I've never really been a big U2 fan, but after last night, I am. U2 sings about good things and that is why. Music (and the world) needs more of this, but it is doubtful that we will see the likes of these circus-like traveling tent shows. My apocryphal prediction is founded in today's emo-rock, Rock Band and the disappearing radio signal. These aren't bad things, by the way—just different. And U2 embraces them.
U2 is the only band from 'my generation' (and for some reason I missed them) that can actually do this—Dave Matthews Band can in some parts of the world.
It saddens me a bit, but I reached this epiphany when they started playing the song Vertigo last night. You remember the song in one of the first iPod commercials. You don't see as many any more do you? Maybe because iPods have become a music industry standard—sorry Casey K, we love you just the same.
Just like everything else in our mainstream media world, there are trailblazers—the ones that carve the paths with the new technology and then there are the the traditionalists? I presume that is the correct terminology.
The music industry, one in which I am familiar, is radically changed. In fact, there are some striking similarities between the music industry and print media industry. Both of the industry paradigms have been redefined by content distribution. At the same time, both of the industry's old-guards refuse to budge in these new models.
I'm certainly not suggesting that artists give away their crafts or publishers should give away their content, but I am suggesting that if you were to take the same talented musicians that make up the band U2 and put them in a Dublin bar in the year 2009—their rise to the top would be dramatically different—same with Rolling Stone magazine.
Marketing has changed dramatically. Music has changed dramatically. Marketing music has changed so much that the entire industry is turned upside down.
It all goes back to the social media thing again. The gatekeepers and the controllers are losing control. The U2 concert last night was proof positive of this. One thing is for sure though: We get to share it ... and it leaves you baby if you don't care for it...


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