ericschlipf's review against another edition
5.0
In telling the story of 1990-1994, Flanagan also dives into all of U2’s past, putting appropriate time in all eras of the band. I’ve read U2 by U2, and Bono’s “in conversation” biography, and I prefer this one to both of those. Flanagan provides a generally positively-focused portrait of the band that is honest about their flaws without being too gushy about their more admirable parts.
Flanagan describes scenes that, if the band were to describe, would come across as too arrogant or self-aggrandizing. Hearing an outsiders perspective gives the book a bit of arms-reach honesty that is compelling and refreshing.
I’ve never read a rock biography that captures what the day to day is like for the subject so well, in this case in the context of the Zoo TV tour.
Flanagan describes scenes that, if the band were to describe, would come across as too arrogant or self-aggrandizing. Hearing an outsiders perspective gives the book a bit of arms-reach honesty that is compelling and refreshing.
I’ve never read a rock biography that captures what the day to day is like for the subject so well, in this case in the context of the Zoo TV tour.
dieslaughing's review against another edition
4.0
Easily one of those most compulsively readable rock bios ever penned. Love 'em or hate 'em, the juxtaposition of their individual personalities, their history together, and the craziness of being (arguably) the biggest rock band in the world, is never less than fascinating.
trin's review
5.0
This is such a fantastic rock bio. Flanagan's writing is incredibly engaging, and he does a great job of exploring the thornier issues from every angle. He really captures the zany wonder of a rock tour, with fabulous descriptions of the cities the band visits (I love the section on Tokyo) and tons of great quotes. The members of U2 are wonderful and worthy subjects, and Flanagan more than rises to the task of telling their story. I wish he'd write a sequel with some of their more modern adventures!
I recommend this to anyone who's interested in rock & roll or band dynamics, whether they're U2 fans or not. I really can't convey how hilarious and vibrant and awesome and inspiring this book is. It's possibly my favorite non-fiction book of all time.
I recommend this to anyone who's interested in rock & roll or band dynamics, whether they're U2 fans or not. I really can't convey how hilarious and vibrant and awesome and inspiring this book is. It's possibly my favorite non-fiction book of all time.
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