Our man The Edge was in the news this week, showing up at an oh-so-Rock ‘n’ Roll planning board meeting. The owners of The Clarence hotel in Dublin, including Bono and The Edge, have proposed a “controversial” redevelopment project for the hotel. It is facing opposition for reasons that range from aesthetics to architectural heritage and preservation. (Article / News Video).

I am not going to pretend to have a super-educated opinion on this issue. I don’t know much about planning boards. What I do know is that I own a little cardboard coaster somebody swiped for me from the hotel’s Octagon bar several years back. And it is the most magnificent little piece of junk anyone has ever emptied out of a suitcase and pawned off on me as a “present.” It’s maroon/red with black letters (and it’s octagonal). And it’s as close as I’ve ever been to Dublin. (How sad).

No visitors to my home are permitted to place a drink anywhere within two-feet of my Octagon coaster. Ever.

I’m guessing some people reading this blog might have slightly better Clarence stories than that. I know one, at least … the below photos were taken from the penthouse suite at the Clarence. They were taken in May, 2007 by DebbiV, who was nice enough to share these shots. More of her photos from this trip are here.

Not related to the above, but this one of Adam at HQ, below, is from the same trip. It is getting posted here simply because it is nice to look at:

Thanks Debbi!

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Just a few random tidbits from the past week …

Bono’s Across the Universe “co-star” Jim Sturgess was quoted talking about Bono and Edge’s Spider-Man music and his own possible involvement in the musical. Among other things, he says “we kind of hung out with Bono and the Edge and sung songs about Spider-Man” and “as ridiculous as it sounds, it’s going to be an incredible piece of work.”

Paddy Casey, one of Paul McGuinness’ clients not called U2, is currently touring the U.S. The description of Casey in this LA Times article caught my eye:

“He’s not like Bono, who goes and grabs the camera,” says DJ Tony Fenton of Irish radio station Today FM by phone. “He’s more shy and honest, which I think people like. America is the toughest place to make it, though. Each state is like a different country, and you have to spend two, three or four years there to make a dent.”

From the slightly larger than a tidbit file …

One of the more interesting aspects of the U2-Live Nation announcement this week was Bono’s quote from the press release about the band’s website.

“With regards to U2.com, we feel we’ve got a great website, but we want to make it a lot better. We want a closer, more direct relationship between the band and its audience and Live Nation has pledged to help us with that.”

Dear B: I hope you didn’t think that was a throwaway quote, because some of Larry’s favorite militant fans will be spitting it back in your face if this whole “closer relationship between the band and its audience” thing doesn’t happen.

Seriously, I would love to know exactly what Bono means by that statement. What is it that he thinks is “great” about the website? The shirtless Larry photos? I really don’t mean that in a snarky way. (Maybe I do).

I am genuinely curious about what aspects of the site the band thinks can be improved. And I wonder if these are the same things the fans want improved.

Finally …

There was that Edge interview on RTE. You guys didn’t actually think he was going to deliver any juicy details on the album did you? I am getting the feeling that the hype machine job has been assigned to Mr. Lanois this time around …

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I am in Taipei, Taiwan this week, and while wandering around the city yesterday, I snapped these shots:

I wasn’t even looking for U2 signs, I swear! (I mean, I am looking for the Bono of Taiwan, but that’s besides the point.)

So, I figured the above sign was a promo for U2 3D, but I have been told it is really just a sign advertising things available in a particular music and DVD shop.

Not that I mind, but clearly U2 is inescapable.

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Bono gets “doorstepped” outside the studio in Dublin by some fans from U2Valencia.com. Note how Bono encourages Sam to bring The Edge outside, too.

Daniel Lanois also gets some in your face treatment.

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Bono, The Edge, Adam and Paul McGuinness were interviewed on the way into the Dublin premier of U2 3D last week.

The Edge and Bono commented about the new album, with Edge saying, “We haven’t decided what songs are going to make the album yet …”

Bono calls the new stuff “uncompromising and radical” and I believe he is trying to channel John Wayne (?) when he warns that “you young people better watch out now.”

I’m sure just about everyone reading this blog saw the YouTube video of the live performance of The Ballad of Ronnie Drew on The Late Late Show, but you also might want to check out the video of the full show available on the RTE website. It includes interviews after the performance with Ronnie Drew and some of the musicians on stage, including Bono and The Edge.

That whole thing gave me a flashback to 1987—when U2 were on stage at The Late Late Show, on a special occasion honoring, guess who? Ronnie Drew and the Dubliners. In that 1987 performance, U2 performed the Peggy Seeger song Springhill Mine Disaster, which was often played by the Dubliners. Here’s the video:

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ABC News talked to Bono about his Valentine’s Day auction at Sotheby’s. An interview with Bono and Damien Hirst is scheduled to air on Good Morning America Weekend on ABC this Saturday.

Our man about town has already made a few other appearances in New York City this week.

Above: With United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on February 13, at UN headquarters in New York. Despite Bono’s best efforts, the Secretary General remains unconvinced that reissues and remasters really are that cool. (photo via)

Below: On his way into the Edun Fashion Week presentation at The Desmond Tutu Center on February 12, in New York City. (photo via)

Happy Valentine’s Day, all …

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