Larry Lootsteen, Conestogo, Ontario, Canada
As I had previously predicted , it does appear U2 are headed for a 2013 release and assumed tour to follow.
Check out the following article from Gigwise - AF, U2, Metallica confirm 2013 releases
Of course there is nothing on any official U2 site saying this. I truly hate that U2.com is the LAST place to get U2 news.
Assuming that is all true, the question becomes whether for U2 this is beginning of the end or the end of yet another beginning. There is no doubt that any tour will be a massive sellout. The question is whether this release and the associated production will have any real meaning.
The endless blathering from Bono on 'dance' tracks or 'club' hits always gets me worried. I trust they will keep their souls here. New blood and new ideas are always welcome. The question is whether the DNA gets destroyed in the process. I thought it was a huge error trying to go old-school with Rick Rubin. I have to wonder if Danger Mouse is going to be a plus. I hope so. Time will tell. You can start holding your breath. I am here breathing deeply with nary an expectation on when!
There are endless possibilities for what the tour might be but I am expecting an arena tour and I expect they will bring the concept of the claw indoors. Everything either up or out and just the band on stage. My hope as well would be a much more flexible setlist. I would love something other than the precision staging that has been the hallmark of the band for a decade or more.
Stripped down, clean lines and a band playing and havng fun. This is where I think the Danger Mouse influence might be a serious plus. Sure, there'll be ballads. Absolutely there will be classics. But if we can bring some seriously fun, driving tracks to the release, imagine what that could mean tour-wise!
And here's something I have believed for quite awhile and some conversations with a couple of people who know the industry have agreed with completely. I believe the album is done. They might be tweaking but I do think the damn thing is ready.
Why? Because they are on full-on vacation and family time mode. Now that may not mean much but if they had serious work to do, they'd be at it more. Everything here tells me the recording is done. So let me throw myself to the pack here!
I am terrible at predictions where U2 is concerned. I think I have a 5% success rate. If that. But I like to do it anyway so here goes my prediction for the next U2 album!
First radio single: March 4, 2013
Album Release: April 30, 2013
North American Tour Kick-off: May 27, 2013
Feel free to attack or contribute your thoughts on any or all!!