I can't see U2 being a commercially viable chart act anymore or future releases creating the kind of buzz they once would have done. Bono tends to rub people up the wrong way these days which is a trend that has been steadily growing since he traded his integrity/mystery for a soapbox to police the world.
As a touring act they will be fine. so many people have grown up listening U2 and hearing songs from their youth or glory years in a concert setting will nearly always hit home, couple this with the bands live reputation and they have the reipe to keep pulling in the punters.
Personally I would like them to ease off from the guilt trip now, Bono has nothing left to say on that front that we dont already know and if I wanted more info I could go online.
In short, I can think for myself and dont need to be told that the world is crap after paying money to see a gig.
I think U2 now realise that they stumbled with the last album and reputation alone will not carry them anymore, which is why SOA is dead in the water and subsequent material has them second guessing their instincts.
I also notice that sometimes people attempt to undermine Jick's opinion or his predictions. I dont have an issue with anyone's opinion or their beliefs, but the fact is Jick is often correct or at least offering a well thought out alternative outcome to what we expect.
just saying..........
