God Part II

Are U2 the Beatles' rightful heir? Yes! For what Bono writes here on God Part 2 is the indignant fascination with Media/Celebrity/Reality Culture he wants no part of. Obviously and respectfully dedicated in memory of a good long-lost hero, Beatle and friend, here Bono shows the human and flawed side of John Lennon, yet he portrays Johnny Rebel with dignity and respect-at the same time, he criticizes those who told the truth about Lennon in a mean-spirited way; Those who villified Lennon and what he stood for are the real losers here-all the Christian preachers who staged the anti-Beatle burnings for the "more popular than Jesus" quote when Revolver was unleashed in 1966, his murderer Mark David Chapman and his hagio-biographer Albert Goldman. Yet in a strange and perverse way-I would have to hold ex-friend and Beatle rival Paul McCartney responsible for the unconscionable way he haunted and tormented John in the last decade of his life-it's no secret in Rock-John and Paul hated each other! One stood for honesty and the truth, the other stood for hit records at the expense of artistry. JJohn was and will always be what Paul will never be. So where do U2 fit in the Fab Four/Apple picture? Clearly Bono's Irish heart and American soul are in the right place: "I don't believe in the rich/You should see where I live!...Don't believe it when they tell me there ain't no cure!/The rich stay healthy, the sick stay poor!...I don't believe in Goldman/His type like a curse/Instant Karma's gonna get him/If I don't get him first!...You glorify the past and the future dries up!/Love!/I Feel Like I'm Falling like I'm Spinning on a wheel/It always stops a name/A presence I can feel/I Believe in Love!" I am glad there's a connection between the Beatles and U2-The message of both Classic Rock bands is that of Universal Love. That's why Bono is a friend to me. John would want me to do the same. Rock & Roll is a dream/idea that's not and will never be over! Beatles Forever and U2 Forever!