Which band is better?
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The Grateful DeadThe Grateful Dead is known as the first “jam” band, noted for long instrumental and improvisational music at live shows. They formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, CA with members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreurzmann, joined by Mickey Hart in 1967. They are also known for their devoted fan base known as “Deadheads” and as pioneers of the “psychedelic” movement of the 1960’s. Their core years were 1967-1995 starting with their 1965 release The Grateful Dead. Their “Europe ‘72” tour was well received along with its future album release of the same name.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
U2U2 formed in 1976 in Ireland with founding members Bono (lead vocals), the Edge (lead guitar), Adam Clayton (bass) and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). Their musical style has evolved over the years and has encompassed several rock genres including post-punk, alternative rock and pop rock.
Their debut album, Boy, was released in 1980 and featured the popular single “I Will Follow”. A subsequent album War was released in 1983 and reached #1 in the UK. The album contains several of their most well known songs such as the political protest anthem “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day”. They quickly gained international fame with accompanying tours. In 1984, they sought departure from their established sound with the release of Unforgettable Fire and a more serious approach. It reached #1 in the UK and was well received in the U.S. with songs such as “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and “Bad”, and they embarked on an indoor arena tour. The next album The Joshua Tree reached number one in 20 countries, and had several hit songs such as “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and their only #1 US hit “Where the Streets Have No Name”.
The album and songs received 4 Grammy nominations, with wins for Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Group with Vocals. The supporting tour was their first stadium tour and attracted over 3 million concert-goers. They continued to release albums and tour through the 1990’s and 2000’s including the over the top Zoo TV concerts. Throughout their career, they’ve been nominated for 2 Academy awards, have won several Billboard Music Awards, 2 Golden Globe wins, and 21 Grammy wins.
Their debut album, Boy, was released in 1980 and featured the popular single “I Will Follow”. A subsequent album War was released in 1983 and reached #1 in the UK. The album contains several of their most well known songs such as the political protest anthem “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day”. They quickly gained international fame with accompanying tours. In 1984, they sought departure from their established sound with the release of Unforgettable Fire and a more serious approach. It reached #1 in the UK and was well received in the U.S. with songs such as “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and “Bad”, and they embarked on an indoor arena tour. The next album The Joshua Tree reached number one in 20 countries, and had several hit songs such as “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and their only #1 US hit “Where the Streets Have No Name”.
The album and songs received 4 Grammy nominations, with wins for Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Group with Vocals. The supporting tour was their first stadium tour and attracted over 3 million concert-goers. They continued to release albums and tour through the 1990’s and 2000’s including the over the top Zoo TV concerts. Throughout their career, they’ve been nominated for 2 Academy awards, have won several Billboard Music Awards, 2 Golden Globe wins, and 21 Grammy wins.
