U2's The Edge: "We Never Suffered From a Debilitating Sense of Cool" 

Edge is the anti-guitar hero. Why? Because he doesn’t play two minute solos, shred, or try to stand out. He takes simple notes and makes them extraordinary. Less is more when it comes to Edge. He’s one of the greats.

"We were willing to go out there and be uncool," This from the coolest guy in town :)

I Really like this interviewer, his questions are interesting and he knows how to STFU. So refreshing.

The world needs more Edges

It's interesting to hear the comment about coming to America and really trying to see and experience the country. As a Marine in the 1990s I went to 29 Palms and Joshua Tree to do training, and I remember being struck by the natural beauty of the place, but also a very almost spiritual sense about the place, even though we weren't there for spiritual reasons. And I remember going back and listening to Joshua Tree later and being struck by how well that album seemed to fit that place. I'd always enjoyed the album on a certain level, but that sort of took it to 11 for me. And I think, that even though most people will never equate the album to the places within the album and understand the connection there, I personally enjoyed that aspect, and got a lot more from the album because of that, and if U2 hadn't been interested in exploring America, if they'd just taken a trip to New York and flown back to Ireland, we'd all have missed out on a terrific album that was not only wonderful musically, but which has a sort of spiritual connection to a place which is itself really wonderful in its own way.

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." No wonder they're one of the most valuable bands ever.

I had seen them in Ireland in 1979. I was able to be one of a team that booked them at Brown U. on their first headlining tour. They stayed at a Howard Johnson's in Pawtucket, RI. When I greeted them in a Pinto, they laughed. I told them I had done a semester in Ireland. They responded, "It's feckin' desperate over there, are you mad?" No airs.

An honest man has nothing to fear.

Best interview of Edge I've ever seen.

I remember the first album tour when they played Toads Place in New Haven - they looked like kids but were so good, only had the dozen songs but didn’t want to stop so started playing the same ones over again.

My guitar hero, I love him and a all of U2 but edge is my favourite 😋

Very funny what happened at the show in Boston as it was similar to our experience in San Francisco. We went to see U2 opening for the J. Geils band in U2's first American tour, and it seemed as a third of the audience split before J. Geils came on.

Great story about the boston gig , those boys deserved every bit of success that came their way 🔥

This makes me feel good because I’m always so excited about everything and I’m totally uncool but I love the things I love. I actually am never attracted to those “cool” types because to me, a cool person is passionate & unafraid to be themselves 😎

excellent Edge.. love it..

"We never suffered from a debilitating sense of cool..." [puts on shades] "... call me The Edge."

that red rocks show is one of the greatest rock concerts ever put on film. Easily like top 3. So is there Zootv show. U2 has so many amazing concerts put on film. They're probably the greatest live band of all time. I'd say U2, The Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Effortlessly cool

I love the way edge make his music.I those have musical pride of its own.very distinctive application of performance sound ,its such a class.the way he approach to fined a unique style is really a taste of class.

Totally original guitarist!!! And like Rolling Stone Magazine review said at the time "Joshua Tree is pure beauty in an age of pure shit"

Paul McGuinness: guys, we have to cancel! God: Umm....let me help here. I want to see this show.

HE'S AMAZING|!

I want a man like him.

They took a lot of flack for the Rattle and Hum movie and the perception they were being too self indulgent, smug, and too preachy. I get it, but at the same time, anyone who chose to take even a slightly closer look at the band would have realized that even then they were still being very genuine about what they believed and their appreciation for American "Roots" culture. Yeah over all it may have been a bit much and "U2 hype" was for sure at it's peak, but I always loved that album and concept. So many great moments that the few times they are a little (unconsciously) high on themselves, I can ignore.

They're the best

He sounds like Bono.

Ya? You never played CBGB!

37 years ago, they weren't the band to hate. If you'd have planted a Joshua tree in the late 70s, you'd have something.

The edge is the best.

U2 have what many of us 'lack, a trust in ourselves.

Never heard these --- love em. Edge is a cool dude. FYI: My Brother in Law was in Ireland and caretaking a facility for some Church ( castle thingy ) And U2 crashed in to us the joint as a practice facility. This was late 80's maybe ????? Not sure ---- my kids were small as all born between 78 and 86. Anyhow a big box arrived with all sorts of U2 paraphernalia the band had given him with a note. These guys are practicing here and drinking with me.....nice fellas, If any of the kids there have heard of U2 they should get a kick outta this stuff. They sent --- hats, shirts, posters, and all that --- this was pre CD and DVD days and I don't recall any cassettes......long ago. He really enjoyed having these " kids " hanging at his castle. :)

Edge is so much better talker than Bono… he talks better in fewer words :)

Dave Howell Evans (Barking, Inglaterra; 8 de agosto de 1961) conocido como Edge, es el guitarrista, teclista y corista de la banda irlandesa de rock U2.

off camera is... on. camera?

I’d say they were cool only during the Achtung Baby years

What Edge doesn't want to say but let me say it for him. The attitude of the British punk bands who came to America was typical of the attitude a lot of british people , especially English have to America which is one of destain and superiority, it's just part of their make- up. Where as the Paddy's headed over, like sponges soaking up all, the flavor the good bad and ugly . Afterwards turning these experiences into some of the best rock albums ever wrote. Also by the way making a few 💰💰💰💰💰💰😜💰 Not bad for 4 Socialists...... . SOCIALISTS ME 🕳️

Great to hear a U2 interview without BONO...

He wears a hat as he has a massive slap head. Not because he is cold.

“We never suffered from a debilitating sense of cool.” Says the guy who wears the same black winter hat every day of his life as his “trademark” and prefers to be called “The Edge.” 😂 Oooooohhhhhhhk, The Edge.

bono's 80's mullet was pretty cringeworthy.

I'll never understand how such a mediocre band got to be so rich.