| Author | Message | ||
     Andy Member Username: I_am_andy Post Number: 4 Registered: 08-2006 |
Just returned from the Brisbane U2 show (first show of Australian tour) and Grant was obviously on Bono's mind. A couple of lines of Streets of Your Town found their way into the third or fourth song, then during With or Without You (during encores) Bono paused and said "Goodbye Grant McLennan ... Thank-you", followed by a chorus of 'Streets' (which a reasonable number of the crowd recognised and sung along with), then resuming With or Without You. And after the show when the lights came up 'Streets' was played over the PA. Adding to the poigniancy (sp?), if Grant's resting place is indeed the Mt Gravatt cemetary, as mentioned in other postings, one imagines that these tributes could have been clearly heard by Grant, as the stadium and cemetary are neighbours. And the show itself was excellent, as one has come to expect from U2. Please note, that as I don't have Padraig's skills as a journalist, I may have misreported the quote above as it could also have been "This is for Grant ...". | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 844 Registered: 04-2005 |
Thanks for the report, Andy. But look out--this thread will probably turn into a vicious round of Bono-bashing. He's one of the board's favorite whipping boys. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1104 Registered: 05-2005 |
Never one to disappoint Kurt, let me be the first. This egomaniac also jumped on the Ian Curtis bandwagon back in the 80s when his pomp rock outfit hitched a ride on the new wave/post punk bandwagon. Being the cynic that I am, I'd wager Streets... is one of the few Go-Bs songs that this blustering self important buffoon has heard. His dreadful band give full credance to the theory that a bigger the band is, the more musically uninteresting they become. For example,I cant be the only one who thinks that dreadful dirge "One" is the most maudlin, limp, uninspired piece of rubbish ever to regularly reach the top of those polls of "best single of all time". Christ, even Johnny Cash couldnt turn that song into a decent tune. | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 154 Registered: 04-2005 |
I thought that with 'Boy' and a gig at Strathclyde Uni, Glasgow in '81 that they were the future of rockn'n'roll. Boy, was I wrong and impressionable! All downhill after that...U2 that is, not me. I wonder what Grant actually thought of them. Off on a tangent, am I right in thinking that him and/or Robert gave Elvis Costello the thumbs-down on several occasions? | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1105 Registered: 05-2005 |
Andrew, I went with a U2 loving friend to see them at Edinburgh Odeon about 1983 or so, the War tour I think. I was not a big fan but thought they were ok-ish so went with an open mind. By the time Bono had done the "rock star" climbing all over the speakers routine I was convinced, this was the new Queen or Genesis and I was not for joining that particular club. If I remember correctly, my friend and I had a minor falling out about Bonos posturing that night - I was appalled that the punk wars seemed to have been fought for nothing. Yes I was so serious about music then, to twat like degrees! I was right though  - look how they turned out | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 846 Registered: 04-2005 |
Plus I hear he steals babies from prams and eats them! | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1102 Registered: 03-2006 |
I've heard that, too, that he a baby eatin' muthafucka! I've also heard he's a cross dresser... | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 847 Registered: 04-2005 |
And he shoplifts his ladies' clothes with Winona Ryder! | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1107 Registered: 05-2005 |
Nothing about that guy would surprise me. It would also explain why he is such a tubby little dwarf these days though. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 815 Registered: 05-2005 |
Andrew texted me the Bono's quote last night so I was going to report it here. He beat me to the punch though (this morning I took my daughter to spend an hour in the school she's starting in in January). And then Kevin punched Bono's egomaniacal tendencies! I never got why One is so popular either Kevin, but I do like U2. I'm going to see them in Sydney on Friday and Melbourne the following weekend. I saw them in 85, 86 and 87 but not at all since then. Fire at will Kevin! | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1108 Registered: 05-2005 |
Padraig, I would never castigate a man with such obvious good taste as yourself for liking U2. Must be something in the Liffey water, or your Irish genes, because I just dont get it | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 721 Registered: 03-2005 |
I got nuthin' to say about Bono. I'm sure his family love him. Is this your daughter's first school Padraig? That's a big step. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 817 Registered: 05-2005 |
I bet you secrety love Moria Anderson Kevin. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 818 Registered: 05-2005 |
Or secretly even. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1109 Registered: 05-2005 |
Nah, its Sydney Devine actually Padraig | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 819 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yes, first school Randy. The school year in Australia follows the calendar year, so primary school starts after Australia Day (Jan 26). She was fine this morning. I went to some mostly boring talk for the parents while she went into class for 70 minutes or so. She had some time in class one day last week too, but today she got to wear her uniform, which she loved (public school's in Australia all have uniforms). | ||
| abigail law Member Username: Abigail Post Number: 98 Registered: 06-2005 |
did somebody mention bongo? | ||
| Stuart Wilson Member Username: Stuart Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2006 |
I saw Bonehead on Tv the other day, and he looked lovely. He had his hair long and swept back with some highly attractive blond highlights and a pair of those terribly chic biker shades. He really looked like a rock star. | ||
| Jonathan Evans Member Username: Jon Post Number: 53 Registered: 04-2005 |
oops...Just posted an NME.com article in the general section, here it is again. Some of us will do anything to get our post numbers up!!! Cheers Jon U2 paid tribute to a local hero as they finally got the Pacific leg of their 'Vertigo' world tour underway last night (November 7) in Brisbane. The band had been due to play the dates earlier in the year, but were forced to delay them until now due to a family illness. Frontman Bono sang snippets of Brisbane band The Go-Betweens' 'Streets Of Your Town' on at least two occasions. The song was written by Grant McLennan, who died suddenly of a heart attack earlier this year at his home in the city. | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 159 Registered: 05-2005 |
U2 haters aside; I would be quite happy to hear Ms. Spears or Ms. Simpson cover any go-betweens song even my favorites. It would line the pockets of my hero and my dearly departed hero's family. For the record, we know Macphisto knows of two songs as one of the music mags had one of their top favorites being Cattle and Cane. I'm the first to critique U2 (as I did quite heavily in my high school newspaper when Ratte and Hum came out) "U2 clearly still haven't found what they are looking for" - clever last line, eh? However, I have a hard time believing that as intelligent as everyone is in this corner of the web that people do not "understand" the song one or cannot find glimpses of genius throughout their recorded career. Regardless of what tools they (except Larry who seems the ultimate voice of reason) may be, the music is quite good. Yahweh, Miracle Drug, With or Without You, 40, Bad. There are gems on each record. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1114 Registered: 05-2005 |
Sorry Matthias , but I just cant get over the pomp, bluster, preaching and bombast of Bono. I always lump With Or Without You in with Every Breath You Take by The Police (maybe they were released at the same time?),come to think of it I dislike The Police more than I dislike U2. Sting displays all the faults I find in Bono, and then some. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 829 Registered: 05-2005 |
Every Breath You Take came out 7 or 8 years before With Or Without You Kevin. I still like The Police's singles. Sting didn't display his full-on pompous assness until he went solo. If you saw it while he was still in The Police you are a seer and could do a roaring trade reading fortunes as a funfair carney. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1109 Registered: 03-2006 |
Matthias, you've shamed me into admitting that I have found many glimpses of genius in the work of U2 and think "One" is a great, very moving song, that I liked even before I completely understood the subject matter (AIDS). I also like the Johnny Cash and Mary J. Blige versions. With you too on Stin', Padraig. The Police singles were great, concise, sharp and incredibly tuneful. "Every Breath You Take" is a great song, too, and supposedly the inspiration for "Losing My Religion". I do, however, agree that Stin' is now a pompous schmuck of epic proportions. | ||
| Charles Coy Member Username: Coy Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2006 |
....from a distance, Losing my Religion & Every Breath....are classics, U2 'News Year Day 'n Gloria'..thats about it for me...Bono is lobbying to our Prime Minister stating he wont meet him until he promises .07% GDP to fighting poverty, OZ give plenty more than that,sometimes I wish he played the brawling hybrid game between Irish Gaelic Football and Australia's AFL. Sorry for the interruption....I would love to ask if any of you have heard of Sophie Koh, she was the support for the Go-Betweens in their last show in Victoria,at the 'Palais' in Hepburn Springs July 2005.Worth a search...licks and lyrics that I believe are embraced by those who visit here. I hope the thread you folk were on is not broken by this interlude.. Charles.. | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 160 Registered: 05-2005 |
I couldn't agree with you more on Sting. Although, he has a great jazz album that came out prior to his first solo album called Live at the Greek where he plays all jazz standards and some police tracks with genius composer and arranger Gil Evans. It's quite something. I own the import vinyl (2 records) as it never came out here in the states. It surfaced later as a CD but I never picked it up and seem to recall that they trimmed some songs to fit. Anyway, I also liked most of Soul Cages although the live versions are quite better and surfaced on the next album's singles' b-sides. Soul Cages is about mourning the loss of a person (his father) and I find it very moving. Of course, he went on to become even more of a megalomaniac as the years went on. Now Bono has reached a level of self-importance that mirrors every big celebrity like Oprah, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Sting, Madonna, etc. How does one keep their humility in the face of 100s if not 1000s of people telling you how great you are? But the one prop I have to give is for his charity work. Regardless of his motivations, he is helping the plight of the poor people of Africa. I'm in IT and everyone I work with hates Bill Gates for his seeming monopoly on the operating systems industry. It's easy to hate the man at the top. Look at people's reactions to Clinton and Bush in their presidencies. But I also give Gates props as he has given over a billion dollars to fund very specific research and proven technologies to improve the health and wealth of the poorest people in the world. New question: Who's the bigger prick: Stewart Copeland or Sting? Bigger question: Who really cares? hehe. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 94 Registered: 08-2006 |
For me, this is the opposite of LK's "Art and Politics" thread. I own no U2 records, but I admire Bono as a humanitarian quite a bit. There was a remarkable profile on him in the New York Times magazine a while back, and I was struck by his genuine (and learned) commitment to global debt relief and other causes. By all accounts, the guy has done his homework and then some. His rock star persona can grate, and I'm no U2 accolyte, but I admire him for investing the time to be more than just a "face" for the causes he champions. | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 853 Registered: 04-2005 |
That's a really good point, Rob. What about artists with great politics and not-so-great music? There are lots of them around. I was going to post a longer diatribe about this subject, but I'm just going to say very simply that I think hating Bono for his music is one thing, hating him as a human being is another. Anyone who does the latter is just ignorant because he's a man who's actually trying to make the world a better place, and not just in a stupid, ineffectual hippie way. He's using his fame, wealth, and name recognition to do things your garden-variety activist can't. As a human being--which ultimately is more important than being a musician--Bono's far more admirable than these fucked-up/depressed/drug-addicted nihilists we collectively worship as artists (Curtis, Cobain, Van Zandt, etc.). | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 830 Registered: 05-2005 |
Well said Kurt. Charles, you're wrong. The figure Bono quoted is .7% GDP to fighting poverty, not .07% as you said. And no, Australia does not give that. If you are going to criticise someone it helps to get your facts straight. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 831 Registered: 05-2005 |
In fact Australia gives less than half of that - .3%. | ||
| Charles Coy Member Username: Coy Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2006 |
...fair enough, I just thought the opportunity may have been burnt when there was a real chance to gain a committment with a different approach.. I apologise for any ill feeling that may have been created, I respect this sight more than that... | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1121 Registered: 03-2006 |
No need to apologize, Charles, you were just stating your opinion. Still legal, I believe... Bono is such a polarizing figure. Tell us more about this Sophie Koh. Any particular songs or records you suggest? | ||
| Charles Coy Member Username: Coy Post Number: 10 Registered: 10-2006 |
...absolutely Little Keith... if you go to www.sophiekoh.com there is sufficient info to get started. A CD 'all the pretty boys' carries 11 tracks of an intriguing journey. Paul Hester (R.I.P) Crowded House..etc assisted.I remember at Hepburn Springs in brief chat with Grant how excited he was about her songs... Hope you have some fun with this... | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 833 Registered: 05-2005 |
Apology accepted Charles. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 836 Registered: 05-2005 |
Streets Of Your Town was played over the PA after the U2 show last night. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 838 Registered: 05-2005 |
Oh, Kevin, One was magnificent. I truly got it. I did kind of get it before after Johnny Cash covered it, but last night I really did. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 934 Registered: 05-2005 |
On a very much smaller scale, Phil Wilson (the June Brides) played Karen live at the ICA in London as tribute to Mr G. It was funny. SOYT, I can see it now: all the people leaving the stadia and mothing the words of Mr G! | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1135 Registered: 03-2006 |
Thanks, Charles! I will check out Ms. Sophie...sounds right up my alley... | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1139 Registered: 03-2006 |
This version of "One" done by a couple of banker types to spice up a meeting might've cured me of liking the song. These guys just might be the whitest, dorkiest, least soulful humans on the planet. There is some blah blah before they sing, but you will soon be rewarded with a horrible, excruciating listening experience: http://www.vimeo.com/clip:114601 Full disclosure - I couldn't make it all the way through the clip. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 740 Registered: 03-2005 |
Thanks so much for subjecting us to that, Hardin. It did get me thinking, would I rather be woefully overlooked and starving like Martin Phillips or be rich and lionized and have my song coopted by a couple of suits to celebrate their corporate merger? | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1142 Registered: 03-2006 |
Anytime, Randy! I'm a sharing kinda guy... Easy choice for me. The grass is always greener and, being a pauper, I think I'd rather contemplate my problems lazing on thousand-thread count sheets, drinking $400 a bottle bordeaux in my beach house...my older brother married into a pretty wealthy family (not that they give him any) and he swears all the time that money doesn't solve problems and even creates them, because they're all as crazy as shithouse rats. Still and all, it'd be nice to have first hand knowledge and not to have to take his word... | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 741 Registered: 03-2005 |
But then you wouldn't have any real friends, Hardin, just hovering vampire bats like those shameless bozos in that clip. I don't really believe that you are a pauper, btw. It's that OC thing gettin' to you. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 107 Registered: 08-2006 |
Uh. I'm heading to bed and "thousand-thread count" sheets sound really nice. Like buttah. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1143 Registered: 03-2006 |
Randy, mea culpa...the OC thing does get to me, and I'm sure it's the same in LA - no matter how much money you have, you could always use more. There is some ridiculous wealth and ostentation here, though, that's for sure...Now what about you, man? I bet you're really not a pauper: hot shot lawyer in Hollywood, collector of Italian cars, etc...you get my vote for richest board contributor, with probably, Spence running second... I made that up, Rob...don't if there is such a thing as 1,000 thread count sheets. I'm waiting for the Target or Costco version to come out... | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 960 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yeah LK I'm loaded! There's my car, 3rd one down, tasteful shade of bluey/green ah!? Bit of a problem parking around here though! LOL http://morvenphoto.co.uk/blog/index.php?showimage=29 | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 744 Registered: 03-2005 |
Hardin, I made one chicken choice when I was 21. The payoff is that I've made a decent living, not to be confused with an awesome one. The price is that until I woke up a few years ago and realized I could still make music even if it wasn't my occupation, I staggered around the rim of that pit called soul death. Spence, your car is so exclusive that when I click the link I get a "forbidden" message! | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1147 Registered: 03-2006 |
Spence, as Borat would say, "very nice!"...just wanted to see if you were paying attention...don't spoil my idealized vision of you, though. I thought you had your own design firm and made buckets of cash... Randy, sounds like you've achieved what they call "balance". Christ, I've been to too many conferences and seminars - I've absorbed the lingo! You're lucky to make a good living as a lawyer, though I'm sure it has something to do with the talent you bring to the party - in La., there's a big glut of lawyers and several friends of mine have had a hard time finding good jobs... | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 867 Registered: 04-2005 |
Ah yes, "balance." During my unhappy year and a half of employment at Microsoft, I heard much about the company's "sincere concern" that employees maintain a proper work/life balance. What that meant, of course, is that the goal was for employees to be workaholics who were OK with having an inadequate home life. If you wanted to have normal 40-hour workweeks and not spend all your waking hours thinking about Microsoft world domination, clearly there was something wrong with you. | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 162 Registered: 05-2005 |
Here's a quote on the back sleeve of their U2 by U2 book: "You don't become a rock star unless you've got something missing somewhere, that is obvious to me. If you were of sound mind you could feel normal without 70,000 people a night screaming their love for you" ~ Bono | ||
| Andy Robinson Member Username: Andyblue Post Number: 55 Registered: 03-2005 |
Spence - I work somewhere I have the same problem. I can have a work/life balance but only when the two (or more) guys or gals parkin' me in have gone to get some of their's. Otherwise . . . . I'm havin a bad day! But there were top moments too and I'm gonna find some time to laugh tomorrow as well. Sometimes these threads merge in to one. Spence, about the thread you took a hassle in, I'm a father (separated) and maybe the only social worker admitting it on the board. Life is just bloody complicated sometimes . . . Randy - Spence's car is, well, hard to drive, dependent on the one underneath, and subject to problems if someone were to brake in a hurry. Guys in UK. Brisbane is an ecologically unsound flight (and then probably another from Perth or Sydney)away. Cannot men of a certain age meet somewhere here? Spence, what are you doing on weekend of December 9? Birmingham is kinda central. Name a place. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 974 Registered: 05-2005 |
Andy sounds great, will get back to you... | ||
| Mark Leydon Member Username: Mark_leydon Post Number: 84 Registered: 05-2005 |
Getting back to the original topic...I'm not a fan of U2 but I appreciate Bono's tribute to Grant at the Brisbane conert. It contrasts sharply with the way Grant's untimly death was shamefully ignored at this year's Australian Music Awards (the ARIAs). At last year's awards there were heartfelt tributes to Paul Hester including a moving solo performance by Neil Finn - and fair enough too. But I cannot understand why Grant wasn't given similar recognition at this year's awards. Given his outstanding contribution to the Australian music scene for over 25 years, surely some sort of tribute was appropiate. But nothing - not even a mention. What a disgrace. At least Bono made an effort. | ||
| David Matheson Member Username: David_matheson Post Number: 110 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hi Mark. I agree totally that Grant deserved some kind of tribute by the music industry. But that seems to have been the lot of the Go-Betweens all along - cherished by their fans, but never given due recognition. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 996 Registered: 05-2005 |
I gotta be honest with myself, I like U2. I like Bono. I like the rest of em too. To me there's many more wan*ers within and out of the industry than U2. I like the way Bono remembered Grant, that wa a lovely touch, ok, maybe his publicist reminded him, but he also had the decency to speak up aboout his affection adn admiration for Billy Mackenzie when he died, he did a forward for the Glamour Chase book about Bill and Asscociates and he also cut a small film, reciting the forward that was available on Paul haig's site many moons ago. As far as BIG stars go in the universe, I like old Bono, he's not a bad man is he now? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 903 Registered: 05-2005 |
Spence, Bono's publicist had nothing to do with it. Bono met up with Grant's girlfriend in Brisbane after her dad had bumped into Bono in Singapore airport. And, as we've mentioned before, U2 have never hidden their liking of The Go-Betweens' music. I know you are not being cynical though Spence. But for those who are being cynical: I wonder just how much Mark E Smith, for instance, has done to alleviate the suffering of developing nations? | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 169 Registered: 04-2005 |
Back to the old artist/art conundrum (already another thread) surely Pádraig? Nice person/Good art? Doesn't often seem to work out like that. But why should anyone feel that should Mark E do something to alleviate the suffering of developing nations in his role as a musician? I think most peoples' problem with Bono (apart from his music) is his ego: there are ways of helping without putting yourself about like he does. And as for endorsing that credit-card (AmEx Red) idea... | ||
| XY765 Member Username: Judge Post Number: 135 Registered: 01-2006 |
I've said enough about what a tosspot BoNo is and how dreadful U2 are so I'll chip in something different this time. For all the kudos he gets about his fundraising/poverty awareness I'd have slightly more respect for him if he donated to charity the money he will make on moving his tax base from Ireland to Holland. But I suppose nobody will ever know if anyone donates privately so maybe I should just stick with calling him the little twat he is. He's a little twat. | ||
| Pat Boland Member Username: Pat_boland Post Number: 17 Registered: 05-2005 |
In fairness to Mark E Smith, for instance, I doubt he'd be in the same wage-bracket as Bono. Neither would his profile be sufficiently high to prompt George 'n' Tony to feel it might boost their ratings by allowing themselves to be pictured hanging out with him. Not that MES would be a willing participant in such an unlikely scenario. That said, MES might be interested in the tax-relief that comes with the territory on the charity trail. Assuming he pays tax, that is. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 784 Registered: 03-2005 |
I can't believe this thread is still alive and kicking. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1003 Registered: 05-2005 |
Don't bring Jim Kerr in to it for Christ's sake! I'd imagine MES would salute the people of the world if he were in Bono's position like Cathal Coughlan did when he played Italy once, don't mention the pope. This thread mad me laugh when I saw the title, I always look upon the name Bono as adog's name, a dog playing tribute to Gant!? How strange. On the subject of dog's, a mate once named his dog after Prince, name on the dog bowel everything, Prince has always been a trad name in UK for a dog, especially the Jack Russell tyoe, you had to be there! Padraig, yes you're correct, the publicist was irony - not for real. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 905 Registered: 05-2005 |
U2 moving their publishing to Holland for tax reasons was a despicable thing to do. No doubt. It's not like they need the money. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 785 Registered: 03-2005 |
the Netherlands has lower taxes than Ireland? Amazing. | ||
| Eelco de Jong Member Username: Eeloc Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2006 |
Yes that is correct. U2Limited, who owns the the u2 mastertapes has moved to Amsterdam, in the same office where the Rolling Stones have their business. In Holland music companies don't have to pay taxes on royalties. The Stones are here since 1971, and they only payed 1,6 % tax money on their million income. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1005 Registered: 05-2005 |
Accountants, pah, fancy giving Bonio and his mate, the edge et al instructions to bank in Holland to save some tax! Pah! Wouldn't it be annice thought if the savings wre for "Charity mate"!? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 907 Registered: 05-2005 |
The situation only changed a few months ago Randy. Up until then there was zero tax on creative work (including painting, sculpture, literature etc, and music and films so long as you were the writer, not performer) in Ireland. That's why so many artists live there - it's not because they love the rain! The law change means that the first 350,000 euro is still tax free, but you pay regular rates after that. So your average sculptor is still going to be able to practise their art and not have to work in a supermarket, and your average multi-millionaire rock star shifts their business to Holland. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 908 Registered: 05-2005 |
BTW, allowing your average sculptor and poet to pursue their art was the original intention of that tax law in Ireland. It just benefitted the likes of U2 enormously more in tandem. | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 175 Registered: 05-2005 |
It's easy to criticize. But walk a mile in those shoes... All smart business people maximize their earnings. If you owned a multi-million dollar business, every accounting firm you hired would suggest you shift your legal base to reduce the amount of tax that needs to be paid. We just went through a bitter battle for Michigan governor. The incumbent who has done a pretty poor job at creating jobs and diversifying the economy won re-election based on a commercial saying her opponent incorporated his multi-million dollar business in the bahamas. So his interests lie there, not here. It's ironic because one of her bigger supporters was the union of autoworkers for Ford Motor Co, a premier American-band auto company. Guess where Ford is incorporated to avoid heavy taxes? You guessed it, the bahamas. I have no doubt that several members of U2 will most likely invest more money into the local Irish economy and charitable foundations with their increased earnings. But even if they don't, who are we to judge? | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 788 Registered: 03-2005 |
Every time I go to Europe I am again slapped in the face with the visible consequences of the U.S.'s slow starvation of its own public infrastructure. We do not have heavy taxation. We have inadequate public funding and twisted priorities for the sums that we do spend. I realize that's another subject but that's what this makes me think of. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 488 Registered: 08-2004 |
U2 can't have a lot of faith in the Irish goverment if they feel they can do more good investing their (bigger) profits back into the country. How long before Bono hangs up his singing (cowboy) boots (& hat) & actually makes a bid to run the country. | ||
| XY765 Member Username: Judge Post Number: 140 Registered: 01-2006 |
Jesus Christ Jerry, I think I'd emigrate if that happened. We have a total imbecile as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) as it is....maybe he could become a British citizen somehow and run with Bob Geldof for the British PM job instead?? Ye have two Scots in the top jobs there already....I wonder what party he'd go with if he did try to enter Irish politics, Fine Gael maybe?? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 909 Registered: 05-2005 |
He was involved with Fine Gael in the 80s. Turned me right off him for a while. That and the god bothering. I still loved the Melbourne show though and still love a lot of their music. Go figure. So Matthias, you were backing former Amway head Republican candidate Dick DeVos? I think you'll find he lost for many reasons; not just his tax dodging. Do you think Amway might have been a factor? Iraq? Bush? And while I'm at it, what the hell do you think the Union of Autoworkers have to do with the Ford Motor Co? They work for them, not own them. The workers don't decide where Ford incorporates. Less of the Republican excuse making disingenuousness please. | ||
| XY765 Member Username: Judge Post Number: 141 Registered: 01-2006 |
Padraig, are you serious about BoNo and Fine Gael?? I try not to get too concerned about artists and politics, e.g. I still think Neil Young is a king. Though the religion thing does bug me, trying to not think about Beck and Scientology.... | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 176 Registered: 05-2005 |
Padraig, I was interested in change - any change. If you look at Granholm's 4 year record, it is dismal. Michigan has the highest unemployment now. She blames Bush but haven't read any other states blaming Bush for their economy ~ many other mid-west states are heavy auto industry too. Truth be told, I'm no one party. I try to vote the best candidate, which unfortunately in a two-party system has been the lesser of two evils. Why are the parties so polarized? I'd rather vote small government, green-minded, democratic on social issues. Our problem in the U.S. are special interests and lobbyists. Bush was the other main factor for DeVos. I don't think Amway scared people away as mush as (name change years ago and also business practices) the Bahamas and the morphing commercial where Bush became DeVos. You missed my point about the UAW. The irony is that most of Ford's workers belong to the UAW and vote Democratic yet they work for a company that is very much like Dick DeVos' company. The other big union here is the Teacher's union who voted Granholm in and she failed to keep any of her promises to them the first time around. Padraig, let's not quibble on local politics. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 914 Registered: 05-2005 |
I did not miss your point Matthias. I stick by every word I said. Here's the same point again: Ford workers have no say in where their employer is registered for tax. I have no problem with you voting Republican, but I'm very glad Dick Amway DeVos lost. You seem to have a problem with auto workers exercising their democratic right to vote for the Democrats though. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 915 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yes, Bono was involved with some Fine Gael committee set up by Garret Fitzgerald in the mid-80s. | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 177 Registered: 05-2005 |
Padraig, my point was and is those who voted based on the whole bahama tax shelter and the jobs in other countries should look at their own employer. And no, I do not have a problem with people voting democratic. I have before and surely will again. Anyone can vote for anyway they like. BTW just curious, why are you against Mr. Amway Jr. anyway? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 916 Registered: 05-2005 |
Can't abide Amway. Pyramid selling pricks. Dick DeVos strikes me as a very typical of the breed. |