I started writing these Why U2? articles a year ago this week, and in that time we’ve covered a lot of reasons that U2 is more than just my favorite band. They represent a way of life for me, and for many of you, I’m sure.

Everything we’ve discussed, from their sense of humor to their music to their ethics has one thing in common – it’s all already happened. The most wonderful thing about U2, though – unlike virtually any other band that one might mention in the “greatest band of all time” conversation, like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, or maybe a few others – is that they’re current. They’re a going concern. There’s nothing in the world like being here right now in the moment that U2’s career is moving forward.

In just a few short months from now, there’s a new tour starting, there’s (hopefully) a follow-up record to Songs of Innocence in the pipeline, and after that who can say? Who knows where the future will take our favorite band, and us along with them? What new songs, new ideas, new triumphs, new sights and sounds have we yet to experience with and because of U2? At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than knowing that the story is yet to be written. I can’t wait to see what’s next.