The world and U2 : one band's remaking of global activism / Alan McPherson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McPherson, Alan L., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Edge (Musician), 1961-.

Bono, 1960-.

U2 (Musical group).

Bono, 1960---Political activity.

Bono.

Edge (Musician), 1961---Political activity.

Edge.

Rock musicians--Political activity.

Rock musicians.

Political participation.

Physical Description:

xxvi, 155 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham ; Boulder ; New York ; London : Rowman & Littlefield, [2015]

Summary:

The Irish rock band U2, especially frontman Bono, is among the most effective activists ever. U2 has convinced wealthy governments to forgive tens of billions of dollars in loans while spreading its messages to people all over the world, helping save millions of lives. So how did four boys from one of the poorest countries in the West achieve this? Who and what influenced them? What strategies did they use to succeed, and how did those strategies change over time? In particular, how did lead singer Bono leap into superstar lobbying? And, with so much attention on him, how has he handled critics of his work on behalf of developing countries? In The World and U2: One Band's Remaking of Global Activism, Alan McPherson trains a historian's eye on the evolution and influence of the band's activism from its formation in 1976 to its most recent album and concert tour. Throughout its nearly four decades, the band has held up a mirror to the increasing selfishness in the world while working to fill the void left by those who have abandoned the world's poor to their plight. From raising awareness about war and human rights in the 1980s to engaging in direct action in the 1990s to moving mountains of cash for the planet's poorest in the twenty-first century, the band has raised the bar and set an example for other celebrity activists. But this success has brought great scrutiny on U2 and initiated a healthy debate about the merits of Western development aid. The World and U2: One Band's Remaking of Global Activism tells this story of U2's successful storming of the world's philanthropic stage. It will enchant the band's fans, engage its critics, and offer lessons-and warnings-to activists seeking change for the better. Book jacket.

Contents:

Introduction. U2 in a selfish world

Out of Ireland, 1960-1982

The raising of a global consciousness, 1983-1989

Zooropa, 1990-1998

Bono, superstar lobbyist, 1999-2005

Consolidation and criticism, 2006-2015

Conclusion. Of fans and activists.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781442249332

1442249331

OCLC:

900594571