The Music Changes Shape
The Music Changes Shape
The Music Changes Shape

The Music Changes Shape

Edge and Bono Talking after Wednesday's Four Grammy Wins.

01 Mar 2002
Edge and Bono Talking after Wednesday's Four Grammy Wins.

"We're huge fans of his work," said the Edge about T-Bone Burnett, producerof the Grammy Winning 'O Brother Where Art Thou' soundtrack. "So it felt, onone front, we're disappointed [we didn't win Album of the Year], but onanother, we're so proud of him and so proud of his work we wouldn't havewanted to lose to anyone but T-Bone. It was kind of a sweet defeat."

On a different tack, Bono discussed what it has been like for U2 being inthe USA in recent months.

"When this country takes you to its heart, it's an extraordinary feeling,"Bono told CDNow. "And these have been very testing times for America, soyou're not just taking anybody to your heart.''We put our tickets on sale after September the 11th. I think thatcommunicated. The songs did change their meaning. You're supposed to knowwhat you're writing about; you're the songwriter. You're supposed to knowwhat those songs are about. You're often wrong.

"The music changes shape to fit the predicament it finds itself in, and thisyear, the predicament was a very different America," he continued. " I haveto tell you, just as outsiders, as guests of the nation, we've always lovedcoming here. But this year, I've rediscovered my love of America, the greatidea as opposed to just the great country. It is a great idea, it's worthdefending, and it's also worth taking this idea around the world."

It was at last year's GRAMMY® Awards that Bono said the group was applyingfor the job of the "Greatest, Most Important Rock Band," something manywould agree they've now lived up to after the band's successful ElevationTour.

"You know, when you're in a corner, we do make, I do make, wildpronouncements, about our potential, but you know what, we're not in acorner tonight, we're right in the middle of main street. We like it muchbetter here. We think it suits us," he said. "But last year, we were pushingour rock up the hill. This time last year, rock and roll music was very muchthe outsider. And that's always where we get defensive and start making wildpronouncements about being the greatest rock band in the world."

And are they, he was asked? "Yes, as it happens," he answered, to a roar oflaughter. "But some of our friends are very good too!"

On a more serious note again, Bono went on to say their deepest desire as aband is for the U.S. to really look "outwards as to what's going on in therest of the world, and the shock of 9/11 wasn't just watching the TwinTowers turn to dust, but was the aftershock of people jumping up and down inJakarta and Pakistan celebrating. And you think, 'How did that happen?' tous in Europe, to you in the United States?

"What is going on that the United States, the country that liberated Europe,should be seen like this? And they're very hard questions that have to beasked, 'cause I don't believe that's a deserved position," he continued."The United States is just crap at P.R. and has a role to play in the worldnot just as a police force, but actually just continuing the idea of thecountry. And it's an amazing idea. The Declaration of Independence isincredible ­- we pledge our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor ­- theseare poetic ideas. And it seems like the idea of America has gone away in thelast while, it's just a great successful country, with great military might.

"I actually believe in the idea of America and I'm really encouraged thatthat idea might catch on, in the wake of this tragedy."

More from CDNow on U2 and the Grammy Awards - as well as a lengthy interviewfrom last year on All That You Can't Leave Behind - at www.cdnow.com

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