Likewise with Frankly Mr Shankly I think Sex Pistols were more of an image than anything else. For those growing up in that era it signifies a lot for them, but for those born well after, the whole anti-establishment image of them seems rather tame these days, given the fact that it has been diluted to such an extent that it's no longer shocking. For example, I don't really have an opinion on The Royal Family - I can see why people hate them and I can see why people like them, for me I personally couldn't care if they were to continue or not. Besides, I always thought Morrissey was much more witty and sophisticated without being a complete yob like the Pistols in his hardcore stance against them.
These days, I find John Lydon kinda likeable at times but the guy has a terrible voice, and the musicianship of the Pistols had a lot to be desired. I do think they are perhaps the most overrated band of all time, and punk has to be one of the most overrated movements of all time. It seemed to start a fashion in music for bands to have no musical or vocal ability - The Sex Pistols therefore being right at the forefront.
U2 are a far far better band. What seemed like an endless stream of great album after great album in the 80s and 90s produced some of the most interesting music that the mainstream these days is crying out for. Musically, far superior to the Pistols and Bono can actually sing. Those who know nothing will say they only ever produced one great album - The Joshua Tree. A great album, but not one that stands out amongst all their other great albums - War, Unforgettable Fire, Achtung Baby are actually all better albums. Bono is also a great lyricist and The Edge is one of the most original and interesting guitarists of all time. In terms of musical progression, they make Radiohead look like luddites. The stark contrast from their post-punk era to the Brian Eno ambient soundscapes to the 90s electronica is phenomenal. No other band since has ever consistently reinvented themselves.
Personally, the hate for them is rooted in a sad and narrow minded conclusion - they are uncool and Bono's a dick. Very sorry to break the cliched rock band bubble, but why does 'cool' have to be essential to great music? I'm sure Beethoven and Mozart were the outspoken musicians of their day, just like the Gallagher brothers, or had radical and controversial views ala the Pistols or Morrissey. Imagine hipsters back in the latter half of the 1700s - they're sh*t because they're inoffensive and so mainstream.
I can see why Bono is annoying to people but can you name one rockstar who couldn't possibly be seen as a dickhead? And if we're going by personality, didn't Sid Vicious murder his wife in a drug crazed haze? Also, this is another thing with another quintessential 'cool' band The Who. I know he wasn't charged but Pete Townshend is still not a guy I would ever leave kids alone with. But in the music world never mind murder or paedophilia, Bono's charge of hypocrisy and apparent love of himself ranks as the biggest crime in music history. I would much rather have the Bono-who-loves-himself rather than possible-murderer-or-peadophile-Bono. It's a strange attitude the music world has.
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