Bono and U2 Reveal The Secret To Music Industry Success in First Ever Interview

U2 is one of those groups you look at and wonder to yourself, “How in the world did they do it?” Not in the sense that they aren’t talented, but in the sense that their accomplishments and music will outlive them by decades and decades. That being so, many aspiring musicians have surely tried to decipher U2’s secret to success. Well, if you are one of those individuals, stop looking, as Bono divulged the answer in U2’s first-ever televised interview.

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Bono and U2’s answer is not some profound and poetic message. Frankly, it might be disappointingly simple, trite, and cliché. However, the most honest and true pieces of advice usually are. Nonetheless, don’t expect some majestically ornate piece of advice. Rather, expect the cold hard facts of the game.

U2’s Timeless Secret to Success

In 1981, Bono and The Edge participated in their first-ever televised interview on Tomorrow With Tom Snyder. On the surface, Bono and The Edge just look like a couple of spry and rebellious lads from Ireland dressing for the times and soaking up the fads of the day. Although, when you hear them talk, you might believe you are listening to a seasoned music industry professional.

Jones initially addressed U2’s debut tour in the United States, and they answered the question appropriately. However, the meat of the conversation came around when Bono digressed from the original topic. He stated, “The whole business depends on the survival of the fittest” and “If you can’t escape from whether it’s Dublin or Lubbock, Texas or Iowa well then you will not survive.”

Bono’s advice might seem rather drastic and dramatic, but the man talks from experience. Prior to U2’s fame, Dublin was not a place known for producing major commercial talent. They had their few, don’t get us wrong, but nothing and no one that ever came close to U2. With that in mind, U2 knew that their only way up, was out, out of Dublin.

Now, U2 are still emphatic Irish patriots and have a fervent pride in their country, but they knew a sufficient career did not reside busking on Grafton Street. Hence, Bono and the band made it their mission to pursue bigger venues in different countries. So, if your dreams are bigger than yourself, maybe take a page out of U2’s book of advice and shoot for something bigger and better.

Bono of U2, Ireland 12/21/81 per Getty Images