U2 – ZOO Station Radio

Its unique, ringside seat at the rise and rise of U2 in their home city. An exclusive publication, commissioned from the Hot Press team in Ireland, this large-format 274-page book is full of rare and unpubli…

U2 has a new album in the works teaming up with producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) U2 has not produced a new project since 2009; No Line On The Horizon (which debuted at No. 1 in 30 countries, including the United States).

Bono does not seem to concerned about the arrival date only saying that the new record could take 10 years, as long as the band got it right. 

As fans continue to wait with comments and postings on U2TOURFANS facebook page it seems that we fans might not have to wait that long. The boys have been recording at New York City’s Electric Lady Studios, and it’s finally near completion.

A report coming out that the band is hoping to officially announce the project via a Super Bowl commercial. Secretly shopping for a brand partner to help fund the venture; however no confirmed title for the album, of course we have heard Songs of Ascent and 10 Reasons to Exist have been rumored to be possible choices.

Meantime back at Principle Management talks continue, as Live Nation gets closer to swallowing up the company for a cool 15 million dollars. While the deal is still in negotiation, McGuinness nonetheless released a statement to the Times which put his spin on things:

“It could be seen as slightly poor etiquette for a manager to consider retiring before his artist has split, quit or died, but U2 have never subscribed to the rock and roll code of conduct. As I approach the musically relevant age of 64 I have resolved to take a less hands-on role as the band embark on the next cycle of their extraordinary career.”

“I am delighted that Live Nation, who with Arthur Fogel have been our long term touring partners, have joined us in creating this powerful new force in artist management. I have long regarded Guy Oseary as the best manager of his generation and there is no one else I would have considered to take over the day-to-day running of our business.”

However, for fans it is a bit strange to think that the band would be making such moves without issues a statement. The marketing machine must have been shut down for the holidays or some other event.  Fans all tend to agree that U2 would have normally issued some kind of release about their long time manager and as some would say the fifth member of the band. Stepping down after 35 years seems to warrant comment.  We also find it a bit disturbing that Bono and the boys seem to already be working with Guy Oseary as reported by Billboard. This is the sort of thing that makes you wonder how long has Guy been in the driver seat?

As for Live Nation, what are they really getting with this purchase?  Shareholder value; they have a 12 year contract that was put in place around 2008.  Now Live Nation will keep the commissions, booking fees and get a bigger part of the touring revenue. Today’s music really starts to make sense when you look at where the dollars come from. It is all about the tour! Downloads, Record sales are just too small today for any label to make the right investments into bands. However, if a band tours and tours big like U2 has done in the past you can expect millions in profits.

As for the fans, well we will have to wait and see what is in store for us. Right now on Facebook fans seem to all think higher ticket prices are on the way in 2014.