised by the Edge for being the most Christian by showing tolerance and humanity toward the other members.
One can quickly surmise that U2 is not your typical hedonistic rock band.
According to Peregoy, that’s part of the immense attraction.
“The band’s social consciousness is something that really appeals to me,” Peregoy said.
“Knowing that some of their kind of Christian philosophy, and that kind of backbone to their music — that awareness, that ability to reach out to places that other bands and other philanthropists can’t reach — speaks to me.
“Knowing they are giving back to the community, the world, is very important to me. I think they do carry through some of their [musical] themes, especially their social consciousness of helping other people and not just living for themselves.”
Peregoy is attending the concert with her brother, Patrick Carpenter, and his wife, Tabitha. The siblings turned Tabitha Carpenter on to U2 years ago when she was dating her future husband.
“My brother and I had been talking about U2 music, and Tabitha had no idea who they were,” Peregoy said.
“I thought, ‘Oh, gosh, how can you not know who U2 is?’
“I gave her a couple of their CDs, and she was hooked.”
The three have been planning how they’ll get to the stadium with the least amount of hassle.
Their tickets only cost them $55 each, and Peregoy said there had been $35 tickets as well.
Giving everybody the opportunity to see them perform is another reason Peregoy says she loves the Irish group.
U2 is known for connecting with its audience. In a nod to the tour’s theme of 360 degrees, the configuration of the stage is such that the audience will surround the band completely on all sides.
So what would a fan like Peregoy ask these rockers from the Emerald Isle if she had a chance? Her answer provides another insight into why the band is so popular.
“I would probably ask them how they’ve been able to remain as private in their lives as they have been,” Peregoy said. “They aren’t out there splashed all over the news.
“That’s another thing I find appealing about them. They’re these huge megastars who are very identifiable, but seem to be very low-key.
“You don’t see a lot about them other than their social and humanitarian work. That fascinates me.”

AT A GLANCE
U2 360 Tour with Muse
7 p.m. Thursday
Scott Stadium
$252, $97, $57 and $32
(800) 745-3000
www.johnpauljonesarena.com