# Talk:Where the Streets Have No Name

The live performance section should mention that all the video displays always turn to red as a signal that this song is coming.  This is a predictable and electrifying ritual in U2 performances. --Illusio80 05:26, 30 July 2006 (UTC)

Actually, i am not sure if the most recent vertigo tour had this red screen. From memory, the visuals went straight into the flags of Africa - check the Chicago DVD. Cheers. --Merbabu 05:52, 30 July 2006 (UTC)
Dang, that was fast...  Well, we can nix the word "always" if you like.  I attended one of the Los Angeles dates of Vertigo, and I do recall the flags (wasn't that splendid?) but I thought the red screen bit was there too.  I'll leave this open to further discussion, and I'll look at the DVD sometime too.  Best, --Illusio80 05:58, 30 July 2006 (UTC)
Correction - while the video display has been of a red background while the song begins in every tour except for the Vertigo Tour, the red background has nearly always been present.  I recall that the background was not present for the first few Vertigo Tour dates, but I also recall that fan protest at the time resulted in the background being reinstated fairly quickly; it was added in the form of flashing red lights behind the Flag Screen.  This can also be seen on the Chicago DVD.  I therefore feel that it is relevant to add the information about the red background to the live performance section.  --MelicansMatkin 20:07, 11 October 2006 (EST)
They had originally intended to use the Red background for the song, but during rehearsals in Vancouver. In which Bono felt a need to change. And while he was watching the flags scroll he had remebered his trip to Africa where he wrote the lyrics and decided to use the flags. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Malcolmedge (talk • contribs) 04:24, 16 May 2007 (UTC).
Should the spotlights be mentioned? I know they were used around the Joshua Tree, Rattle and Hum, and ZooTV tours, but I'm unsure as to details after that. Also, were the spotlights used for this on the Vertigo tour, because I seem to remember hearing/seeing video of the spotlights on City of Blinding Lights instead of Streets. Does anyone know? Neranei (talk) 02:34, 16 October 2007 (UTC)
During the Vertigo Tour, the red screen was absent from arena shows in North America and appeared at the end of the song in stadium shows everywhere else. End of discussion. [[User:Psp900|

Surely an article about a particular song should include its lyrics? Can someone please find an official, definitive version and put it into the article.

We can't. The lyrics are copyrighted and therefore can not be added to the article. Garion96 (talk) 20:41, 11 September 2007 (UTC)

This article failed good article nomination. This is how the article, as of October 22, 2007, compares against the  six good article criteria:

1. Well written?: 
Song titles should be in quotes, not italicized: eg. "Where the Streets Have No Name", not Where the Streets Have No Name
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
Subheading titles should be in sentence case: eg. Writing and recording, not Writing and Recording
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
"was originally conceived" - remove originally, it is redundant.  The conception is always the original moment
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
"band, though, they " - In formal writing, "although" should be used instead "though".  In this case, just replace it with however
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
"frequent chord changes and time changes" - redundant.  Just say "frequent chord and time changes"
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
"performance 2 April, 1987 in Tempe, Arizona" - correct date formatting is [[April 2]], [[1987]] which renders April 2, 1987
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
The Interpretation section should be merged into the Writing and recording section, and the Nicaraguan interpretation should probably be taken out since it is speculation.  Also, the first sentence in the interp section should be removed.  Wikipedia shouldn ot interpret songs so much as report on their development and influence.  Bono's opinions (which are reference very nicely) trump.
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
"the live presentation to the recorded version" - change to "the live presentation versus the recorded version"
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
The information in the Live performances section needs referencing
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
"events of September 11th scrolled" - should be "events of September 11 scrolled" and wikilink September 11
 Done --Neranei (talk) 23:48, 23 October 2007 (UTC)
The Others section can probably be merged into one or two paragraphs.  It would be nice (though not madatory) to have an audio sample of maybe one of the more popular covers, with a description of how it differs from the original.
 Done - I have consolidated, but will probably not upload the files as I don't know how. Neranei (talk) 00:44, 24 October 2007 (UTC)
"This version has been called, in its intent, a subversion of the original," - Has been called by whom?  Be specific, not weaselly. Also, how can someone else say what its intent was?
 Done- much less weaselly now. Neranei (talk) 00:35, 24 October 2007 (UTC)
The issue about breaking off the Pet Shop Boys remix into a new article (which I think is a bad idea) should be resolved first.
I've mentioned it on the page. Neranei (talk) 01:26, 24 October 2007 (UTC)
2. Factually accurate?: 
"MercyMe has covered this song in some live shows." - This sentence needs a reference
 Done --Neranei (talk) 15:04, 27 October 2007 (UTC)
"Flea (Bass), Brad Wilk (Drums), Tom Morello (Acoustic Guitar), Pete Yorn (Guitar/Vocals), Tim Walker (Electric Guitar), Serj Tankian (Vocals), Maynard James Keenan (Vocals), Jonny Polonsky (Keyboard) performed "Where the Streets Have No Name" at a performance in Avalon in Los Angeles. The concert was a benefit to raise money for the Axis of Justice." - This sentence needs a reference
 Done Neranei (talk) 15:18, 27 October 2007 (UTC)
"The Pet Shop Boys have performed the medley live as recently as during their 2006 Fundamental tour, as well as at the Moscow Live 8 concert of 2005." - This sentence needs a reference.
 Done Neranei (talk) 15:18, 27 October 2007 (UTC)
3. Broad in coverage?: 
Music video section needs expanding and referencing.
I added stuff about the Grammies, hope that's enough. Neranei (talk) 15:49, 27 October 2007 (UTC)
The article is missing a critical reception section.  This is absolutely necessary.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Esprit15d (talk • contribs) 15:52, 22 October 2007 (UTC)
I added several interesting comments from 1987 reviews; I know they are taken from a fan site, they are simply from archives, not the site's own reviews. Neranei (talk) 16:02, 27 October 2007 (UTC)
4. Neutral point of view?: Yes. Good job
5. Article stability? Looks good :)
6. Images?: Image:U2 streets single.jpg lacks a fair use rationale - major problem.  See WP:FURG for ideas.  Also, while not madatory at all, it would be great if you could find the cover for the Pet Shop Boys remix single.
 Done Neranei (talk) 16:15, 27 October 2007 (UTC)
The article is getting there, but needs more work.  The biggest issues are the photo and the tag about the remix.
When these issues are addressed, the article can be renominated.  If you feel that this review is in error, feel free to take it to a Good article reassessment.  Thank you for your work so far. 
— Esprit15d 15:14, 22 October 2007 (UTC)

wow! What great feedback. Wiki gold. That's what it's all about. There's a lot to work on there. thanks. --Merbabu 15:39, 22 October 2007 (UTC)
Glad to be of assistence :) --Esprit15d 19:43, 22 October 2007 (UTC)
Thank you so much, that really is gold; most of that was done really late at night; I'll take care of all of it ASAP. Thank you so much! Love, Neranei (talk) 22:26, 22 October 2007 (UTC)


### GA2
(Not a formal review)

I'd ensure as many details as possible are included within the refs. Such as the work, author, and date of publication fields. I've done the Steve Pond Rolling Stones one.
Thank you.
Neil McCormick:  U2 by U2. needs ISBN
 Done
what's that contactmusic ref?
Fixed it, it was just bad syntax.
The 'writing and recording' section is large, and would be easier on eyes if it were split into smaller paragraphs (around three?). Perhaps the large quotation from Bono in the middle could be put into blockquote? Speaking of that quote, some of the punctuation is confusing: The quotation seems to start with "WTSHNN is more like the U2 of old", and continues right until "...started from as an idea." There is an extra punctuation mark in the middle, which would normally depict either the end or beginning of a quote.
 Done - I'm not sure how to do block quote though.
Ellipses (...) are not needed at the beginning or end of a quotation because it's obvious that things go before and after. You only need to use them within a quotation (e.g. abc... xyz).
 Done Neranei (talk) 19:00, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
The JPStalk to me 18:32, 28 October 2007 (UTC)

Thanks. Perhaps the lead could be developed? I usually aim for three paragraphs in the lead. It says nothing about the PSB. Here's on of my song GAs. The JPStalk to me 19:13, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
What sort of things would you recommend including? Love, Neranei (talk) 19:19, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
You'd need the most important points of the article in the lead. What is there already is good, but, as I say, I think the PSB warrants a mention since it is a significant chunk of the article. Brief critical reaction maybe too? I'd go for something like this structure: 1. What it is (album/band/author) 2. Reception (chart/critical) 3. Covers (PSB). Imagine a reader not prepared (or without time) to read the whole article: the lead should briefly say the important bits. The JPStalk to me 19:29, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
I think I've covered the main points now. Regards, Neranei (talk) 19:36, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
Getting there! I've had a stab at reorganising it too. I think the other important aspect that might be mentioned in the lead is the inspiration, as it seems pretty important to the tone of the song (and it's also a substantial part of the article). I know it's a long part: try to summarise it into a sentence! It can go in to the third paragraph of the lead. I notice the 'Writer# fields is missing from the first infobox. The JPStalk to me 19:50, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
Ah, thanks for the organization! I'll go mention it. The writer field is blank because Bono writes the lyrics, but the whole band generally contributes ideas and writes the music, i.e. on the song Zooropa, the drummer (Larry Mullen Jr.) is the bassist. Because of that, I've left it blank. Regards, Neranei (talk) 19:54, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
I'd still include the authorship as credit in the inlay booklet (it could be formatted the way No Matter What (Boyzone song) is) Oh, I don't suppose you have any more material about the music video, do you? Perhaps who directed it? And also you could describe the cover, ideally mentioning the photographer. The JPStalk to me 19:58, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
OK, I'll go check my liner notes now. I can go check on the music video, and I'm banking on Anton Corbijn being the photographer, but I'll verify, if possible. Regards, Neranei (talk) 20:03, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
In the Joshua Tree liner notes, it says that it was mixed by Lillywhite, recorded by Flood, produced by Eno/Lanois, and credits the whole band for the music. However, it says that the words are written by Bono. Also, it says the photos were done by Corbijn, but that;s for the album, not the single. More on that in a moment. Neranei (talk) 20:07, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
All Music Guide is another reliable source you might be able to use to develop the article a little bit more? U2 version and PSB version The JPStalk to me 09:05, 29 October 2007 (UTC)
Thank you very much! Regards, Neranei (talk) 22:59, 29 October 2007 (UTC)

Does anybody want to split the Pet Shop Boys stuff into a new article? If no one does, then I'm going to remove the notice. Cheers, Neranei (talk) 01:26, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

Why have the articles been split? It's pointless because it's the history would have to be repeated. The JPStalk to me 15:53, 4 November 2007 (UTC)
I agree, they should be remerged. --Hemlock Martinis 08:59, 6 November 2007 (UTC)
Yeah, you guys are right. It's been remerged, thanks JPS. Regards, Neranei (talk) 13:22, 6 November 2007 (UTC)
For what it is worth, I was happy to see the split. It made sense to me. --Merbabu 22:26, 6 November 2007 (UTC)

I'm not sure that it is notable enough on its own; I split it 'cause it was *really* long, long enough for its own article. Regards, Neranei (talk) 22:46, 6 November 2007 (UTC)
On its own it looked a little tacky and undeveloped. It's the same song, essentially. It's not as much an issue of notability, but more of logic. The JPStalk to me 23:55, 6 November 2007 (UTC)
Yeah, I agree. The sub-sub-sub headings are a bit annoying, but it is much more logical. Regards, Neranei (talk) 00:24, 7 November 2007 (UTC)

Great improvements since last time.  Not too much to say.

""Where the Streets Have No Name" is a song by Irish rock band U2, from their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.[1]" - You don't need to cite something that basic.
OK, I will un-cite it.
An image of the music video would be cool
Not sure where to find that...
As would an image of the song being performed
Again, if I come across a free one, I'll upload it.
Original track listing needs a source
Will do.
The Marcus Satellite Tribute to U2 is a redlink - DYK, Nera?
Good idea! Neranei (talk) 01:53, 3 November 2007 (UTC)
 — H2O —  01:45, 3 November 2007 (UTC)
The following suggestions were generated by a semi-automatic javascript program, and might not be applicable for the article in question.

Please expand the lead to conform with guidelines at Wikipedia:Lead. The article should have an appropriate number of paragraphs as is shown on WP:LEAD, and should adequately summarize the article.[?]
This article has no or few images. Please see if there are any free use images that fall under the Wikipedia:Image use policy and fit under one of the Wikipedia:Image copyright tags that can be uploaded. To upload images on Wikipedia, go to Special:Upload; to upload non-fair use images on the Wikimedia Commons, go to commons:special:upload.[?]
The script has spotted the following contractions: Haven't, if these are outside of quotations, they should be expanded.
Please ensure that the article has gone through a thorough copyediting so that it exemplifies some of Wikipedia's best work. See also User:Tony1/How to satisfy Criterion 1a.[?]
You may wish to browse through User:AndyZ/Suggestions for further ideas. Thanks, — H2O —  01:45, 3 November 2007 (UTC)

I disagree that an image of the song being performed would be useful: I don't see who it would enhance understanding of the article. A sound clip of the song, however, would be good. I agree that a screenstill from the music video is a good idea, although the section would need to be expanded to justify the use of non-free media. The JPStalk to me 15:55, 4 November 2007 (UTC)
In regards to an image of the music video, I'm absolutely positive that I'll be able to take a screenshot of it.  I can have that done, uploaded, and added to the article within a couple of days. MelicansMatkin 02:12, 8 November 2007 (UTC)

I just read an article that this song was inspired by Bono's visit to Managua, Nicaragua in 1986. While there, he notices (true till today) that the city devastated after 1972 earthquake and right after by civil war; the streets had no names.  (Article in TIME magazine Jan 21 2008). KeniKex 02:55, 24 January 2008 (UTC)

I seem to remember hearing that too; having quickly skimmed through the article, I'm surprised that it hasn't been mentioned.  Do you still have the source?  It should probably be added to Writing and recording. MelicansMatkin (talk) 03:11, 24 January 2008 (UTC)
I remember that too. The other story I heard was that it was about parts of Ireland where people would judge you by the name of the street you lived on, and Bono wrote sort of dreaming of a place where the streets have no names. MDuchek (talk) 03:06, 27 January 2008 (UTC)

I once heard that U2 had on occasion performed the Pet Shop Boys version of this song - i.e. with the "Can't Take My Eyes off You" bits - at some of their concerts. It sounds unlikely to me, but I thought I'd ask, as if it were true it would make a nice addition to the article, if it could be sourced. Is there any truth in this, does anybody know? Angmering (talk) 17:24, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

Well I just did a quick search - U2gigs.com is the place for something like that - but I couldn't find any record for it, either as a complete song or as a snippet. MelicansMatkin (talk) 20:04, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

Why is the Pet Shop Boys song title constantly spelled off in the article? Shouldn't it say Off, like in Can't Take My Eyes Off You? Or is there a particular reason for this? --Alib (talk) 17:16, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

I removed the references to "Sweetest Thing" being known as "The Sweetest Thing". Yes it is a lyric in the song but it has never been titled as such on any official release that i have found and i have been looking for over a decade now. As to the arguement that it was originally titled "The Sweetest Thing" in 1987 i offer you the cassette sleeve. If anyone has an example of an official release showing the title with "The" i would really like it if you would let me know. delirious & lost (talk) 07:19, 19 September 2009 (UTC)

Is this article good enough for a nomination as a featured article?  What improvements would be necessary, as the tasks above seem to have been completed.--Dunshocking (talk) 10:43, 17 December 2009 (UTC)

I think that the Pet Shop Boys version of the song should be split into its own article.  The song is notable enough to be on its own, plus its a cover of both "Streets" and "Can't Take My Eyes off You" so it shouldn't just be in this article if it covers both.  Putting the same content in both articles would not be reasonable, therefore it should be split apart as its own, yet still mentioned in this article of course, minus the infobox and track listings, and some other info. –Dream out loud (talk) 16:37, 28 April 2010 (UTC)

Agreed (it's funny, but I was actually about to suggest a similar thing). As noted it is not a strict cover of "Streets" alone, and I don't see it as being all that relevant to this article. One could argue that it's just a song which heavily samples "Streets". A brief mention perhaps in Reception to demonstrate it's notability, or in List of cover versions of U2 songs. I think a split works best. MelicansMatkin (talk, contributions) 16:47, 28 April 2010 (UTC)
I agree. The track is made up of two separate songs and isn't so much a cover as it is a sampling/parody. Y2kcrazyjoker4 (talk) 04:40, 1 May 2010 (UTC)
Do it. At most, put in a linked reference to the other in each of the articles. --Merbabu (talk) 04:42, 1 May 2010 (UTC)
Since the four of us are pretty much all of the main editors to this project and it seems that we all agree with the split, I've just switched it out to its own article. MelicansMatkin (talk, contributions) 04:50, 1 May 2010 (UTC)

There are citations in the references section for "McGee" but there is no main source with an author of that name.  Does anyone know the citation information for that source? –Dream out loud (talk) 23:37, 29 April 2010 (UTC)

Found it on Google Books and World Cat. JamieS93❤ 23:52, 29 April 2010 (UTC)

The references 1 and 2 belong to fansites. Can someone remove them? Thank you beforehand. мιѕѕ мαηzαηα (talk) 01:39, 13 July 2011 (UTC)

Done.  Citations weren't even needed there in the first place since that information is already cited in other places throughout the article. –Dream out loud (talk) 02:34, 13 July 2011 (UTC)
Thanks. I'm bothering here again —Can somebody please remove all the references from U2gigs.com? As the web site itself states, "We have no official affiliation with the band - U2gigs is run by fans, for fans". I would be very grateful if someone can replace this references for reliable ones, it would make my translation to Spanish easier. Anyway, I'll look for reliable sources to add to the Spanish article. Thank you beforehand, мιѕѕ мαηzαηα (talk) 21:49, 18 July 2011 (UTC)
I have a copy of U2 Live, which should suffice. I know this message comes late, but I'll work to add that in when I resume having internet at home (should be some point next week). Melicans (talk, contributions) 17:28, 8 September 2011 (UTC)

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There's a blatant contradiction in the section on writing and recording the song. Edge says he came up with the arrangement and demoed it overnight, which is most likely true - but the article says he wanted to write a powerful live song "[r]ealising that the album sessions were approaching the end", and came up with this one.
Then suddenly we are confronted by this bit on rehearsals and recording of the track: "Co-producer Brian Eno estimates that half of the album sessions were spent trying to record a suitable version of "Where the Streets Have No Name".[4] The band worked on a single take for weeks, but as Eno explained, that particular version had a lot of problems with it and the group continued trying to fix it up.[4] Through all of their work, they had gradually replaced each instrument take until nothing remained from the original performance". So, Edge came up with the ideas for the song while the sessions were closing in on the final lap, yet the band spent a huge amount of time, actually HALF the album sessions time was taken up by working on this one song. Hmm...something is not quite right here? :) 195.67.149.169 (talk) 15:41, 3 June 2019 (UTC)