So, You're Dead

Larry Lootsteen - Conestogo, Ontario, Canada

As much as we've often heard people discussing what U2 songs they would play at their wedding (i.e., One, which is really a terrible wedding song when you listen to the words), not so much is said about funerals.  So you're dead...what U2 songs would you like played at your funeral?

Hope you all like it!

I'll list some obvious choices by title but I would love to hear what you would want played.

You could go with the supremely timely Gone!  Or perhaps Mysterious Ways as you journey to the next realm!  Until The End of the World maybe?  Or if you are an idiot like me, you could choose Numb!  A violent end might warrant Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me!

So take this seriously or take this stupidly.  What songs come to mind when you think about your final celebration?

2013: The Year Of or A Year With U2

Larry Lootsteen, Conestogo, Ontario, Canada

As we have all heard I'm sure, we are expecting some new music from the boys in 2013.  Paul McGuiness said it again the other day (along with Bono's latest info on the working title 10 Reasons To Exist - anyone believe it will be released as that?) .  With the amount of recorded material they have across several producers can we be surprised?  And since this year fits into the cycle of releases, I am confident the material is coming.

So.  It does beg the question.  With this be the year of U2 or will this be just another year with U2?

I am wondering if the biys will take the world's psyche on one more time.  I am pondering and pontificating on whether they have the music in them to grab the us all by the balls and shake us up again.

There is no question they are able.  The question is whether they can still deliver.  The fans will be over the top and there.  But will the masses beyond come into the fold?  They will tour.  The people will come out and it will be a success because even the most strident U2 haters know they can deliver a show.

If they want to take the crown one more time they are going to have to come out of the gate hard.  We need a song that will shake us.  And this is something I have been harping about in recent years.  We need that anger back.  I think that will be the key.  The anger of the early days with the sensibility of today.  Can they do it?  Yes.  But my confidence that they will is not there.  My fear is this 'dance' music that we've heard much about.  I'm not so sure that is the right direction.

So what do you think?  Is this their year?  Or just another with them?

A Great U2 Christmas Gift

Hard Rock Tee Shirt

Larry Lootsteen, Conestogo, Ontario, Canada

Hard Rock Cafe launches limited-edition U2 t-shirt to benefit Amnesty International

The world’s top artists and bands have collaborated with Hard Rock International for more than two decades as part of the brand’s acclaimed Signature Series program, helping to raise millions for a variety of worthy endeavors globally. Hard Rock is proud to launch its U2 Signature Series: Edition 30 T-shirt in support of human rights around the globe. Through a partnership between EDUN LIVE and Hard Rock, the limited-edition shirt will be available in stores and online, with 15% of the retail price benefitting Amnesty International in support of the organization’s human rights campaigning efforts worldwide.

"I hope this T-shirt generates loads of cash for Amnesty International and their tireless work towards the release of prisoners of conscience all around the world,” said The Edge of U2. “Plus there's a guitar on it - so it’s a win-win as far as I'm concerned."

Hard Rock’s U2 Signature Series: Edition 30 T-shirt ($26) features an image of an electric guitar with angel wings, emblazoned with the words “JUSTICE,” “HUMANITY” and “EQUALITY.” A barbed wire is seen wrapped around the neck of the guitar. The back of the T-shirt bears the signatures of each member of U2, including singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.

“We are thrilled that U2, Hard Rock and EDUN have generously offered to support Amnesty International in this high-profile way,” said Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Campaigns & Communications Director, Amnesty International. “We have a history of working with all three, and the combined power of us all coming together on this project will make a huge difference by raising awareness of our human rights work around the world.”

“We are proud to support Amnesty International and aid in the fight for human rights worldwide through the Signature Series program,” said Annie Balliro, Senior Director of Brand Philanthropy, Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock is honored to have U2, legendary musicians and dedicated activists, join with us to raise funds and awareness for such an important organization.”

The new T-shirt will be available online and at Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafe locations in New York, London and Dublin on December 10, 2012 to coincide with International Human Rights Day. It will be available in Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide beginning in February 2013. The U2 Signature Series T-shirt is printed on a navy blue EDUN Live T-shirt made from 100% African cotton and is available in men’s sizes.

Hard Rock’s Signature Series Lineup

Hard Rock developed the concept of partnering with world-renowned musicians and bands to create and donate imaginative designs more than 20 years ago. These unique designs are reproduced onto T-shirts and sold at Hard Rock properties worldwide, with a portion of the retail price benefitting the artist’s preferred charity. U2 joins a legendary roster of rock icons – from The Who, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton, to Jon Bon Jovi, Shakira, Ringo Starr and John Lennon – who have become part of Hard Rock’s Signature Series program, which has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes worldwide.

For more information on Amnesty International, please visit www.amnesty.org.

For more information on EDUN Live, please visit www.edun.com.

For further details regarding Hard Rock’s Signature Series program, please visit www.hardrock.com.

*EDUN printed t-shirts will be available at select Hard Rock locations. For a complete list of locations featuring the EDUN product please visit www.hardrock.com.

About Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global Movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists, in more than 150 countries and territories, who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and are funded mainly by our membership and public donations. Amnesty International unites people to take a stand against injustice. Through public pressure and international solidarity we research, educate campaign and inspire people towards long-term solutions to human rights issues. For more information, visit http://www.amnesty.org/.

About EDUN

EDUN is a contemporary collection for men and women designed by Sharon Wauchob. Founded by Ali Hewson & Bono in 2005, EDUN is a global fashion brand bringing about positive change through its trading relationship with Africa, and its positioning as a creative force in contemporary fashion. It is sold globally in leading department and specialty stores. www.edun.com.

About EDUN LIVE

EDUN LIVE is a basic line of t-shirts produced for business-to-business sales. The EDUN LIVE range enables EDUN to drive further trade into Africa through high-volume sales direct to the wholesale market. The tees are entirely "grow to sew". Every part, that’s 100% of production, takes place in Africa. For more information, visit www.edun.com

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 178 venues in 55 countries, including 139 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the companies’ two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida., as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Las Vegas, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Santiago, Nabq, San Jose and Guatemala City. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.