Why George Harrison didn't like U2?

In 1997 The French magazine Le Figaro publishes an interview with George Harrison where he blasts modern music, taking aim at U2 and the Spice Girls.

Harrison does the interview to promote the Ravi Shankar album Chants of India, which he produced. When the conversation turns to contemporary music, he has some choice words for the hitmakers of the day.

Harrison said, "Music of today is a pollution and has no value at all."

The 'Quiet Beatle' George Harrison didn't like U2.
George Harrison had unkind words for U2 in the late '90s.
George Harrison on modern music, U2 and The Spice Girls.

[keithroberts]

George Harrison didn't like U2. And so what? He was entitled to his opinion. Just because he was in the Beatles didn't make him an authoritative voice on what's good and what's bad. He simply gave his opinion and Bono should have just carried on instead of giving George the finger. All because an ex Beatle didn't like the band.

[seancrapola]

George hit the nail on the head. I was a big early U2 fan but something happened to them sometime in the late 80's-early 90's and I soured on them. Ego is the best explanation.

[martygould]

He was right. I still listen to the Beatles and Harrison, but I've long forgotten about U2.

[gatheredwisdom]

Haha! Love this, I could never get into U2 as a teen.🤣 Harrison was right!

[jamesdrynan]

Although I was never a fan of U2, they had their admirers. Bono disparaging Harrison at that concert was tactless and the audience would have reacted to anything the group said with cheers and jeers. Here in 2023, I would hazard a guess that Beatles' music has had more longevity and appreciation than any songs by U2. Time wounds all heels.

[JulCoCa]

The fact that Bono did that at the concert shows that George's statement was correct... Bono's ego was touched.

Btw, do you remember what South Park said about Bono? 😂😂😂

[pllenpny]

0:03 Interviewer: "What can you tell us about the man and the musician?" Bono: "He didn't like U2 very much."
Thanks for proving George's point, Bono.

[erniericardo]

Like John, George would say things in an unfiltered manner and his comments and opinions could off as blunt and uncaring, but I find Bono making his statement about George in concert being very distasteful and comes off as a Bigger A$s#ole.

[Carbide]

When people mention that Bono put his finger up at George Harrison after he said this, people always forget that the same show is littered with Beatles snippets and a cover of Rain to end the night. They also like to leave out the amount Bono talks about The Beatles and its members, praising them as one of his favourites and biggest influences. It was a lighthearted response and nothing else, blown up by some of the most annoying people on the internet (people who talk about Bono like he's Hitler) and media looking for a headline.

U2 were seen as being too modest and "self righteous" by the media in the late 80s, so, in response to that, they completely transformed their image into a parody of the "typical rock star" on Zoo TV and Popmart. This still goes over people's heads today which amuses me, but does also leave a bitter taste in my mouth when it's really not representative of the band at all.

Finally, their 80s, 90s and 00s output is why they should be seen as one of the most creative bands of all time, the amount they've tried (and knocked out of the park) both in the studio and live is something 99% of bands could only dream of doing.

[gideonharris]

That was really filthy crass what Bono said on stage. George was asked in an interview and gave an opinion.
Bono got butt hurt and crass and pathetically put George down to a live crowd. George never did that.
BTW, Bono has ridiculed many bands without even being asked the questions. Talk about being a hypocrite!!

[babylemonade]

He’s right about Bono’s giant ego bit wrong about them not being remembered in 30 years. Or the spice girls haha

[diffbreak]

George was very objective in his assessment. It was all about marketing and making money rather than making some long lasting music. He was very grounded despite his iconic status. He was tough even on Lennon and McCartney. Of course, he was a genius who was difficult to impress.
Bono should have answered by creating a masterpiece rather than the tasteless gesture. It has not slighted George one bit but shown his level.

[YaseminLoveÖmer]

My father and big brothers introduce me to the legend, that Beatles...Beatles Forever 🇹🇷

[gailfg]

Well I agree with George, U2 don't impress me much for some reason.

[EVERLY-SHADY]

U2 always sounds like they're whining about politics in all their songs, I agree with George

[paulcarbonaro]

George was too harsh. U2 have produced great music, and they and their music will long be remembered.

[GreyRevellSongs]

Well he was down on a particular era of U2, which I personally don't think he understood all that well, but to each their own, right?
His prediction that U2 wouldn't be remembered in thirty years has obviously been debunked as, like it or not, they're still here and apparently more established in the culture than ever.

[mikec]

I understand where George is coming from, but at the same time, I think that U2 did make some good songs.

[natmanprime]

u2 are objectively good. they still produce new successful albums ater 40 years. if they were ego centric they would have broken up by now. they admitted they have a "band ego", more than individual egos. edge's playing style is the least egocentric amongst guitar players. i'm sure their haters can find at least 10-20 songs they like over the 40 year span, they just dont know all the album tracks, b sides, often better than the singles

[iamtnarea]

Its 26 years since George made those comments. U2 wont be forgotten in 4 more years so he was wrong on that. Rip.