U2 Conference: Dr. Anthony DeCurtis

Dr. DeCurtis just finished his presentation on U2 giving an overview of their career and interests. His address, entitled “Contents and Discontents,” demonstrated the continual dissatisfaction with their own skill, craft, artistry, activism, etc. From the early days the band have not been content (satisfied) with their content (substance).

 

A few thoughts from Dr. DeCurtis:

• “U2 steps up to the line of compromise and then dramatically steps back”

• They are continually pressing for something new

• Brian Eno commented that he was not looking forward to working with Bono; as many people, he thought one thing when Bono walked into the room and something completely different when he walked out

• 20 yr old Bono: “It is my ambition to travel to America and give it what it wants and needs”

• Sunday, Bloody Sunday became an anthem/confession/proclamation/declaration

• The Edge in 1987 interview: Bono can take the band where it needs to go, the band would give him the support and means needed

• Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Pop: Traded optimism and hope for irony and detachment and excess and indulgence; lots followers

• ATYCLB was their return to simplicity

• The perfect band in the age of Obama; they are beacons of hope

• They continue to believe that we can be better people and build a better world; no line on the horizon, earth and sky, rich and poor, young and old

• Bono autographed and drew a picture of a Christmas tree on a copy of Peter and the Wolf, a children’s book that he illustrated, for DeCurtis’ 20 month old daughter whose birthday was at Christmas: “Francesca, welcome to planet earth, there’s so much for you to do”

There is much to be done. To quote Muse, "Love is the resistance." Those who suffer in Africa and other countries because of senseless preventable poverty are not the subjects of intellectual discussion, but real people located in bitter contexts. So much can be done and must be done. We need more discontents....

 

 

 

Dr. DeCurtis, speaking at the first plenary session, at North Carolina Central University

 

Comments

[DownsMEAGAN]

That's known that money makes us disembarrass. But what to do if someone has no cash? The one way is to receive the home loans or collateral loan.