IRAN: U2's green-tinted tributes to Iranian protesters
Anyone familiar with U2 knows that the band is not afraid to be political. Probably its best-known song, “Sunday, Bloody Sunday,” was written about a violent crackdown on a peaceful protest in Northern Ireland.
The sentiment behind the song could also be applied to the protesters in Iran, which is precisely what U2 did during two huge concerts in Milan and Barcelona:
The performance is quite a visual spectacle (after all, it is a rock concert), and the symbolism is less than subtle: the entire stage is flooded in green light, the signature color of the protests, and Persian text scrolls across the screen.
The text reads “Listen! Listen! Listen!” which one blogger attributed to "The Song of the Reed Flute," by famous Persian poet Jalaladdin Rumi.
Persian poetry and Rumi in particular are some of the strongest sources of Iranian national pride.
The history of a violent crackdown behind the original song coupled with Rumi adds some intellectual weight to the visual spectacle of a rock concert.
It looks like the selection of the work itself was not coincidental. A reading of the poem suggests allusions to the violent crackdown in Iran as well as the disputed elections:
hear them speak of lost friends.”
…
“This reed bends to spent lovers and friends,
its song and its word break the veil…”
This isn’t the first rock 'n' roll tribute to the protesters in Iran. Jon Bon Jovi collaborated with Iranian artist Andranik Madadian to cover "Stand By Me." Both artists sing in Farsi and English.
-- Jahd Khalil in Beirut
Thank you so much U2 for supporting Iranian People. We really do need your support!
Posted by: Neda | October 26, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Support People of Iran against Tyranny!
Iranians want change of regime!
Posted by: Parviz Tehrani | August 01, 2009 at 11:38 AM
If you had done even a tiny amount of research you would see just how utterly ridiculous and inaccurate you are regarding the hat reports. That's an urban myth and people like you fall for it time and again. Haha. you're an idiot.
Posted by: Suzy | July 17, 2009 at 01:17 PM
I think its great that U2 is showing their support. In addition to "going green" they are also using a track by an Iranian-born artist as an intro to Sunday Bloody Sunday.
Its "Besno Az Ney/ Windfall" by Sussan Deyhim
Here's a link if anyone wants to check it out!!
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=279277439&s=143441
Posted by: U2360 | July 17, 2009 at 10:09 AM
yawn yawn yawn, Mr John Bard, and what good have you done in the world to raise awareness of sensitive issues?
Are you implying that you side with the current dictator in charge of Iran?
Posted by: Ian OFlynn | July 11, 2009 at 05:14 AM
Yawn yawn, superstar hypocrites U2 find a new cause to beat us over the head with.
Bono, the mouthy frontman who never fails to remind us of his eco-cred, famously once flew his HAT across the Atlantic - First Class.
Champagne, Mr Chapeau?
Posted by: John Bard | July 10, 2009 at 04:42 PM