It's One of the BIGGEST SONGS EVER & It Has a FINAL VERSE Most Have NEVER Heard! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the most EMOTIONALLY CHARGED 1 Song VOCAL of all time?

[@catherine6653]

Never Tear Us Apart, INXS Another great record from 1987. Red Rain, Peter Gabriel

[@surlechapeau]

Janis Joplin - Another Piece Of My Heart. runnerups: Nazareth-Love Hurts(Dan McCaffery); Harry Nilsson- Without You, Percy Sledge- When A Man Loves A Woman.

[@TerrickTerran]

Time in a Bottle Jim Croce

[@peterd.9978]

Left In The Dark - Barbara Streisand

[@TerrickTerran]

@@surlechapeau When a Man Loves a Woman is a great choice.

[@christopherparisho5844]

I’m one of the ones in the crowd for the video shoot of Where The Streets Have No Name. My dad and I were driving home that afternoon, early evening, when we heard on the radio (later used excerpts for the video opening) that a crowd was forming at East 7th Street and South Main Street to be part of a video. I begged my dad to take me. He gave in. I was 13 and shorter than most of the people around me. I’m way back in the crowd and can’t bee seen in the video but it was a blast being part of it. About 2 1/2 years later I was at the LA Coliseum to see Guns N’ Roses open for The Rolling Stones. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 80s and early 90s was awesome.

[@redneckcoder]

LA used to be awesome... what happened to it?

[@christopherparisho5844]

@@redneckcoder democrat policies.

[@JimmyKnight-uc3pt]

Wow! Bro That is so awesome to see history in the making , that's a great album! You got to literally see them at their peak and best! I have so many questions!

[@christopherparisho5844]

@@JimmyKnight-uc3ptI’ll try to answer any questions you have.

[@brentwyatt8490]

I'm currently vacationing in Ireland for the first time in my life. What a beautiful country! My wife and I have driven a rental car around the country, including to Slane Castle, listening to U2 the entire trip. How fun that this episode dropped while we are here on the Emerald Isle! We love U2, and Adam, we love you too!

[@cassianasralla6821]

U2’s performance at Slane Castle is ICONIC!! The transition from All I Want Is You to Where The Streets Have No Name is one of the best live performances ever delivered by the band

[@ryancampbell2192]

The entire Joshua Tree album was a heart-rending masterpiece from start to finish.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question!

[@geoffstrickler]

One of the greatest albums ever. Certainly top 20, probably top 10. I remember listening to in on a AOR station that played complete albums on Sunday nights. I went out that week and bought the CD.

[@eggsngritstn]

"I Will Follow" and "Gloria" were consistently in my college soundtrack. U2 was so simple, yet different in their early days.

[@MsArtemis64]

I think their big break came after they came out with the live album at Red Rocks 'Under a Blood Red Sky'. I will follow and Gloria are good songs, but the live versions are great! Bono has such passion when he lets loose.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great songs.

[@DonitaSilk]

I didn’t know anyone enjoyed Gloria as much as a do!

[@Heartwing37]

I agree! I think that bands are usually the best in the beginning, when they’re poor and trying really hard. Then later on they seem to get formulaic. I think very little bands can possibly be better than early U2!

[@donjohnson9688]

​@@MsArtemis64Yes. I don't understand why it wasn't mentioned here. Everyone had a copy of " Under a Blood Red Sky".

[@deanc2000]

Midnight Oil also emerged from obscurity in 1987 with their breakout hit "Beds are burning". It was a great few years for music. New Order came out shortly thereafter with the double album "substance" comprised most of their best music to date. I was in college then and it was such a great time to be an New wave/Alternative rock music fan.

[@louisb5563]

WOW! I now have a new appreciation for this song! I cannot hear this song without this insight, I resonate with it now on a personal level. Another home run Adam!👍🏼🌟

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wonderful!

[@donwarrington4916]

1987 was a massive year for music ....

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the best ever!

[@TerrickTerran]

@@ProfessorofRock looking back, pretty much every year in the 80s had some major music come out.

[@peterhendricksen6946]

It was!!

[@davidcarrol110]

George Michael-Faith Michael Jackson-Bad oh and The Joshua Tree-U2.

[@user-eh2id5wi2z]

The Call, "Into The Woods"

[@catherine6653]

My grandmother is from Ireland. She liked U2 because they are from her home country. She called them 'the boys from Ireland ' She told me anyone who is successful from Ireland is noteworthy. I have always appreciated the songs. The lyrics in many of their songs are so poetic and meaningful. I ❤ Joshua Tree. I have 2 copies. 😊

[@trinaq]

@@catherine6653 Your Grandma sounds really lovely. I'm Irish myself, and whenever I meet anyone from a different country, I receive a lot of comments about if I know U2, or if I've been to any of their concerts.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I think i've owned this one on all formats except 8 track! Thanks Catherine!

[@catherine6653]

@@trinaq My grandma is from Kilke, Ireland. I have visited Ireland once. The scenery is beautiful.

[@trinaq]

@@catherine6653 It really is, the scenery is absolutely stunning, though it does rain a lot, that's true. ☔

[@kevinramsey417]

How did she feel about Thin Lizzy?

[@rondadams]

Dude, you are so good at baiting the hook! Love how you set up each of these videos. It is very reminiscent of Casey Kasem! "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."

[@chrishilton4301]

U2 is just one of those bands that you are hard put to find a song that you can't help but like in some form or another. Good episode POR! 😀👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching.

[@andresreyes3916]

I was 7 years old when my uncle showed me how to use his old discman. The only cd he had was U2'S 18 Singles compilation album, and they first song that he played for me was With or Without You. I still remember that I immediately fell in love with U2 and this song. I would spend hours listening to U2 and would not get bored. U2 certainly helped me develop my music taste. It's something about their songs that I cannot explain. And oh God, The Joshua Tree. What a masterpiece. It's my favorite album of all time, it really takes me to that special place where I can get lost in music, not worry about life, and be happy. I'm 23, and U2 has been part of my life since I was a kid. Sad moments, happy moments; they always find a way to make me feel alive. Thank you for this video, Professor of Rock! Amazing as always!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool!

[@sovereignbrehon]

This makes me smile. ❤

[@MikeinAlbany]

At U Albany there used to be an annual concert called Mayfest. This was before Reagan forced all states to raise the drinking age. U2 was the headliner in 1983, four months before I started there. People are still talking about it today. I got involved with the campus radio station, and their posters were up where are you walking in the front door. So was R.E.M.. Four years later, and after Live Aid, the morning guys on the AOR station here, PYX-106, announced that the afternoon guy was going to premiere the new release from U2. Everybody in my dorm was tuned in. Right on time on a Wednesday afternoon in March 1987 when rock stations add new releases, Cliff Nash played it. We were all blown away! I hope those guys are reading this. Not quite the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, but it was a huge moment.

[@KennedyGoodkey]

One day in April of 1987 I went to Sam the Record Man (Hello, fellow Canucks) to buy the latest album I was aching to buy... Electric by The Cult. Beside it on the racks was The Joshua Tree. I was vaguely familair with U2 - I knew Pride and I can tell a tale about the day a friend 'borrowed' an LP from his sister to play for me and the guitar opening of Sunday Bloody Sunday seared itself into my musical lexicon, but I was really only a peripheral U2 fan. I bought both albums. I listened to Electric for 2 weeks on repeat. Then the night of my high-school prom I decided to give The Joshua Tree a try as I got prepared. Before the vocal of Where the Streets Have No Name started I sat down on my bed and just sat, listening to the most amazing album I had ever heard. I didn't restart getting ready until side one was complete. I was late. When I got in my car to go and pick up my girlfriend, as I got to the end of the driveway, the radio - CKPG - played a new song... it was With or Without You. I recognized it as one of the songs that had captivated me 45 minutes before. If I am being perfectly honest, there hasn't been a moment in the 37 years since that U2 wasn't my favourite band. They also played it that night at the prom. I could go on, but no doubt Adam will give me more opportunities to tell tales.

[@trinaq]

My aunt's favourite band was U2, and she went to see them in concert several times. When she passed away after a lengthy battle with breast cancer last summer, and my cousin played a beautiful piano arrangement of "With or Without You" , and there wasn't a dry eye in the church. 💔😭😇

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I wish I could have met your lovely smart aunt. I have seen them a few times. They came to my birthday party I had at the Mirage along with Public Enemy and the Sugar Cubes. Plus I was in their Still Haven't Found What I'm looking for!

[@trinaq]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 Wow, you're so lucky to have U2 perform at your birthday party. I think that she would have liked you as well, she was always happy to meet a fellow U2 fan. ❣️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow! Would love to hear that version!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 That's amazing.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@trinaq No they didn't perform at my party it was after their concert

[@floydshambles]

Thanks for this video. I know it's fashionable to crap on U2, but they are, to me, one of the greatest rock bands.

[@Whisper_292]

I didn't know that. Why do people hate on them? They're epic.

[@OlliGarch]

Most just crap on Bono for his political rhetoric but I love this early music and try to separate art from the artist no matter the political stance. Bono can get a bit preachy I must admit.

[@jameswebster5672]

People dissed Creed for many years and now they are trending again.

[@mrfairplay]

It’s funny-I love every song on the album, but my favorite is “Running to Stand Still”. I don’t know why, but it really resonates with me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that song.

[@sariahut1]

@@mrfairplay it’s my favorite too! No one ever mentions it.

[@evenbetterthantherealthing92]

Great song. I like the album version, but I'm a bigger fan of the Zoo TV era live version. The intensity just keeps building and the transition into Where The Streets Have No Name that follows gets me every time.

[@ajocornbread5074]

I also love every song on that album but my favorite is Red Hill Mining Town.

[@nathanelder5285]

Great song but depressing

[@donjohnson9688]

U2 were already huge on MTV in '83 and just about every young person had a copy of "Under a Blood Red Sky". They were very popular going into '84.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I can't remember when, but I bought as much I2 as I could and really enjoyed it

[@seedofwonder]

I think the highlight of the video for me is just hearing Echo & the Bunnymen mentioned. Don't get me wrong; I really like War to Achtung Baby era U2. But it gives me hope of seeing some future love for Echo & the Bunnymen on the channel.

[@michaelharrington75]

Wham! too. Lol

[@fivestring65ify]

I've lived this song, professor. I was in a relationship with a young woman for six years. We planned on getting married and spending our lives together. Things didn't work out, and due to pride and stupidity, we parted. It took me years to get over it and took a while for her as well. We both ended up with other people, and life is good. Another one is who's gonna ride your wild horses. Both of these songs are brutal.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Hope you’re in a better place now.

[@fivestring65ify]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Much better. Thanks

[@AlanEggers-jq6ul]

U2, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, in order, my 3 favorite bands. I'm always glad when you cover U2. Thank you, because U2 eclipses the other two in so many ways. Memories make us what we are today

[@davidward1433]

So I started high school in 81, and finished college in 89, so basically I lived the 80’s at my peak musical growth period. U2 was a huge, core component of every phase of listening that I went through during the decade. The strength & power of their music, along with that of their fanbase, I think is nearly unrivaled, even today. Thanks for highlighting this key point in my - and may others, I’m sure - musical journey!!

[@xennial80sxberner]

Funny I was born in 82 and I see the 80s early 90s as my musical growth period, not 1996-2004 or something as most people would expect

[@stephenhanft1226]

While I've liked U2 songs from other albums, overall, The Joshua Tree is clearly their best album and masterpiece.

[@just_kos99]

In the mid 80s, I worked in downtown Seattle. I had to walk 3 blocks to my bus stop and on the way I passed a small club venue. The marquee announced the next band, "U2". I remember thinking, "What an odd name for a band." Of course, all these years later I want to smack the sh*t out of myself for not going! I saw U2 twice after "Achtung Baby!" was released, once in Tacoma, WA and once in Vancouver, BC and they were awesome both times.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So cool! Do you still live in Seattle?

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

@just_kos99 you saw U2 in Vancouver for the Zoo TV tour? Do did I the night Bill Clinton won the election. Was on the floor.

[@ldolphin34]

Am I the only one that got hooked on U2 later than others by hearing Live at Red Rocks? Those are the definitive versions of Sunday Bloody Sunday and I Will Follow, as far as my over 50 years of listening to recorded music are concerned. That was just an unbelievable live album that made me want to know the band better. And now, we all have.

[@JDoe001]

Yes. You are the only one.

[@ShortDarknLovely]

New Years Day was the first time i've ever heard of U2 while watching their video on Night Tracks. I loved them instantly ❣

[@flavellinator]

"New Year's Day" put U2 on the map here in SoCal at the clubs and on video shows... Joshua Tree was ginormous-- "In God's Country" tops it for me!

[@RobertL_0563]

@flavellinator - Yes for "In God's Country" but also for me is "Where The Streets Have No Name."

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Where the Streets Have No Name as well!

[@Arkhangel99]

Bono edge and Larry also were conflicted with their faith and fear where success in music might lead them. A pastor suggested they work out their faith in their music and not separate their struggle but embrace it. This is why so much of their music continues to reflect their faith, struggles and desires - particularly early on but throughout their work to date.

[@RobertL_0563]

Amen friend! 🙏😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That makes a lot of sense. I always thought I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For had religious undertones to it.

[@SHEEPLESUCK]

They're Luciferians. IYKYK

[@OriginalAcrobat]

They were actually told by the Shalom group that they were part of, that they could not serve god and a rock career. They (Bono and The Edge) almost walked away until Paul McGuinness reminded them they had a tour booked and people relied on them. This is discussed by Bono in From The Sky Down documentary

[@joex9865]

​@@OriginalAcrobatall the best bands are affiliated with the devil

[@sariahut1]

Joshua Tree is the pinnacle of U2’s catalog. Any time anyone asks me what I think the best album is I will always tell the Joshua Tree. With or Without you is one of those songs I will NEVER get tired of. It’s a masterpiece.

[@Code.Name.V]

I actually liked The Unforgettable Fire better.

[@ProfessorofRock]

In my top 3 for them!

[@sariahut1]

@@ProfessorofRock in my top three of all time! I can’t hear anything from this album without listening to the whole thing… in album order. In fact I can’t listen to it on shuffle at all. Has to be in order all the way through. I guess I know what I’m listening to today. 😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a special album for sure.

[@HerrBert1976]

Call me crazy or weird but I really dislike this album and consider it one of the weakest ones. Overproduced and all life is beaten out of it.

[@JuanAlmonte-rf7xk]

This song is haunting & awesome all at once🔥🔥

[@danaernst922]

Ive never been a U2 fan except I will Follow, but after hearing this I can appreciate it much more, Thnx

[@Code.Name.V]

I waited in a long line outside of a record store to purchase The Joshua Tree. A guy I had gone to school with worked there and promised that he would save me a copy. Which he did. Thank God. It was an album that I can't imagine living life without.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great memory!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s awesome!

[@starshiptrooper7670]

The good old days. I remember waiting in line to get Stones 75 Tour tkt's. It was fun hanging out with your R n' R brothers and sisters.

[@joeblow4215]

I'm in the Guinness book of world records: I am one of 3 white males who didn't buy U2's "Joshua Tree"!!!

[@jezmez68]

Yeah, thank God you got that album the first day, because you probably wouldn't have been able to get it after that...

[@RedJury]

CONGRATULATIONS on One MILLION subscribers!! FOREVER a fan \m/

[@susanpumphrey354]

The Joshua Tree is one of my most favorite albums of all time, hands down. I love every single song on it.

[@gerrymcguire7494]

I love getting here early and watching the Likes count spin like an odometer. And oh yes, I added to that like count 😉

[@goofyiest]

In late 1987 I was aware of U2, but wasn't a big fan. A friend said he had tickets to the first of the Phoenix shows in December. I was on the fence, and then someone living down the hall from me in the dorm heard me mention this and told me I should go. I am so glad I did. To have been at one of the shows recorded for "Rattle and Hum" was amazing. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

[@duromusabc]

Aah yes ! Early 1987 ! I was a freshman in high school! Love this song on MTV and on FM radio (Z100 in New York City )- I lived in northwestern New Jersey at the time !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on! Did you ever see them in concert?

[@duromusabc]

@@ProfessorofRock no sadly - I wish ! Especially their 1992 concert tour for Achtung Baby - i remember a bunch of upper class high school students talking about the Joshua Tree concert they attended in spring of 1987 at Giants Stadium 🏟️

[@jof.7577]

My Mum was a huge U2 fan! One of her dying wishes was that either my sister or I see them live at least once, because she never got the chance to. We took Mum's ashes back home to New Zealand, per her wishes so she could be buried with her mother and one of my cousins, who has seen U2 live, played With or Without You on acoustic guitar. I'm choking up thinking about it as I write this.

[@jekku4688]

KNEW it was U2! Say what you will about Bono, but as a lyricist he is TOP NOTCH. His lyrics evoke 2, even 3 levels of meaning. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me, for all of it's electronic upbeat-ness, is about his struggle with fame, his thoughts about himself, what others think of him, and how he gets through it all being...well, Bono. U2 is MUCH more than just the 3-4 songs the radio once played ad nauseum that people scream for at their concerts (God bless the guys having to hear those same songs over and over for decades). Bono writes and sings about God, Jesus, spirituality, fame, the Troubles, life, sexuality, temptation, U2 itself, and family life (Big Girls, written when he found out Ali was pregnant while he was thousands of miles away in Brazil). He's quite extraordinarily gifted for his chosen profession!

[@pepelepew0u812]

My all time favorite band! My love for them and crush on Bono, started when I was a teen and saw the movie, “Rattle & Hum” back in 1989. This video tho, when Bono looks at you, you feel it. I know I melted. Saw them twice. Awesome concerts! Thank you Adam! 🙌

[@RobBrown2288]

The scene in "The Americans" with this song playing still gives me chills just thinking about it. Great series and one of the best uses of a hit song in any TV show or movie.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Loved that too.

[@richardbristol452]

Same here.

[@susanwhitacre9780]

Got to see them at the Orange Bowl Dec. 3rd 1987. Touring that album. I was 25 (about the same age as the boys in the band). Geez Adam, the memories you bring back to me.

[@eaunan]

Excellent video! Well done.

[@BB.halo_heir]

I knew every word and watched Rattle and Hum the movie over and over. Was a good time I'll never forget. Some of these scenes and songs took me right back, I remembed what it felt like at that time. The concerts, wow.

[@ecnalreleam]

I listen to that album every time I go to Joshua Tree. I remember one time I was camping there. Everyone else had gone to bed. It was just me and the campfire, listening to the entire album.

[@Code.Name.V]

Ireland produces so much magnificent music right up to this day. Much of it quite possibly inspired by U2.

[@barbarablair3225]

Not really. Whether in the Republic or Northern Ireland, Bono and the boys are seen as arrogant dicks! They've only played Northern Ireland 11 times and they haven't played The Republic since 2018. Their hotel in Dublin was a huge drug den and a night in the penthouse cost the same as some third World debt.

[@cassianasralla6821]

Thank you for featuring my favourite band of all time and brining in all the important historical facts of WOWY to this video. HUGE PROPS for including the “shine like stars” snippet that was featured on the Rattle and Hum movie. I’d also argue one of the most heart wrenching songs on The Joshua Tree is “Running To Stand Still” which is a hauntingly beautiful song and one of the best showcases of how U2 transforms a song when played live (check out the 1993 live version of Running to Stand Still from the ZooTV tour in Sydney). Overall great video filled with amazing knowledge on the history of U2 ❤

[@angelawilliams2377]

I been waiting to hear the story behind this song. It's one of My favorites of All Time. I remember going through the same thing making a difficult decision back in 1987.

[@bartbluemusic]

The first time I heard this song, I was watching the video for it on MTV on a big screen TV on the Idaho State University campus at the Student Union Building. I was transfixed by it. SO good. After I left that building, I went straight down and bought The Joshua Tree. I wore that thing out. Just an excellent song and album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

ISU! Tell me more?

[@bartbluemusic]

@@ProfessorofRock I spent my senior year in high school at Pocatello high School in Idaho my dad was attending the college there that's why we lived in that City at the time

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome! Are you originally from Idaho?

[@bartbluemusic]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 no but I spent most of my growing years there

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

Cool! I went to ISU in the late '90's. Must be a treasured memory to hear that n then buy the album

[@jannarkiewicz633]

You have no idea how big U2 was 1980/1981. In 1983 we had a field trip to Boston. i did minimum required and sprinted to Newbury Comics and bought a copy of War for myself and all my friends from Aimee Mann. She worked there. :-) Those were the days.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

THE Aimee Mann? Cool

[@jannarkiewicz633]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 We were so in love with her (we were a few years younger). Go on YT and find her performing at her church in New Hampshire from a few years ago. It is pretty amusing how stars age.

[@sovereignbrehon]

Very cool!

[@Milk-spot-hero]

The chart positions on all these iconic songs tells you how powerful the 80's were in music. Growing up in the 70's and 80's was a gift that as you lived it, you just expected hits. Looking back we were just accustomed to the best music and we didn't even think about it. It is kind of like going Yellowstone or any beautiful place on earth. The beauty is everywhere and you get a little bored of it. Oh look, another perfect picturesque nature setting.

[@kevine455]

Preach it Prof! The lyrics from this song needs to be sung high atop a mountain in the rain.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

The symbolism of the Crucifixion is clearly evident!

[@TerrickTerran]

Pet Sounds....POR rocks another awesome shirt.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@DC8091]

HELL YA!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My favorite album ever containing my favorite song ever!

[@BrianGayAnglingImages]

I was a young police officer in the UK in the early 80s and remember this album and U2s emergeance really well. It was a great time and this album TJT was and always has been a favourite of mine. Great song after great song.

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

Truly love this album. The guys are incredible. Thank you for what you do you're the best.

[@thetitleisours1]

Big fans of these guys and later of The CORRS too. Irish rock at its best

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I have to listen to them.

[@thetitleisours1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 This show influences me too on what I listen too :)

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Pride/ In the Name of Love! Is an ode to Martin Luther King. A quite introspective song

[@TheVoxbox13]

👍 "...back when Rolling Stone mattered." I remember those days. ;)

[@shayne5936]

Been doing this song on my band for years ... Never new the story ..a totally new respect and emotion when we play and I sing it from now on thank you professor ❤

[@Heene1028]

U2 …. Live Aid….

[@ProfessorofRock]

YEs!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally

[@Whisper_292]

Morning, con!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@Whisper_292 Good Morning to you!

[@shiroibasketshoes]

Good morning, constipated!

[@jimmyramone7396]

...naturally.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@shiroibasketshoes Good Morning 🙏 🌄

[@kaceykilmer9722]

Love your youtube videos..and a huge u2 fan! Saw them back in 2001 with my mom..( she passed away in Dec of 2023). With or without you was my favorite live song. It was a cliffhanger when I saw this.

[@spacecadetmcgee7349]

Just found your channel and I'm loving it.

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

The first time I saw or heard of U2 was a concert broadcast on Nickelodeon “Under a Blood Red Sky”. Anyone remember when Nickelodeon broadcast concerts in the 80’s?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@agesflow6815]

Concerts? No. I do recall a show called “Nick Rocks” that played popular music videos. That’s where I saw the “News Year Day” vid for the first time in 1985.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I knew that!

[@ericbgordon1575]

I have *no* idea how this happened, but U2 is a band I didn't even hear of before the early 90s, more or less when they issued *Achtang Baby* and hit with "Mysterious Ways" and "One". I retroactively learned about their "gestation" stretch in the 80s. As I started learning to play guitar in '95, "With or Without You" was one of the tunes I caught on classic rock rotation, along with their other *Joshua Tree* singles, the *Rattle and Hum* extracts and songs from all the preceding albums of theirs. "With or Without You" was then (going to be) my vocal feature when I tried and failed to play bass with a band in Queens called Minor Issues turning from 2019 into 2020. That was double doomed when I injured my knee during a rehearsal in January 2020 - incidentally the same night when I first learned of the emerging COVID-19 virus.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Eric!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I sprained my knee the month before I first heard of COVID!

[@JaySmith-pv2mw]

I was fortunate enough to see U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas last year. They still rock!

[@ProfessorofRock]

What a show!

[@silverliner4894]

Since I'm from Colorado, Sunday, Bloody Sunday is my favorite. The video at Red Rocks captures a moment in time.

[@garynorred4643]

I remember listening to U2 on college radio before they got famous. In 1980 I saw U2’s second show in North America in Washington DC. They played at the Bayou nightclub in Georgetown, opening for my favorite local band called the Slickee Boys.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. How were the Slickee boys?

[@garynorred4643]

@ProfessorofRock The Slickee Boys were always a high energy, fun band to see! They were a very well known band in the DC music scene in the late 70s and early 80s and played a yearly gig around Christmas up until their last official show in 2011 at the 930 club. You should check out a live performance clip here on KZbin.

[@aracellytirado3525]

There is something very distinctive about U2. Growing up I remember a lot of people bashing them when I was in school. But I liked them. My dad’s girlfriend was a U2 and Duran Duran fan. So she would listen to them at home and my favorite song became “I will follow” it’s still my favorite by them.

[@garynorred4643]

@aracellytirado3525 Yes! I remember talk about them being a christian rock band. (?) My favorites are I Will Follow and Stories For Boys

[@marktait2371]

slickee would come to.much more rich. then i personally never went older brother probably

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

This band is in my top 3 of Rock bands 😊

[@Code.Name.V]

Agreed

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

Not mine I rather listen to Styx.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr Hey Sister Wang 👋 Styx is in my top 3 only Dennis DeYoung led Styx.

[@JosephOlson-ui2pg]

I was in the US Navy starting in December 1986. Eventually I was starioned aboard USS Shenandoah AD 44. Sometimes we were stuck on board watching MTV and with or without you was in constant rotation. Now i cant hear it without remembering my wonderful Shenandoah. I hated alot about my time in the service and was glad to get discharged, but adterwards i really missed being in the Navy. For years i had recurring dreams in my sleep where i was walking the planks and seeing the different holds snd weather decks of it. It made my heart ache. Sadly now the Shenandoah is decommissioned rusting in the St James river. I'd like to come back as a ghost and walk through the ship one more time. But ill always have With or Without You to listen to. Plus so many great times listening to and memories of U2 albums

[@jefffritts68]

i saw U2 at the silverdome in detroit in 1985, it was awesome

[@erikrichards5072]

Saw them there in 92 and 97. Both amazing shows. Unforgettable.

[@RobertL_0563]

Joshua Tree - phenomenal album; awesome song. This pushed U2 into the spotlight. Many U2 songs give reverance to Christ from their strong Irish Catholic background. In the manic world of music, you can hear/feel Bono's dilemma between the two worlds topped with his marriage woes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A lot of their songs sound like prayer.

[@Heartwing37]

The members of U2 were VERY religious and when offered an opportunity to pursue a career in music, they asked their church to pray for them to make the right choice…music or missionary work. They chose music…

[@robertashton8069]

To be fair, it's a proprietary device leased to the Edge by its owner and creator, and it's actually not a distortion tool at all. It's called the Infinite Echo, btw.

[@ethancoster1324]

It has more sustain than an E bow.​@@ChrisTian-rm7zm

[@MyContention]

Thank you for this. I love hearing all the intricacies of how great rock music was created. Some of the best tunes have a uniqueness that happened accidentally or after a lot of experimentation and thought. Music sustains me and makes me happy. It's the soundtrack of our lives. Some happy times, some sad ones.

[@fortunateson101]

This album helped to lay the foundation of my present-day tinnitus. So many listens on my wlakman at full volume!

[@lhair02]

Uncle's a huge u2 fan and i am friends with a drummer from a u2 tribute band here in aus. their first 5 albums for define who they are and what made them so special in the alternative rock scene my favourite u2 number is Seconds off the war album

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song! I like that one too!

[@sovereignbrehon]

Gorgeous

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

Still my favorite album of all time. Fun fact, the actress/model that was in the video had never met the band until years later she met The Edge at a party. The ended up getting married and have kids together.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Exactly!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What is her name?

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Morleigh Steinberg

[@dazpoz]

One of my favourite ever songs!

[@ricardor9590]

Awesome as usual, Professor. I'm a U2 lifer. Joshua Tree and With or Without You are my favorites. Unforgettable Fire right behind. Achtung Baby number 3. Choosing favorites, however, is like choosing between your favorite kids.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

My favorite song was Sunday Bloody Sunday. But as we all know my favorite song by this band I Still Haven't Found What I'm looking for. Because I was in the music video filmed here in Las Vegas

[@lorihallenbeck8781]

My favorite is "One".

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@lorihallenbeck8781 Great Song 🎵 Can I ask you a question? 🤔 Are you a Hollenback Girl?

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

Are you still full of 💩 or being serious?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

At what part of the video?

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 When Bono rolls over the hood of the 280zx I was driving. I was playing Sunday Bloody Sunday and he was shocked to see 👀 a brother enjoying his music. I am behind the wheel

[@MrJoelkamins]

I am not a U2 fan, but Joshua Tree makes my top 10 albums list...

[@eoto09]

Love the video. You guys mentioned the sustain effect that made them keep it and showed two clips of a delay pedal portion which didn't have the haunting sustain in it. :)

[@lostinmusic5431]

Emerson, Lake & Palmers C'est la vie. Pure emotion.

[@furion..]

@lostinmusic5431 - Guess I'm just a lucky man but even after hearing that song for so many years, still it turns me on - as it has from the beginning.

[@57WillysCJ]

Not a fan of U2 except for With or Without You. Someone asked me I thought you don't like U2, why are you listening to that song? My reply was just listen to it, I mean really listen to it. It checks all of the boxes no matter what you might think of their work. I do believe that is when college radio station came in to their own. I should add that The One I Love could easily be in the 60s or 70s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@mikenicholson7465]

I agree that U2 only have a few great numbers. For the most part, I could take or leave them.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s the one song all of us can agree on.

[@cannonball666]

I remember when U2 was originally a rock band and the pride of Ireland and my Irish friends. Then U2 transitioned to pop musc and lost their original fans who saw them as sellouts. I remember watching a music awards show on TV when U2 won "best band in the pop category" and the look on Bono's face like "Huh? What? Pop?" I was like "yeah, you didn't know what you guys have become?" I thought of Beavis and Butthead, the greatest most honest rock music critics ever, who called Bono "Boner"

[@sariahut1]

@@cannonball666 I completely agree! Anything post Joshua tree was significant step down.

[@jonahhex8178]

I tried, I really did, but I just couldn't get into u2. 🤷

[@marktait2371]

same i bought ghits 80 90 and 90 2000 cds used big difference in both i dont think i listened to 90 2000 just got for bsides

[@Andy62bass]

I saw U2 in 1981 at the first Slane festival, Thin Lizzy were the excellent headliners. U2 were still hungry and still a rock band. After The Joshua Tree they consciously or unconsciously made their way into mainstream pop and I lost interest, still , I have the memories of a great performance by a great band still trying to make it big.

[@Jagangela]

I love Rock music.. I love Pop music... I love it all!

[@alonzogonzalez3062]

Another Professor of Rock lesson that didn’t disappoint!

[@musclesmouse]

This is one of my favorite songs. I've had the CD since the 80s

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@RaymondBCrisp]

I did love this song at one time, when it first came out. But the local radio station decided to drive it into the ground and make it to where I no longer enjoy it. I worked at a place that played the radio over a PA (for worker productivity, ya know...), so I heard the song over, and over, and over, and over again.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Some songs can survive overplay. I feel this is one of them.

[@malcolmr3]

I’m sure I’m gonna catch 💩 for this. But I enjoyed U2 up until they became huge. At that point it seems like Bono decided that just because he was now a star that what he thinks was more important and carried more weight than anyone else. He, IMO, became a pretentious prick and thought his 💩 didn’t stink.

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

No I won't give you any for I feel the same way personally I don't like Bono and I like artists who don't have an agenda

[@JustaKubrickFan]

I must agree, he turned me off to their music years later but I cannot deny that Joshua Tree is almost one of the most perfect albums, as in the likes Rumours by FM was.

[@kafkal2281]

Indeed, but sometimes you just have to see past some of the egos and embrace the produced sound for what they bring to music, as a whole.

[@johnnyjohnson1326]

I feel exactly the same! It started going downhill when they went "pop"

[@PainInTheS]

Exactly that. Didn't help that everything after was meh.

[@donny2327]

Take a bow man, great analysis. Just one correction. It was Adam Clayton’s future house in which they began working on the LP. It’s called Danesmoat. Nice pad.

[@saywhat2654]

Hmmmm After watching your video twice now…. I have to agree with everything you said. ❤❤❤your channel! I miss those days. ALOT! I grew up on all genres of music , I was band geek and orchestra nerd. I’m in my mid 50’s and was fortunate enough to go through IT ALL!😂

[@vikasgrover5884]

So strange that U2 couldn’t come up with anything close to Joshua Tree ever….

[@danieldwyer5139]

Don’t forget that Joshua tree was their fifth album. If you look back at unforgettable fire and boy and war and then after Joshua came Actuagh baby etc., I think you miss the point if you’re a fan that they were always evolving and trying new things I always like that about them.

[@danielmarcus7688]

Out of your mind, Achtung Baby is their best album, then ATYCLB is amazing. Silly to say they haven’t ’come up with anything close’

[@StLProgressive]

Achtung Baby. All That You Can’t Leave Behind. Both are incredible albums.

[@StLProgressive]

@@danielmarcus7688Right?

[@josephblue4135]

That was one amazing song that i never get tired of hearing. Bono is one of the best voices in Rock, imo.

[@doneestoner9945]

I always loved U2. I saw them in Boston on their first American tour, in a night club where I was very close to the stage.

[@stevemoserify]

The summer of 1987, the summer between high school and college, between childhood and adulthood, glorious

[@Thorsoak]

They make great music, but Bono is so full of himself it makes listening to them a guilty pleasure.

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks Professor👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎶🎶🎶

[@davidhinkson8856]

Loved U2 from the time i first heard "Fire" in 1981 and liked "New Years Day" as well among their earlier songs. Naturally it would have taken time for any band to make it to the highest levels in the 1980s given the intense competition they would have faced. Having said that i loved both "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" from the moment i heard them and i would say Bono put a lot of emotion into both songs.

[@cartmanrlsusall]

I plyed new years day and Sunday bloody Sunday over and over on cassette played loud it just thumped in a good way