I would call Bono the “king of carbuncles” in the sense that he knows so well how to use his own, and leverage onto them to bring value in his emotional interpretation. Few can compete with him in that regard and he’s got a lot of guts to expose his inner part this way. Amazing singer and interpreter.
First of all Bono never sounds “tired”. In 2014 he was badly injured in a bike accident where he broke his arm in 6 places, fractured his eye socket, hand and shoulder blade. He was treated at New Yorks Presbyterian hospital where he also underwent 2 surgical procedures. His arm fracture took 5 hours on Sunday and was repaired with 3 metal plates and 18 screws. This happened the day after record Band Aid single in London. On another note Bono has life saving open heart surgery in 2017. God bless this man.
When Bono sings acoustic versions of songs ,it gives chills,...he says a lot with his voice,and you can notice that he cares about his quality singing, even more the message,and even more about people That's made him a great and complete performer
I saw U2 in 2019 with The Joshua Tree. Bono’s voice was top class and lasted through what was a pretty long concert - the whole of the album and then still more songs. Awesome! I saw them back in 1989 and 2019 was every bit as good.
Thank you so much for doing this video. U2 were the formative band of my youth, and I love their lyrics and message. This video was a very welcome balance to the sadness I felt at the "deterioration" of his voice - I clearly was only hearing the negative things!
I was fortunate enough to have won two awesome tickets to see U2 it was the last concert held in the old Giant stadium in New Jersey. It was September of 2009, the seats were incredible they were using the "Claw" stage set up and I tell you that was seriously the most amazing apparatus I ever seen used in any concert and I've been to many many shows. This particular concert was insanely amazing it was like a spiritual experience. We were told by the band that they had broke the record that very night for the largest crowd to ever attend any event ever in that stadium. The person that held that record prior to U2 was none other than the Pope, lol.. yup seriously. I had never been surrounded by so many people in my life it was absolutely insane but it was wonderful. Everyone just was so enamored with the band and their performance it was just so great to be amongst so many and all you felt all about was pure joy. Everyone just was really feeling it. Man it was cathartic. U2 is not my all time favorite band I do love them don't get me wrong, there's just other bands that mean more to me but I can't deny this show was by far the best concert I have ever attend still till this very day, it was just WOW!!! I really wish everyone could experience and feel what I felt that night, God it was magical, seriously....
I’m 60 in August so most of your top 20 rock singers I’ve seen live, saw Queen and Billy Squire in 1981 together, but U2 is my favorite all time band. Bono can still sing with the same passion and ability as he did in the 80s. I’ve seen them over 30 times live and each show is an incredible experience! Hope you’ve seen them live and would love some instruction to maintain my voice as Bono has. Your a star Ken, appreciate all the videos, God Bless, and by the way he’s had some health issues and vocal chord issues. Unforgettable Fire album tore his vocal chords up.
I miss the raw Bono from the early years, but I saw U2 in 2015 on the Innocence + Experience Tour and was taken aback by how effortlessly/efficiently he was singing - and with better tone. His voice just soared.
I always admired his confidence with singing. It was something that came over time with experience. I remember noting that by the 90s, he had developed a remarkable range and could hit notes pretty consistently, even tough ones at the end of a long show. He would beam when nailing one of those slick, glossy falsettos and it just sounded so cool. He's not as consistent anymore but I credit him for always trying. For a guy into his 60s and nothing left to really prove, it's hard to ask for more than that. Incidentally, have you seen/heard his son, Elijah perform? Talk about a chip off the old block, I'm keen to see how he develops over time.
Appreciate your commentary both in the video and the notes above. Bono has professed faith in Christ since before he joined the band and I interpret his actions through that lens. I have zero idea what it would be like to be the front-man for one of the most iconic bands ever, be a Christian and also have access to almost unlimited funds, the opportunities, pressures, temptations... and so forth. Still married, little scandal, 4 life-long friends still making music together. There is a lot to like about U2 and I have held them as my favorite band for over 30 years. I have only seen them twice LIVE and they were great with plenty of energy as are many of their recorded shows on DVD. I saw Tears for Fears in Denver earlier this year, they are about the same age as Bono, they sounded really wonderful (that isn't the point, but the really did). When Everybody Wants to Rule the World started up they performed it straight up, almost identical to the studio album release. Again, just wonderful but I have noticed that U2 doesn't really do that LIVE. Concerts for them, though rehearsed with a predetermined lineup, are more organic and audience engaging. Bono figures the listener has heard the studio version so many times already, at home or on the radio that they almost always ad lib, taking plenty of liberties. I get it, sometimes I would just like to hear the old notes sung with dogmatic zeal by the older performer... for comparison and also it makes it easier to sing along when we're all singing the "same song". Won't stop me from seeing them again, Lord willing, lest He answer the chant derived from Psalms 40 - how long must we sing this song? Today, Lord come quickly. Thanks KT, loved hearing your thoughts about my favorite band and maybe there will yet be more U2 covers down the road (plug for EVERY BREAKING WAVE or THE LITTLE THINGS THAT GIVE AWAY). peace ~ Mike
Ahhh, the nostalgia of that era, in my life, & in the world...! Always will love U2, for representing during those glory days, long live them! Thanks for this, Sir Ken, as you know I love this series of yours! Hope your evening absolutely rocks, my friend!👍👏😎
Something not many people know. But bono decided after many years of touring, to finally get vocal coaching. This is a large reason between the change between 2003 and 2017. He learnt how to look after his voice and how to sing with better technique to hit the notes.
That seriously was a very wise decision. I don't understand why more lead singers from long time bands and or careers don't do the same. It is so worth it, I mean for Goodness sake they make their money via their voice wouldn't you want to make it easier on yourself and also wouldn't you want to sound great still after all the years? I know I would. I would try to find the best vocal coach in the world and I would immerse myself in all he/she has to show me....
U2 absolutely killed it in the 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, I saw them at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1987 during The Joshua Tree Tour. This was the same stadium where Live Aid took place. There were over 100,000 fans there chanting "40" during the encore and after Bruce Springsteen performed "People Get Ready" with the band. This was still the greatest concert that I ever attended. Bono is one of the most talented songwriters I have ever heard. His songs lyrically are complex and meaningful. Their songs are not just about the usual topics like love and breakups. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" is one that comes to mind. Add Bono's tenor to the mix and you have history.
I’m so glad you picked to do Bono . One of my favorites Thank you for adding perspective on his ups n downs and landing on a good note. Ken I’d love to see you analyze Michael McDonald sometime. Blessings bro
Bono’s voice changed in 1999 after an operation on his vocal cords. His voice was never the same. He also smashed his voice in vertigo and 360 tours with songs like Miss Sarajevo.
Thanks so much for doing this one, Ken. Been a U2 fan for decades and closely follow Bono’s vocal changes. Seems to me that something changed in the late 90s where he lost a certain richness and became more raspy (possibly the surgery). That said he started doing impressive things I hadn’t heard before, Miss Sarajevo (Vertigo and 360 tours) and Every Breaking Wave (check live versions). Pretty remarkable. And the passion is usually there. Must be so hard to be limited on what short clips you can use for these videos and then try to draw conclusions about a singer. I think one could easily make a case his voice has matured and become much better by selecting different clips.
The live version I saw and heard of him singing "Every breaking wave" was perhaps the most beautiful performance I ever heard from Bono. It was majestic to say the least. I was so impressed, I was a bit surprised how great of a performance he gave with that live rendition. Seriously impressive...
I've seen U2 around 7 to 8 times over the years. The last time was the 2017 Joshua Tree Tour 30 yrs later and I was blown away how strong his voice was during the whole show. That being said, I think Bono and the band hit their prime on the ZooTv Tour 1991 to 1993 on all levels. His singing voice and swagger on stage, the creative juices of the band, etc. Popmart several years later he had voice issues and I saw it live in Eugene and Vancouver...and it was quite noticeable.
I absolutely despise some of my favorite singers' political views. But when I listen to their music, I could care less. Doesn't take away from my enjoyment of their classic songs one bit.
Thanks Ken for this series. Appreciate your pointing out that they're not about shaming older vocalists. I would also love to hear more of your professional notes on these greats' technique and style. Also have a couple of requests, Maestro - Michael Bolton and Peter Cetera. Take care 😀
New to your channel love your professional analysis! Bono is a great vocalist and songwriter.Your assessment of performances give all of us food for thought thank you !
Just for the record: the 2001 performance of Sunday Bloody Sunday was 10 days after his father passed. He was bereaved, man. The 2017 performance of Bad was not long after he’d had open heart surgery. His performances at the recent shows at the Las Vegas Sphere were next level.
Tuning is all over the place with U2, I think they decide on what works best for each song before shows or tours. Streets was always played down a half step until 2005, and they only just went back down again at the Sphere recently. Sunday Bloody Sunday also went back up a little. Just depends on how he’s feeling.
Listen to the track called In A Lifetime that he did with Clannad. The range and his use of falsetto is particularly good. Cant take it away from him that in his time, that 1980's/early 90's time period.... he was a real vocal powerhouse. Not quite in the Roland Orzabal league, but still pretty damn good.
Oh man bono.. What I can say is: I genuinely liked songs of experience. The songs themselves and also vocally. Live.. I don't know. It often looks as if it is really hard for him and this tension makes me tense too so I'm like "come on, you can do it". I just don't want him to get old I guess. Rattle and Humm or that slane castle DVD when his father died (hope I remember this correctly).. Those were and will be the bands peak performances for me.
Would love you to analyze “Red hill mining town” unfortunately there isn’t any “then” footage i believe because of the difficulty of this song live vocally for Bono. There is recent footage as it was added to the setlist but performed very differently to suite his current abilities.
Hey Ken! Hope you are well? U2! Bono! Incredible band and singer. Bono has definitely lost a step over the years, but not by much. He always gives 110% every show. One of the best frontmen in the business! Ok, now do Anderson.🎤🎤🎤😎
Bono's vocals were best between 1987-1993. Unfortunately, he also caused a lot of damage to his vocal cords during this period (particularly on the Joshua Tree.and Lovetown tours). You could hear the damage on Pop and the Popmart tour, where he really struggled. I think he had surgery after that tour but this also changed his voice. He can't belt the tunes out like he used to, but still delivers moments of brilliance.
I'm pretty long time U2 fan and we all noticed that Bono lost his strength after his bicycle accident in 2014. Just before this he was so powerful, like in the 80's but also mature so for me personally it was even better than 80's and 90's - the entire 360 Tour was perfect vocally (2009-2011) and the last performance before bike accident (MTV EMA 'Every breaking wave' 2014) - just check this out...
Build your chest voice as high as you can. Then build your head voice as low as you can. Then practice, practice, practice, using the exercises in my mix voice videos.
The first “bad” was not taken from the Joshua tree tour, because in 1986 that album wasn’t released yet. It’s from “a conspiracy of hope” tour, a very short round of concerts for amnesty international
They have played "One" live at least a half step higher for every show after ZOO TV. It just sounds better live that way, so that decision was made around 30 years ago. Nothing to do with his range. But yeah he doesn't have the pipes that he did during that 1983 - 1997 period for sure.
The second clip was towards the end of that tour. If I remember right, Bono had just surgery on his vocal chords. On their last tour, they sounded amazing and had as much of not more energy as they did 30+ years ago.
Truth be told, I never liked U2 and never understood the worship. But I have to say, unlike many musicians from the '80s, their live performances have remained very consistent.
I would point out that U2 plays their legacy songs with much less gusto than their newest tunes. Bono is saving his voice on the 80s catalog but is remarkably faithful (and powerful!) on modern songs.
The first version of One was a half step down from the original key, the second version is the original key. Pretty unique situation here. You would expect it the other way around.
I always liked Bono's voice. He sounds like he uses mask and uses his nasality to add body to his sound when he as younger? I'm trying to figure out how he is producing the rich tones that he lost as he got older.
Great video. Gotta say having seen them 5 times in the 2000s and very familiar with their live material from Boy era to present, the 2001 Elevation Tour was Bono at his worst of all time in terms of vocal quality and fatigue. The 360 tour from 2009-11 is the strongest vocals he's had post Zoo TV. When you have a few minutes, check out the Rome 2010 performance (easy to find on YT) as it's one of the better ones. Zoo TV is their best tour IMO as far as the experience (TV the drug of a nation is the whole theme), but too much booze and smoking cheroots in that era was rough on his voice.
I love his voice on that slane castle show though. It’s so unique in his career it’s so rough and gritty and really cuts through the mix because he still had his power by then (watch New Years Day at Slane Castke) By vertigo tour in 2005 he was able to blend these two sounds and he sounds fantastic
I woulda never guessed you are almost 60, I woulda thought maybe 40-45. Shows you really can't judge by just looking. Bono really has a great voice. It has this great vibrancy and heft to it. And while I wouldn't necessarily consider the Edge the greatest guitarist, he creates interesting textures. Like a painter would...
Agreed…who cares about the political shit. I was just listening to Bad last night. WOW! Amazing song and AMAZING vocal masterpiece! The unique phrasing and clever vocal acrobatics …more powerful and emotive as opposed to showing off. 🔥🔥🔥
Loved them growing up, their music and shining the spotlight on issues throughout the world. Once he involved himself into politics I lost interest. I wish they would have stayed in their lane. Cuz their faith was all over their early music.
They started out as a political band and that has never changed. Not sure how using his platform to literally save people’s lives who are less fortunate is a bad thing.
Mostly sounds like they have brought things down into a more comfortable range and he is not really straining to hit notes anymore. Many times, not always, you come to a crossroads and have to make a choice. Sing the parts you have to really really work to reach. or back em down so you can extend the overall life of your voice. And his current stuff he even looks to be straining less. He seems more relaxed vocally which is good. Unfortunately most of those guys did not get the benefit of proper vocal technique education. So they screamed away part of their voice.
@@TheCheeksMiller Half a step up on the easier songs.....songs like "I Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "Bad", Where the Streets Have No Name", "Exit" etc are always tuned down half and often a whole step lower. Then there are songs like "Red Hill Mining Town" that is just completely revamped and never performed ever in the original key live not even in his prime. If Bono in his prime was 100% these days he is running on 70% and that is being quite generous.
Hi Ken ~ Were you aware that The Irish Guards regiment of the British Guards Division (most recognize as the Buckingham Palace Guards) wear a blue plume in their bearskin cap - the precise color of the light blue dots in your shirt? If not, then take it as proof positive you’re channeling something, sir! 😊
To be honest, Bono could never sing and barely hold a note. But the band is great because of the lyrics, musicians, their charity, and Bono has a unique voice. But in terms of sound, he was bad vocalist and not a singer in my own opinion.
His music is great. The vocals are very good. It's always painful to have artists you like being politically ignorant. I really like Bon Jovi, Kiss etc but they sadly have no real clue what's going on. They may have good intentions, but you have to look at uncomfortable facts and not go with establishment dogma. The establishment feeds off ignorant fools. Then it would be better to just stay neutral and say you can get along with everybody (like Steve Lukather says for example).
I would call Bono the “king of carbuncles” in the sense that he knows so well how to use his own, and leverage onto them to bring value in his emotional interpretation. Few can compete with him in that regard and he’s got a lot of guts to expose his inner part this way. Amazing singer and interpreter.
First of all Bono never sounds “tired”. In 2014 he was badly injured in a bike accident where he broke his arm in 6 places, fractured his eye socket, hand and shoulder blade. He was treated at New Yorks Presbyterian hospital where he also underwent 2 surgical procedures. His arm fracture took 5 hours on Sunday and was repaired with 3 metal plates and 18 screws. This happened the day after record Band Aid single in London. On another note Bono has life saving open heart surgery in 2017. God bless this man.
When Bono sings acoustic versions of songs ,it gives chills,...he says a lot with his voice,and you can notice that he cares about his quality singing, even more the message,and even more about people
That's made him a great and complete performer
What a voice! Bono is one of very few singers whose voices have endured and kept their potency over the years.
Bono is a living legend. The work that has gone on can be seen.
BONO COULD NEVER LOSE HIS MOJO
I saw U2 in 2019 with The Joshua Tree. Bono’s voice was top class and lasted through what was a pretty long concert - the whole of the album and then still more songs. Awesome! I saw them back in 1989 and 2019 was every bit as good.
Thank you so much for doing this video. U2 were the formative band of my youth, and I love their lyrics and message. This video was a very welcome balance to the sadness I felt at the "deterioration" of his voice - I clearly was only hearing the negative things!
Great vocalist
I was fortunate enough to have won two awesome tickets to see U2 it was the last concert held in the old Giant stadium in New Jersey. It was September of 2009, the seats were incredible they were using the "Claw" stage set up and I tell you that was seriously the most amazing apparatus I ever seen used in any concert and I've been to many many shows. This particular concert was insanely amazing it was like a spiritual experience. We were told by the band that they had broke the record that very night for the largest crowd to ever attend any event ever in that stadium. The person that held that record prior to U2 was none other than the Pope, lol.. yup seriously. I had never been surrounded by so many people in my life it was absolutely insane but it was wonderful. Everyone just was so enamored with the band and their performance it was just so great to be amongst so many and all you felt all about was pure joy. Everyone just was really feeling it. Man it was cathartic. U2 is not my all time favorite band I do love them don't get me wrong, there's just other bands that mean more to me but I can't deny this show was by far the best concert I have ever attend still till this very day, it was just WOW!!! I really wish everyone could experience and feel what I felt that night, God it was magical, seriously....
I’m 60 in August so most of your top 20 rock singers I’ve seen live, saw Queen and Billy Squire in 1981 together, but U2 is my favorite all time band. Bono can still sing with the same passion and ability as he did in the 80s. I’ve seen them over 30 times live and each show is an incredible experience! Hope you’ve seen them live and would love some instruction to maintain my voice as Bono has. Your a star Ken, appreciate all the videos, God Bless, and by the way he’s had some health issues and vocal chord issues. Unforgettable Fire album tore his vocal chords up.
I miss the raw Bono from the early years, but I saw U2 in 2015 on the Innocence + Experience Tour and was taken aback by how effortlessly/efficiently he was singing - and with better tone. His voice just soared.
Totally agree. 2014-15 tour he was in amazing form.
Bono is still one of the greatest rock/pop singers of all time and I for one think his politics show the humanity and love he has for all of us!
I always admired his confidence with singing. It was something that came over time with experience. I remember noting that by the 90s, he had developed a remarkable range and could hit notes pretty consistently, even tough ones at the end of a long show. He would beam when nailing one of those slick, glossy falsettos and it just sounded so cool. He's not as consistent anymore but I credit him for always trying. For a guy into his 60s and nothing left to really prove, it's hard to ask for more than that. Incidentally, have you seen/heard his son, Elijah perform? Talk about a chip off the old block, I'm keen to see how he develops over time.
Appreciate your commentary both in the video and the notes above. Bono has professed faith in Christ since before he joined the band and I interpret his actions through that lens. I have zero idea what it would be like to be the front-man for one of the most iconic bands ever, be a Christian and also have access to almost unlimited funds, the opportunities, pressures, temptations... and so forth. Still married, little scandal, 4 life-long friends still making music together. There is a lot to like about U2 and I have held them as my favorite band for over 30 years. I have only seen them twice LIVE and they were great with plenty of energy as are many of their recorded shows on DVD. I saw Tears for Fears in Denver earlier this year, they are about the same age as Bono, they sounded really wonderful (that isn't the point, but the really did). When Everybody Wants to Rule the World started up they performed it straight up, almost identical to the studio album release. Again, just wonderful but I have noticed that U2 doesn't really do that LIVE. Concerts for them, though rehearsed with a predetermined lineup, are more organic and audience engaging. Bono figures the listener has heard the studio version so many times already, at home or on the radio that they almost always ad lib, taking plenty of liberties. I get it, sometimes I would just like to hear the old notes sung with dogmatic zeal by the older performer... for comparison and also it makes it easier to sing along when we're all singing the "same song". Won't stop me from seeing them again, Lord willing, lest He answer the chant derived from Psalms 40 - how long must we sing this song? Today, Lord come quickly. Thanks KT, loved hearing your thoughts about my favorite band and maybe there will yet be more U2 covers down the road (plug for EVERY BREAKING WAVE or THE LITTLE THINGS THAT GIVE AWAY). peace ~ Mike
YES!!! The episode I have been waiting so long for 😊
Dortmund 84 was one of the best voice performance of Bono
Ahhh, the nostalgia of that era, in my life, & in the world...! Always will love U2, for representing during those glory days, long live them! Thanks for this, Sir Ken, as you know I love this series of yours! Hope your evening absolutely rocks, my friend!👍👏😎
Something not many people know. But bono decided after many years of touring, to finally get vocal coaching. This is a large reason between the change between 2003 and 2017. He learnt how to look after his voice and how to sing with better technique to hit the notes.
That seriously was a very wise decision. I don't understand why more lead singers from long time bands and or careers don't do the same. It is so worth it, I mean for Goodness sake they make their money via their voice wouldn't you want to make it easier on yourself and also wouldn't you want to sound great still after all the years? I know I would. I would try to find the best vocal coach in the world and I would immerse myself in all he/she has to show me....
U2 absolutely killed it in the 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, I saw them at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1987 during The Joshua Tree Tour. This was the same stadium where Live Aid took place. There were over 100,000 fans there chanting "40" during the encore and after Bruce Springsteen performed "People Get Ready" with the band. This was still the greatest concert that I ever attended. Bono is one of the most talented songwriters I have ever heard. His songs lyrically are complex and meaningful. Their songs are not just about the usual topics like love and breakups. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" is one that comes to mind. Add Bono's tenor to the mix and you have history.
I’m so glad you picked to do Bono . One of my favorites
Thank you for adding perspective on his ups n downs and landing on a good note.
Ken I’d love to see you analyze Michael McDonald sometime. Blessings bro
Bono’s voice changed in 1999 after an operation on his vocal cords. His voice was never the same. He also smashed his voice in vertigo and 360 tours with songs like Miss Sarajevo.
Not true at all.. have you not heard little things live on tour 2018. Hair stands on back of neck job aswel as every breaking wave etc etc
Thank you Ken, Bono has gotten back into it and pushes hard...like you, bro, love you and absolutely love U2!
Thanks so much for doing this one, Ken. Been a U2 fan for decades and closely follow Bono’s vocal changes. Seems to me that something changed in the late 90s where he lost a certain richness and became more raspy (possibly the surgery). That said he started doing impressive things I hadn’t heard before, Miss Sarajevo (Vertigo and 360 tours) and Every Breaking Wave (check live versions). Pretty remarkable. And the passion is usually there.
Must be so hard to be limited on what short clips you can use for these videos and then try to draw conclusions about a singer. I think one could easily make a case his voice has matured and become much better by selecting different clips.
The live version I saw and heard of him singing "Every breaking wave" was perhaps the most beautiful performance I ever heard from Bono. It was majestic to say the least. I was so impressed, I was a bit surprised how great of a performance he gave with that live rendition. Seriously impressive...
I've seen U2 around 7 to 8 times over the years. The last time was the 2017 Joshua Tree Tour 30 yrs later and I was blown away how strong his voice was during the whole show. That being said, I think Bono and the band hit their prime on the ZooTv Tour 1991 to 1993 on all levels. His singing voice and swagger on stage, the creative juices of the band, etc. Popmart several years later he had voice issues and I saw it live in Eugene and Vancouver...and it was quite noticeable.
I absolutely despise some of my favorite singers' political views.
But when I listen to their music, I could care less. Doesn't take away from my enjoyment of their classic songs one bit.
like meatloaf. they guy had a crazy voice but unfortunately his brain was too
it easy to be liberal when you have enough money that the policies they espouse won't effect them
Totally agree
He had drastically improved over the years and he's one of the best all time.
Thanks Ken for this series. Appreciate your pointing out that they're not about shaming older vocalists. I would also love to hear more of your professional notes on these greats' technique and style. Also have a couple of requests, Maestro - Michael Bolton and Peter Cetera. Take care 😀
New to your channel love your professional analysis! Bono is a great vocalist and songwriter.Your assessment of performances give all of us food for thought thank you !
Bono is a master of belting !
Love them Ken great band
Just for the record: the 2001 performance of Sunday Bloody Sunday was 10 days after his father passed. He was bereaved, man. The 2017 performance of Bad was not long after he’d had open heart surgery. His performances at the recent shows at the Las Vegas Sphere were next level.
Tuning is all over the place with U2, I think they decide on what works best for each song before shows or tours. Streets was always played down a half step until 2005, and they only just went back down again at the Sphere recently. Sunday Bloody Sunday also went back up a little. Just depends on how he’s feeling.
Bono is a one of a kind
Listen to the track called In A Lifetime that he did with Clannad. The range and his use of falsetto is particularly good. Cant take it away from him that in his time, that 1980's/early 90's time period.... he was a real vocal powerhouse. Not quite in the Roland Orzabal league, but still pretty damn good.
Oh man bono.. What I can say is: I genuinely liked songs of experience. The songs themselves and also vocally. Live.. I don't know. It often looks as if it is really hard for him and this tension makes me tense too so I'm like "come on, you can do it". I just don't want him to get old I guess. Rattle and Humm or that slane castle DVD when his father died (hope I remember this correctly).. Those were and will be the bands peak performances for me.
I agree with you on the part that he can do better on some of his vocals and that bit about not wanting him to get old 😄.
Would love you to analyze “Red hill mining town” unfortunately there isn’t any “then” footage i believe because of the difficulty of this song live vocally for Bono. There is recent footage as it was added to the setlist but performed very differently to suite his current abilities.
Robert Smith from The Cure Would also be a good choice for an episode.Love the videos Ken!
U2 and Bono Vox.....wonderful i heard him live...great...please make one on Tina Turner....
Hey Ken! Hope you are well? U2! Bono! Incredible band and singer. Bono has definitely lost a step over the years, but not by much. He always gives 110% every show. One of the best frontmen in the business! Ok, now do Anderson.🎤🎤🎤😎
Bravo KEN ! Amazing job , thanx , cheers my good man ))
Bono's vocals were best between 1987-1993. Unfortunately, he also caused a lot of damage to his vocal cords during this period (particularly on the Joshua Tree.and Lovetown tours). You could hear the damage on Pop and the Popmart tour, where he really struggled. I think he had surgery after that tour but this also changed his voice. He can't belt the tunes out like he used to, but still delivers moments of brilliance.
But you didn’t check up his voice during vertigo tour,
There are a lot of high and clean notes ,
For example miss Sarajevo he did pavorotti’s part
First!
You are awesome Ken!
Almost! 🍍
Thanks, Ken
I'm pretty long time U2 fan and we all noticed that Bono lost his strength after his bicycle accident in 2014.
Just before this he was so powerful, like in the 80's but also mature so for me personally it was even better than 80's and 90's - the entire 360 Tour was perfect vocally (2009-2011) and the last performance before bike accident (MTV EMA 'Every breaking wave' 2014) - just check this out...
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He also had a 8 hour open heart surgery in 2016. That was his "brush with mortality".
Hi coach how i do work my mix voice I am a Baritone....?
Build your chest voice as high as you can. Then build your head voice as low as you can. Then practice, practice, practice, using the exercises in my mix voice videos.
The 2001 version of Bono was him just getting over being sick and losing his voice. It was a super rough time for him. Fyi :)
How about doing some White cross, stryper, Petra, PFR, songs?
Love U2. These clips were epic great job Ken
Awesome singer
Please do a then and now of Mike Patton
One tree hill version is from Joshua tree 2017
I wonder if the key changes are related to the set list?
The first “bad” was not taken from the Joshua tree tour, because in 1986 that album wasn’t released yet. It’s from “a conspiracy of hope” tour, a very short round of concerts for amnesty international
Was at that show...so awesome
They have played "One" live at least a half step higher for every show after ZOO TV. It just sounds better live that way, so that decision was made around 30 years ago. Nothing to do with his range. But yeah he doesn't have the pipes that he did during that 1983 - 1997 period for sure.
There are 2 albums my dad got me most people don't know about, Three, also known as U2 3 1979, and Wide Awake in America 1985...
On under a blood red sky live 1983 he was at the top, great performance on "in a lifetime" with Clannad too
The second clip was towards the end of that tour. If I remember right, Bono had just surgery on his vocal chords. On their last tour, they sounded amazing and had as much of not more energy as they did 30+ years ago.
Also, the 2017 wasn't the 360• Tour, but the Joshua Tree 30th anniversary tour :D
Truth be told, I never liked U2 and never understood the worship. But I have to say, unlike many musicians from the '80s, their live performances have remained very consistent.
I would point out that U2 plays their legacy songs with much less gusto than their newest tunes. Bono is saving his voice on the 80s catalog but is remarkably faithful (and powerful!) on modern songs.
Fun fact: The original "Bad" song is in A standard tuning
Grazie per il video!! Per favore,potresti fare lo stesso per Morten Harket degli a-ha ? Grazie 🤗
ruclips.net/video/k-Ad2fX1YGQ/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/GMzLA6KOXv0/видео.html
@@kentamplin grazieeee👏🏻🤩
The first version of One was a half step down from the original key, the second version is the original key. Pretty unique situation here. You would expect it the other way around.
I didn't know re gym and vocals
Ken you should do an episode on Jim Cuddy from the Canadian band Blue Rodeo.He kept his voice in very good shape over the past 30 years.
Could you please do Noel Gallagher next?
I always liked Bono's voice. He sounds like he uses mask and uses his nasality to add body to his sound when he as younger? I'm trying to figure out how he is producing the rich tones that he lost as he got older.
Great video. Gotta say having seen them 5 times in the 2000s and very familiar with their live material from Boy era to present, the 2001 Elevation Tour was Bono at his worst of all time in terms of vocal quality and fatigue. The 360 tour from 2009-11 is the strongest vocals he's had post Zoo TV. When you have a few minutes, check out the Rome 2010 performance (easy to find on YT) as it's one of the better ones. Zoo TV is their best tour IMO as far as the experience (TV the drug of a nation is the whole theme), but too much booze and smoking cheroots in that era was rough on his voice.
I love his voice on that slane castle show though. It’s so unique in his career it’s so rough and gritty and really cuts through the mix because he still had his power by then (watch New Years Day at Slane Castke) By vertigo tour in 2005 he was able to blend these two sounds and he sounds fantastic
I woulda never guessed you are almost 60, I woulda thought maybe 40-45. Shows you really can't judge by just looking.
Bono really has a great voice. It has this great vibrancy and heft to it. And while I wouldn't necessarily consider the Edge the greatest guitarist, he creates interesting textures. Like a painter would...
please, Make an analysis Queensrÿche - The Chase feat. R. J. Dio.
(Live at The Moore Theater, 2006) 😊
Agreed…who cares about the political shit. I was just listening to Bad last night. WOW! Amazing song and AMAZING vocal masterpiece! The unique phrasing and clever vocal acrobatics …more powerful and emotive as opposed to showing off. 🔥🔥🔥
Bono is the Mandela of rock.
Pleaaaase do this for Jimmy Eat World... Jim is crazy, sounds better each time, no semitone changes
Loved them growing up, their music and shining the spotlight on issues throughout the world. Once he involved himself into politics I lost interest. I wish they would have stayed in their lane. Cuz their faith was all over their early music.
He was involved in politics from the start
They started out as a political band and that has never changed. Not sure how using his platform to literally save people’s lives who are less fortunate is a bad thing.
Mostly sounds like they have brought things down into a more comfortable range and he is not really straining to hit notes anymore. Many times, not always, you come to a crossroads and have to make a choice. Sing the parts you have to really really work to reach. or back em down so you can extend the overall life of your voice. And his current stuff he even looks to be straining less. He seems more relaxed vocally which is good. Unfortunately most of those guys did not get the benefit of proper vocal technique education. So they screamed away part of their voice.
And as you mention couple times he doubles down and takes it UP a half step :)
@@TheCheeksMiller Half a step up on the easier songs.....songs like "I Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "Bad", Where the Streets Have No Name", "Exit" etc are always tuned down half and often a whole step lower. Then there are songs like "Red Hill Mining Town" that is just completely revamped and never performed ever in the original key live not even in his prime. If Bono in his prime was 100% these days he is running on 70% and that is being quite generous.
Hi Ken ~ Were you aware that The Irish Guards regiment of the British Guards Division (most recognize as the Buckingham Palace Guards) wear a blue plume in their bearskin cap - the precise color of the light blue dots in your shirt? If not, then take it as proof positive you’re channeling something, sir! 😊
Next singers could be Geoff Tate or King Diamond. For 'Who did it better' series could be Accept (Udo Dirkschneider - Mark Tornillo).
That wasn't 2001, that was circa 1985.
you've really barely talked about the change in his voice. Since the late 90s you can notice his voice more broken
The first version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is from now (2023) 40(!) years ago, not 20...
You need to listen first before commenting. The version he was talking about was Boston 2001. So yes... 20 years ago........
was not a big U2 fan I liked their Joshua tree ; War era. then the 90s came in and they changed their style . Bono is a great singer though
Bono was magical back in the 80s and 90s but live today is not so good
Check out Paris show from 2015. It may change your mind.
yeah the mullet.. hasn’t aged well. oh my goodness, actually people still wear the mullet in Australia.. in this modern day and age. 🤠 👍🏻
Bad is not 1986 and of course not in Joshua
To be honest, Bono could never sing and barely hold a note. But the band is great because of the lyrics, musicians, their charity, and Bono has a unique voice. But in terms of sound, he was bad vocalist and not a singer in my own opinion.
I love this platform but you do know Bono is the one that took out Chester Bennington.
His music is great. The vocals are very good.
It's always painful to have artists you like being politically ignorant. I really like Bon Jovi, Kiss etc but they sadly have no real clue what's going on. They may have good intentions, but you have to look at uncomfortable facts and not go with establishment dogma. The establishment feeds off ignorant fools. Then it would be better to just stay neutral and say you can get along with everybody (like Steve Lukather says for example).
first!
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Please Ken, could you make a cover of Magdallan’s “Shake”? (Sorry for my Bad english)
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