Audio. Bono, August 1979, RTÉ radio, Ireland.

[contactafc10]

just 19 years old?? this man is so brilliant! ...he was so sure his band was destined to be one of the greatest bands ever.

[edthewise]

Unbelievable at 19 and so profound .

[midgehock]

This is sooo cool!! Thanks for posting!!



[Tryzon]

AWESOME historical interview with U2 from 1979 when listeners choose new single. Great quality sound.

[salezx]

Perfect audio !! :D

[Tryzon]

AWESOME historical interview with U2 from 1979 when listeners choose new single. Great quality sound.

[drvertigo]

Great audio

[StephanieBonJovi]

THIS. O_O

[ancathdubh]

this is incredible.he's only 19 in this interview but he sounds so sure of himself and so incontrol.its like an old head on young shoulders.

[Mak08Mak]

Awesome! Thanks for posting! U2's history! Only if they both knew that U2 would end up as the biggest band in the World!

[tacosontheceiling]

This is so neat! I love listening to Bono talk. What is with these two people arguing here, and who is giving thumbs down to the positive/neutral comments. Thank you to the uploader, this is appreciated by fans!

[saffyminty]

Ahh... Good to see Bono was successfully shirring up shit even back then, albeit eloquently, and now here you two are, (pardon the atrocious pun) MarkRevival and loganson1, scrapping like a couple of terriers! For the record, I have seen U2 live, as well as Pearl Jam, The Buzzcocks, The Cure, Prince and yes, even Culture Club! So what does that make ME? Currently, I'm going through a bit of a Virgin Prunes renaissance... Oh, and I don't mind the odd Big Mac now and again either ;)

[MarkRevival]

It makes you a potential eclecticist. But don't worry, there's a cure.

Actually for a white fella Boy George had a great voice, before the drugs ruined it.

And I'm more of a labrador...

[MarkRevival]

While I'm on, a quick sorry for my part in allowing this posting to get er... sidetracked. I know Mr ParnellMooney is a Blades fan as well as a U2 fan (who'd have thought!).

Thanks for all the messages too (U2 fans with senses of humour, the enlightenment!!), but I'll not be carrying on. Just like Fawlty Towers. I dont want to start being cruel, not so funny. Always remember, opinions are like arseholes, everyone's got one.

Er... and one last thing....

... Viva The Blades! ;)

[TracyLalonde]

This is incredible.

[crilly79]

Jesus they had a plan and a point of view even then,kinda respect that even though not a big u2 fan.

[40ny]

I remember the competition to choose their first single..30 years ago! How times change! At least they don't have to worry about playing Quo tracks down in Carlow any more.

[katieguy25]

I love young bono!! his accent was lovely!!

[marianahewson1995]

omg, his voice is so sexy.

[buzzkill27]

speaking of shit...why don't you o take a long walk off a short pier..cause you're full of shit

[MarkRevival]

What? Not allowed an opinion then? And if listening to U2 is the other option, I'd be jumping off the feckin' pier. Head first and blindfolded.

Mentioning being supported by the Blades too, a far, far better band.

[dajzilla]

The Blades? Never heard of them. U2, on the other hand, has been together for 30 years, won 22 Grammys, Have sold millions and millions of albums, is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and, by all accounts, is the greatest rock band of ALL TIME! The Blades? lol!!

[MarkRevival]

Just what I'd expect from a U2 'fan'. The fact that you've never heard of the Blades only serves to prove your ignorance. If corporate rock written to appeal to the lowest common denominator is your bag then that's fine by me. I prefer quality to units shifted and tickets sold. And the Hall Of Fame? The same thing that purposely neglected true groundbreakers to include stadium names to sell more tickets? Comical. And greatest by ALL accounts... I've just laughed so much I did a little wee...

[loganson1]

Typical u2 fan? U2 have been my favorite band for 27 years yet, YET, I love Keane, Live, Radiohead. Alison Krause, Oasis, Chevelle, A Perfect Circle, The Bravery, Enya, Loreena McKenit, Death Cab for Cutie, The Clash, Sex Pistols....What makes U2 not "quality?" Because they sell a million records? The Blades (whoever they are) are probably good. ...and they would love to be in u2's position. If they deny that they are lying.

[loganson1]

Is the record business unfair? Have there been great bands that perhaps didn't get a fair chance? Could the Blades have become a u2 if given a chance? Of course. But it doesn't make u2 "Bad" or pple lile me igmorant if we haven't heard of the Blades. Sheesh...

[MarkRevival]

From the list of other beige bands and singers then yes, I'd say you too were a U2 fan. Or U2 were a you too fan.... The idea of quality is a purely personal thing, hence why I never said that U2 were not quality, read back. I simply prefer to find music I like, not wait for it all to fall in my lap through the speakers of business led radio stations and faceless playlist panels. U2 are the equivalent of a Big Mac. People seem to enjoy it, but it's the same old cow mush time after time.

[MarkRevival]

Of course the record industry is unfair, it's sales led and if a band isn't flavour of the month then kiss goodbye to all hope. Unless.... unless you have a character like Paul McGuinness. Who U2 basically owe their entire career to. A man so voraciously single minded and business driven that even the record execs blush. The Blades like U2 given a chance? Paul Cleary is a very different character to fame craving Bono, so in all likelihood, no they wouldn't. More hearing them though, of course.

[loganson1]

Part of what you write doesn't make sense, part is silly, and some parts are true. Where to start....Any lead singer of any band is fame craving..sorry but true. If they say they arn't, they are lying. At least Bono gives back..big time. Paul McGinness? Doing his job and well. The Blades would love to have him. I would. U2 equivalent to a Big Mac? Outrageous..but even if true..so what? It's entertainment..A break from everyday busy lives. Maybe ppl need music to fall on their lap due to busy ..

[MarkRevival]

All makes sense, none of it is silly. You simply don't agree. U2 are purposely aimed at the mass market and the lowest common denominator. EXACTLY like the Big Mac. To do so means adapting you're music and image to suit, not exactly credible art is it?

And what a ridiculous comment, all singers crave fame!!? No they don't and with many highly notable examples. Craving fame ISN'T the same as wanting people to hear your music.

There NO excuse to simply accept music that drops into your lap.

[loganson1]

All music to a minor extent falls into your lap. Who cares. I saw Pearl Jam, Nivana, U2 , The Clash, Buzzcocks, Guns and Roses all b4 they were popular. Does this make me cooler or smarter than the average Culture Club fan? No. What matters is you like it and never say sorry about it. To suggest u2 sold out is silly beyond my imagination. And if they did, so what. It's entertainment...it doesnt matter. mohawks and leather jsckets don't change the world.

[MarkRevival]

You saw The Clash and Buzzcocks before they were popular... really? You were in England during the summer of '76 then on a typical 9 year old's punk holiday?? lol...

And the only music that generally falls into your lap needs brushed away quick smart.

U2 sold out from the very beginning, all part of a carefully planned forecast and plan by Paul McGuinness. A fact he happily admits.

[loganson1]

lives....u2 is cow mush? Hmmm//still waiting why they lack quality. I promise you the Blades would love to be in the position u2 is in right now...record sales..fame, fortune...Life isn't fair man. You sound like a pissed off punk groupy who, because their band didn't make it, is throwing a twenty year hissy fit. The record industry is very unfair..but let me tell you..I love living at this time because I got to hear and see many wonderful bands.

[MarkRevival]

Can you actually read? Read back and learn...

Pissed off punk groupy... hissy fit... lol!

I can just see you know, fat little fingers banging furiously at the keys, face purple, sweating and contorted with rage. Frustrated you can't find the words to express yourself intelligently or able to understand the arguement. Life indeed isn't fair, just take a look in your mirror.

You really haven't done any favours for the U2 fans... lol....

[loganson1]

Unfair? Yes..I look in the mirror and wish everyone could see and experience all that I have. I understand what you are saying. Clearly. CLEARLY. You just sound angry. You suggest that bands are more important than what they really are. You suggest that by being a Blades fan you are cooler or smarter than I. You suggest some bands are better than other when you really can't do that. It's like flavors of ice cream. Some like chocolate..others like strawberry..Others like both. Who cares

[MarkRevival]

I sound angry? Where exactly? How could I possibly be angry after reading your posts? It's like the ramblings of a madman, as equally funny as it is senseless.

I never suggested bands are more important, if anything I've suggested the ridiculous nature of over-hyped music and rampant egotist frontmen.

And nor do I suggest that me liking the Blades makes me 'cooler' or smarter than you. Being me is what makes me 'cooler' and smarter than you.

Incidentally, my favourite ice cream is Neopolitan.

[loganson1]

Neopolitan? Hmmm..need to try it..Many great bands who have made it and sold millions, and many who haven't. The nature of the beast. You know this getting into it. Still don't know why you call u2 cow mush. Do you say the same of the Clash, Led Zep, Metallica...etc? Btw, u2 wasn't always popular. They were booed of the stage when the opened for J Giles band in Seattle in 82 or 3 ..Interesting show...

[MarkRevival]

If you read back you'll find the analogy is relating to Big Macs... hence same old cow mush. Pretty clear I would've thought. The discussion is relating to U2, my views relating to other bands are moot. But since you mention The Clash, they'd already become a bloated, spent force by the time they hit the US big. Hence Strummer disappearing, Headon imploding and Jones discovering the pop charts with Big Audio Dynamite. B.A.D. indeed...

Oh, and Metallica = Spinal Tap just louder and less funny.

[loganson1]

A rock history lesson to a rock historian. Thank you. Funny how you respong to some of my points and ignore others. Perhaps you agree with the ignored comments. I find you angry because of the million things you could say about Bono and u2, you chose to find the simplist, minor manute detail to bash the band with. Focus for a second that they are four middlecalss kids with a dream to rock the world. And they did. Kudos to them. If only all of us could be the best version of ourselves...

[loganson1]

What matters is you like ice cream..and never say sorry you do. U2= great singer/songwriter..great guitarist ..drums and bass...what would you suggest they do? pretend they suck and hope no one buys their records? Stay the same, never grow and burn out like so many other bands? Change? Oh no..baaaad...Sing Bad over and over and write new songs called Good and hope it sounds just like Bad...silly

[loganson1]

incendentally..my wife loves Bon Jovi(uuugggghhh), but she's still the coolest person by far I know...

[MarkRevival]

I'll overlook her fondness for the BJ fella and admit she must be a pretty cool lady. She puts up with you after all...

[loganson1]

If only we all could be the best at what we do. As they did this, Bono started serving the world, specifically the worlds poor. Because God mentions the poor over 2000 times, Bono has become one of Gods great servents. Not to get all religious here, I simply want to point out the goofiness of refering u2 as Big Macs.The analogy, though similier as a baseball is to an orange, really holds no water, in fact makes you look rather silly..um, angry. Btw, my wifes an angel for hanging out with me....

[MarkRevival]

Here we go, call the ambulance... Bono as the second coming! Sent by God to help the world's poor and heal the world. All hail mighty Bono, the true Messiah! And God mentions the poor over 2000 times in the Bible? He wrote it personally then? And I think you'll find Obama and Brown will have mentioned the poor a lot more over the last 12 months, are they Gods?

It's not goofy at all to compare one mass marketed brand to another, the concept is the same whether it's cow mush, music or shirts.

[loganson1]

Hold on , Mate. Calm yourself down. I did not call you ingorant. In fact you're probably quite intelligent. Your rambling though confirm your anger. But then maybe you've been directly involved in the music business and were shunned by it. I agree with some of what you're saying. Who wouldn't? Even my little son is aware of some of what you're saying. But you lose ppl when your anger comes through and you get so derogatory towards some ppl and certain groups. Calm down, brother....

[loganson1]

The lowest common denominator is the Doctor, military man, the mother and father, the clergy...The point is they all lead very busy lives. Always have. Thus why a Big Mac is a Big Mac. Terrible food but cheap, fast, and convenient. Perhaps the White Snake, Poison etc of the worlds could be discribed this way. But U2 is the best at what they do. Because very busy ppl like them does not make it so. It's only entertainment..a short break from everyday life. Let ppl like what they like...

[MarkRevival]

You clearly don't understand marketing...

And... "U2 is the best at what they do. Because very busy people like them does not make it so." You've lost me there, is that English??

If you can't understand what I say, or are unable to remember all the points I make, or cannot reply in a way that us ordinary folk can understand, could you please get your wife or son to type for you. That'd be lovely thanks.

Now calm yerself down, and check the next instruction in your GDubya's How To Manual.

[loganson1]

Cute...very cute ramblings. Lots of durogatory comments but I'll overlook them because they're pretty funny. I laugh when I hear them because it's kinds creative. Kinda like playing with my son; he puts chocolate all over my face and then laughs at how funny my face looks....says, "Dad, your chocolate face is so funny...how did it get that way? Bad manners?"

Allow me the pleasure of giving you more wisdom. A big Mac is a Big Mac. In fact it probably hates that it is a Big Mac.

[loganson1]

It realises that the only reason ppl eat it is because it's cheap and easy to get for a very busy population. It knows that if placed in any other restaurant, no one would buy it. It knows it's terrible food. But it can't do anything about it. I don't discribe U2 this way. Yeah, perhaps I would with a few bands..especially in the 80"s. Most ppl are igorant and uniformed when it comes to music...with politics and a number of other things as well...A by-product of busy lives. The world we live in

[loganson1]

Btw, I voted for Obama...

[MarkRevival]

Priceless.... from Bono the new Messiah to self loathing fast food... it can't get better than this surely.

U2 exist because some people are busy? Cheap and easy to eat for a busy population.... do you mean lazy?

And you are rambling... rambling....rambling... lol. And a little angry and frsutrated too it seems...

Well done for voting Obama though, I would imagine it actually said that in GDubya's How To Manual... not related are yer? :)

[loganson1]

"Bono the the Messiah....." What the .....?

[MarkRevival]

" As they did this, Bono started serving the world, specifically the worlds poor. Because God mentions the poor over 2000 times, Bono has become one of Gods great servents." And so spaketh Loganson and it cameth to pass....

....Bono begat The Edge, The Edge begat Larry, and Larry begat Adam, and Adam begat Ronald McDonald...

[loganson1]

You're such an idiot...Later

[MarkRevival]

lol! Only replying to your awe inspiring wisdom, oh great one. You're not getting a little bit angry are you? A bit frustrated maybe? And there's me thinking GDubya was a one off lol!

If you've not got the elementary brainpower needed to have a discussion, best to keep quiet, you should have shut up after your first post lol!

Much.... much... later!

[loganson1]

I've forgotten more than you've ever learned. I've tried and tried to have patience with you and attempt to make some sense in much of your ramblings. But it just comes down to you being a complete and undisputable moran. That's not even the sad part though. The sad part is you'll simply dismiss my comments as rubbish and move on. Sad because you probably have so much potential. Another loser in a long line of British losers. Sadly this American can't save this one.

[MarkRevival]

Forgotten more than I've learned? I very much doubt that, and that's perfectly clear for all the world to see from your rambling and incoherent posts. You think you're a rock historian? Utterly laughable. More intelligent? Completely inept... your posts are the equivalent of a child's crayon scrawls.

Do you not understand that other people read this? That they can see what you write? Do you not feel mortally embarrassed?

[loganson1]

Yes, I'm a bit frustrated. You got me. You must be thrilled. Your whole point in doing youtube is to be derogatory and frustrate ppl. That's all you have. That's all you bring. Derogatory ramblings in an attempt to piss ppl off. But you and the music you write about mean nothing at the end of the day. At least music is entertaining..You just a lonely stiff

[MarkRevival]

I dismiss your comments as rubbish, because they are. The Big Mac analogy for example, you've come at that one from so many different angles it's dizzying. You eventually came to rest on the Big Mac as a self loathing cow snack.

And Bono as the new Messiah... that was truly weird.

Loser? British loser? Hmmmm... coming from you that's sweet. Because that's all you've got, beautifully sad.

Now shush little baby and go to sleeeep.... lol.

[loganson1]

And yet..and yet you keep on writing. You don't go away. Still crying about poor old and tired Blades. Crying how no one knows them...long and forgotten. Bashing Bono to dry your crying eyes. I'm embarrassed at two things; exchanging thoughts with you and allowing an moron to frustrate me. . I'm sure everyone you know eventually feels the same. Won't happen again...

[MarkRevival]

sob sob whimper whimper sob...

lol!

[loganson1]

what's funny is a vision of a grown stiff who keeps comming to u2 sites, laughing (he claims) and pissing on his pc all in an atempt to argue and frustrate u2 fans. That is funny. You don't see me going to Blades' sites and attempt to argue and be derogatory towards the fans there. No. In fact I complimented the Blades several times at their site. Good ol' Mark Survival. A wanna be rock critic who's only voice is on youtube.

[MarkRevival]

Booiiiinnnggg! And he's back lol!

When was the last time I mentioned the Blades off bat myself?

I know you're an idiot, the people reading this know you're an idiot and really, you must know you're an idiot.

I'll be sending you a personal message, because quite frankly talking to you in public has become embarrassing and pointless. A point not gone unnoticed by others also.

Now shush crying you sad, sad man, double your meds and try and rest.

[loganson1]

I thought the longer I talked to you, maybe, just maybe I light would come on, a stroke of wisdom from you would make it all worth it. But I only feel dumber for talking to you...I feel foolish. My guess is that most ppl you associate with eventually feel the same about you...

[MarkRevival]

...and still you yap, jabber and flap lol!

I only respond to you - do you not get that? Er... obviously no, you don't.

I genuinely laughed until my face hurt at your last posts. You are clearly socially, emotionally and intellectually stunted. Unable to actually respond or understand what the grown ups have written you finally regress to the pointless little troll you actually are. All purple faced and sweating, grinding at the keys trying to get that anger across. And it fails....

[loganson1]

Between your ramblings you will find some truth in what you say. I get it. You hate Bono and the machine that feeds the ppl cow mush in a never ending atempt to make millions of dollars. Bands sell out to the record companies for a return of fame and fortune for all involved. Kiss turned disco for one record in an attempt to appeal more to the masses. I get it. But it will never change b cuz music is just entertainment, trying to reach those that are very busy, which is mostly everyone..

[loganson1]

Does the whole thing suck? Should ppl search a little more for the underground bands or those slightly below the radar to listen to? Of course. My sister sings and plays both guitar and piano like an angel. Really...does she want more exposure to play her songs..Yes. But it probably won't happen because how the system works...I get it. Slow ppl down and you'll get a smarter ppl, more informed ppl. A ppl that will find bands like the Blades and demand they b on the radio.

[MarkRevival]

Angry? Were do you get that from? Ramblings? No ramblings in my posts, just replies to you er... ramblings. I'm a very calm, measured and content person thanks, who's amused by your ever more disjointed and tangential nuggets of 'wisdom'. I just wish you could actually decide what you think or agree with lol.

Never been involved in the music biz or shunned by anything. Lose people? Am I on a TV show? A campaign? lol...

Maybe you should relax and meditate a little brother...

[loganson1]

Quite drogatory when commenting on the lowest commen denominator. ...when bashing the RARHOF. When suggesting Bono being an ego whatever. when suggesting some poor lad as being ignorant for never hearing of the Blades. Anyway, who cares. Let ppl enjoy the music. They lead busy lives and mostly do not have time to find great music that needs to be found. Too bad for all of us. But if you like Milli Vaniili, Pearl Jam, the Blades, or whatever, you are awesonme. Music in whatever form rules...

[MarkRevival]

Anything aimed at mass appeal is aimed at the lowest common denominator - to yeild maximum sales. A simple inescapable fact.

The RARHOF is bent. Fact. Acts have been dropped, bigger selling acts taking their place, all to increase ticket sales (eg DC5 usurped by Grandmaster Flash). And others.

Also, the 'poor lad' you refer to showed great disrespect to The Blades without knowing anything about them, and you call me ignorant? You get funnier and funnier, you really do lol!

[afdtk]

Absolutely love the early stuff! I'm the same age and it takes me back too.

[u2mixer]

Thanks for this - excellent!

[cornelpunx]

you can't imagine what it means to me hearing this interview. Amazing doesn't come close. Thanks for making this interview available.

x

[ToolsnFire]

This interview apparently is August 21, 1979.

[ToolsnFire]

Bono, age 19, interviewed.

[Volkan2006]

Great posting! I couldnt believe I could hear it. Thanx!

[wombab143]

Isn't that Tommy Cooper at the beginning of the video? Ha Ha. I remember listening to Dave Fanning "from ten to ten to two" on my earphones in the dorm in boarding school in Ireland in the 70s and eighties. Thanks for this blast from the past.

[U2ubeJunkie09]

Bono's accent is thicker :P. thank you for the post, it's quite a gem!

[poshknacker]

fair play parnellmooney.

Ah jasus i remember the great nights in the mid 1990's in your namesakes pub on parnell street..

great post.

[davidnc76]

nice post.