Time to backlash against the backlash.Seems like U2 just can’t win. First there was uproar that they’d agreed to perform at the Super Bowl. And now, following their halftime show, there’s uproar that their appearance did not cure AIDS, resolve world debt, and find Osama bin Laden. First of all, I too had misgivings about U2’s agreement to perform, but this settled once I found out that the band would not be flanked by cheerleaders and dancers and flag marshals. It would just be them, for three songs, for fifteen minutes. They did a stripped down mini-version of their concert, complete with laps around the Heart and the scrolling names of 9/11 victims. When I saw this in Las Vegas it was quite moving. Sadly, stuffed into this three song set, it seemed rushed and forced, as well as being taken out of context. However, I commend them — and the NFL — for making this a televised performance rather than a staged event. Too bad this was completely lost on the lucky few who got to be in the Heart. Civilians across the country spent whole days waiting in line for this privilege as U2 toured across the country, but the morons on the field in New Orleans actually had their back to the stage, more excited at the chance of grinning into a camera. I can just imagine these youthful idiots looking around and thinking “Yeah, I see the backing band — but where are the five kids who should be dancing in front of them?” Talk about pearls before swine.
Lastly I find it incredibly ludicrous that U2 is being blasted for being un-American. Um…yes. They are un-American. In fact, they were raised un-American. They happen to be from Ireland. And lead singer Bono is accused of criticizing the US government? So what — who hasn’t criticized the US government. Oo — he wore stars & stripes in his jacket lining? And this is worse treatment of the flag than running it ragged on the passenger side window of your car? (Or — attention: next door neighbor! — flying it all winter so that it freezes to your gutter?) Since September, U2 has made a decided effort to come back to America and continue their tour, and at each stop Bono has announced that the band is proud of the US and proud to play here. I believe him. And I believe U2’s performance although not perfect was too short. And it was a hell of a lot better than watching Aerosmith struggle for credibility last year — or, to go back even further, a definite step forward than having Carol Channing or Up With People perform.
