Thanking Paul McGuinness

6 Dec 201370
'This week U2 finalised and signed a new management contract with Live Nation and Guy Oseary.  

The band now want to publicly thank Paul McGuinness for his extraordinary leadership, guidance and friendship over the last 35 years. 

Paul has saved us from ourselves many times over and we would not be U2 without him.

Sometime soon, U2 will begin a new adventure around the world and we totally understand and respect Paul's desire to not run away with the circus – AGAIN.

Perhaps more than any music management operation in history, Paul, alongside Trevor, Keryn and the team at Principle Management has always fought for our rights, for our music, for our fans and for the principles that we and he believe in. His central lesson was that if you cared for your "art", you must also "take care of business" as historically with rock and roll bands, the latter has undone the former.  

We are relieved he will remain on as the mentor-in-chief.

We've known Guy for a long, long time, and we're excited that with Paul's blessing he's agreed to take us on. He is a brilliant man with a lot of energy, and knows he has got some big shoes to fill.'

Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry
Comments
70
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alibono
The 5th member
Paul McGuinness will ALWAYS be THE 5th member of U2! No one can change it! He was the best manager of the guys. There can be ONLY ONE: PAUL MC GUINNESS!!!!! (we still miss you!)
christyblue
brilliant manager !!!
Thanks to Paul who as the '5th' member of U2 for all he has done for the band and the fans, what a ride it has been for you Paul throughout the beginning to the 'rise' of the best band in the world and who continue to rise now with a new manager Guy, we wish him all the best in stepping into Paul's big, big shoes and its nice to hear he will remain as a mentor, good luck in your retirement Paul xx
Martin080671
Martin Harvey
I have just seen this I would to take a minute to thank Paul for being the 'fifth' member of the band. U2 have seen me through 30 years of my life, and been a huge part of my life, from the moment I heard ' I will follow' to the 'cedars of Lebanon ' thank you Paul !
timmsy
What a legend!
From a long way off in Oz it still seems apparent that somehow you managed to channel with creativity without squashing it, managed to negotiate the industry without selling out and manage the bands fame while keeping an eye on the main game - music! Thanks so much Paul!
ato74
Gracias Paul!
U2 and us, their fans, thank you for the essential role you have played in making this amazing thing happen. All the best!
unforgettable1
Paul has left the building!
Paul, Thanks for guiding and watching over U2! One hell of a ride I'm sure! Enjoy your time at home...
Miriam Jonker
Thank you!
Thank you sir for your tremenduous efforts. Enjoy your well deserved retirement but do stay in the vicinity.
TexasBrenda
To thank you, sir.
You saw in the raw talent and enthusiasm of four teenagers, the "baby band" you were looking for. You guided them safely through an industry that can be brutal, while they developed as musicians and men. You may be a little embarrassed by all this attention, but you deserve it, sir. Without your guiding hand, we wouldn't have had their music to grow up to. So...thank you, thank you, thank you.
musicfan
Paul
Congrats on your time now, to do what you need to do. Cherish it, and live happy :)
bonoheart
Many many thanks Paul!
Thank you Paul to take care of Bono and U2 for such a long long time! I'm sure Guy will do a great job, but I feel better now that I know you continue to take a look to the band and kick their ass if necessary!!! God bless you Paul now and forever!
Beto_Nassar
The 5th member of U2
Paul will be always the 5th member of U2. I remember now the documentary of the recording sessions of The Unforgettable Fire when Bono ask Paul's opinion after a Brian Eno's question. It showed the strong Paul's leadership. Paul had a "vision" when met U2 .... luckly!
Jan DC
from "boy"s till over the lines of the h
Thank you Paul McGuiness !
marlex2
Emotional
Such emotion in this public comment about Pauls retirement! Nice to hear that he will now be "professor emeritus" of U2 music!!
SLodewijks
Fifth band member
Dear Paul, I remember seeing you from the crowd during a U2 Vertigo Tour gig in Brussels. I waved to get your attention, and I reached out to shake your hand....but you showed yours was in bandage. I smiled and reached out my left hand instead. But you waved it off with a slightly annoyed look on your face and pointed at the band playing, hinting "thère's the show you came for, don't draw attention to me...". I guess that sums it all up: you were there for the band, ever in service and ever the wave on which the band could surf. I thank you, now, for those years of service. You will always be the fifth bandmember! ;-)
shane8
Shane
Thank you Paul!
christyblue
Thank you Paul x
Thanks to all you have done for U2 Paul as they all say they would not have been U2 without you and i think we all agree to that, to be there with them for 35 years is a great feat as you read lots about disputes between bands and management, and some never have managers for that long especially in this day and age. I raise a glass to a lovely, great man for what you have given to U2 !!! All the best Paul Mcguiness, with love and respect :)
AaronWolfson
Paul McGuinness
Authentic, thoughtful, awesome. Thank you Paul !!!
louisrr
All the best Paul!
Once in Milan we had a nice conversation about "your" boys, i wish you all the luck in the future.
simbono
Thank you Paul
What a great ride! Hope you enjoy your retirement.
lamspa
...sigh.
Sad and a little concerned to see the great man step down and hand the managerial task to someone else. Hats off to Paul McGuinness, the man who defined quality management and who has consistently helped U2 to not only have an audience, but to reach their audience all over the world. Happy Retirement to a music industry legend.
Gigi7
Thank you Paul
Thanks for having led those four guys until they become the biggest band in history
yarbdaddy
Without You
Thanks for seeing the beginning and being there even now. We've known all along you rock us, Paul. All Our Love!
Flow1
Thank you Paul
Thank you Paul for what you've done during all those years. A page is turned. I believe the band will not quite be the same without you, but am sure that the band still has some great stuff to come up with with Guy! Slainte
NanyandGonzo
Thank you, We Will Follow You!
Mr. Paul thanks for having belived in what are now the my Gods. For supporting them and for shaping them. You five are one of the best. Hopefully you'll be with them on the other side of the stage, as part of the audience. Enjoy your retirement, but definitely we will miss you!
thehappyjessy
New Adventure =)
I love it !! I'm delighted!! "Sometime soon, U2 will begin a new adventure around the world and we totally understand and respect Paul's desire to not run away with the circus – AGAIN."
hicksong
Huh ?
Wow.... I thought we'd all drop dead together :)
WFG
Thanks!
Thank you very much, mister McGuinness!
Lights
Thank you for everything.
Enjoy your well deserved retirement.
Edwin
Awesome Manager
happy retierement
fly39
MC
( MC ) GUINNESS FOR STRENGHT!!
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