As they think about the lines, Bono suggests, a bit anxiously, an alternative word or two. No, no, they agree, the words are fine. Bono says the band didn't feel wedded to another stadium tour, but it seemed to be where the aggressive nature of the new music can best be staged. If the music takes a softer turn in the future, however, the group would probably move back to smaller settings. You don't learn by drawing a line and saying these are the limits of rock 'n' roll or this is the size of the buildings you should play.
Success is one thing in pop music, but staying relevant is the bigger challenge.
We are still a rock 'n' roll band, but when we looked around last year, it was clear that hip-hop and dance artists are making the music that defines these closing years of the 20th century, and we wanted to see what parts of that music would work for us. Copyright 1996 Los Angeles Times. All rights reserved.