Bad

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Bad" by U2 from the Wide Awake in America EP, a track that’s a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances. One of the most iconic moments tied to this song happened during U2’s 1985 Live Aid performance in London, where Bono leapt off the stage to dance with a fan in the crowd during a 12-minute rendition. This moment, which included snippets of Lou Reed’s "Satellite of Love" and The Rolling Stones’ "Ruby Tuesday," became a defining image of the band’s ability to connect with audiences, propelling them to global stardom. The Wide Awake in America version, recorded live in Birmingham in 1984, features a prerecorded keyboard track to free up The Edge’s guitar work and became a radio hit, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart. Interestingly, the final note was flubbed by The Edge, but the band kept it, splicing in a cleaner note from another show during mixing. Fans on Songfacts have shared how Bono’s live performances often weave in lyrics like “NOT FADE AWAY,” adding an optimistic twist to the song’s themes of redemption and struggle with heroin addiction, inspired by a friend of Bono’s named Andy Rowen.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s evolution in live settings. Bono is known for incorporating snippets from over 50 different songs during performances of "Bad," ranging from brief lines to full verses, a practice that’s rare for the Wide Awake in America version due to copyright concerns. The song’s emotional weight is often highlighted by fans, with one commenter on Songfacts calling the Rattle and Hum live version one of the greatest rock performances ever. The U2 official website notes that the Wide Awake in America version, with its extended intro and raw energy, is considered by many to be the definitive take, capturing the “smouldering power” of U2’s stage presence. The EP itself was initially released for North America and Japan in 1985 but gained cult status, leading to a UK release in 1987. A post on X from 2021 by the band’s official account mused, “What is it about this song?” alongside lyrics, reflecting its enduring resonance with Zoo Freaks and beyond.

U2 began in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976, when 14-year-old drummer Larry Mullen Jr. posted “[a] note on the school’s notice board in search of musicians for a new band,” as detailed on ThisDayInMusic. Six teens responded, forming the group at Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Initially called Feedback, then The Hype, they settled on U2 with core members Bono (Paul Hewson), The Edge (David Evans), Adam Clayton, and Mullen. Despite limited musical skills early on, their chemistry and Bono’s charisma shone through. By 1980, after relentless gigging and a talent show win in Limerick, they signed with Island Records and released their debut album, Boy. Their early post-punk sound, infused with spiritual themes and The Edge’s distinctive guitar, set them apart. Live shows, like those supporting Boy, built a cult following, amplified by MTV airplay of tracks like “I Will Follow.” This groundwork led to their 1987 breakthrough, The Joshua Tree, cementing their status as rock icons.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, U2’s official channels are active and engaging. The band’s official website offers news, tour dates, and discography details. Their Facebook page, with over 16 million likes, shares updates like the V-U2 concert film at Sphere in Las Vegas. On Instagram, they post nostalgic photos and tour highlights, while their X account keeps fans in the loop with lyric snippets and announcements. Fan communities thrive online too. U2songs.com, established in 1995, is a go-to for discography and tour news, while U2start.com hosts forums, bootlegs, and fan essays, like those dissecting Achtung Baby. On Facebook, groups like “U2 Fans” and “U2 – The Joshua Tree” connect thousands of devotees sharing memories and rare recordings, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to join the tribe.