There’s a story doing the rounds that claims some new U2 tracks have been inadvertently leaked and found their way online. The way it’s being reported, Bono was playing the tracks so loud in his French villa that a passer by was able to record them.
I call bullshit.
We’re expected to believe that the record company and presumably the band want to guard these tracks so closely that they’ve demanded the low quality recordings be removed from where they have appeared online. But at the same time we’re expected to believe that Bono is stupid enough to have these top secret tracks blaring out his window at full volume. Actually, anyone trying to convince me Bono is stupid is in with a chance.
This is a viral marketing campaign, pure and simple. It’s been a while since the news of U2 releasing music was likely to set the world on fire. But come up with a clever angle: “Wooo, illicit! You can’t have that!” and the media are all over it and giving them heaps of publicity.
I’m not saying it isn’t effective marketing. I’m just not sure lying to your core audience is a good long-term strategy.
Angry 365 Days a Year 
I love U2, but Bono sometimes annoys me.
My favorite U2 story (if it isn’t true, it should be!): apparently during a gig (the version I read said in Scotland) Bono decided to get all dramatic on the crowd. He began slowly clapping his hands. After about a minute he says, “you know, every time I clap my hands a child somewhere in the world dies of hunger.” Some wit in the audience yelled back, “Well stop it then, you miserable bastard!”
Like I said, I don’t know if it’s true. But damned if it doesn’t have the ring of truth in it!
U2 has become unbearable.
Let me allow Maddox to voice my complaint.
kyklops: exactly as you say – if it isn’t true, it should be!
gap: That fellow seems excessively angry 😉
Good story – I def. agree with your assessment.
(kyklops – that’s also some funny shit)
Saw this woman walking down 7th ave yest. in Park Slope… she was in her 50’s, an upper-west-side type… maybe someone in the neighborhood’s grandma? Anyway, her U2 shirt said: PRO BONO.
Like “ooooh, take a stand! You’re a hero!” Just like the new banner outside the Ethical Culture Society on Prospect Park West – “The ECS believes TORTURE is WRONG” – WOW! ballsy shit you fags.
I know I have a personality disorder, but can’t quite pinpoint why that pissed me off so much…
Lemme grab some coffee and get back to you.
The thing is I’m not sure whether you are aware of this Aussie and i appreciate your comments on the publicity stunt, but you going against your cause a bit for making it more publicized, now i feel i want to find these tracks because I’m missing out on something, but that’s just me picking up on my feelings and i just thought id comment on that since I’m so bored right now, don’t take it personally! XD
blognigger: I’ve always thought someone taking a brave stand announcing that “torture is wrong” is unintentionally hilarious. Mind you, with the current administration promoting the idea that torture is right…
Davross: I’m not saying it’s ineffective viral marketing, I’m not even suggesting they should be “punished” in any way for lying to the public. Just pointing out that I’m not buying into their bullshit story.
Okay, that’s a fair standpoint.
😉