Helter Skelter

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as we spin U2’s “Helter Skelter” from their 1988 album Rattle and Hum here at THE ZOO! This track, a cover of The Beatles’ 1968 classic, kicks off the album with a raw, live energy captured at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver on November 8, 1987. Bono introduces the song with a bold statement: “This is a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles. We’re stealing it back.” This line references the infamous cult leader Charles Manson, who misinterpreted The Beatles’ original as a call to violence, associating it with his apocalyptic visions. U2’s performance was a deliberate attempt to reclaim the song’s rock roots, stripping away its dark cultural baggage. The choice to open Rattle and Hum with this cover was controversial, with some critics, like those at Spectrum Culture, calling it “flat” and questioning its fit with the album’s Americana theme. Yet, others, including a 2008 Rolling Stone poll, voted it the best Beatles cover ever, praising its gritty intensity.

The decision to include “Helter Skelter” wasn’t just about the music—it reflected U2’s chaotic state of mind during the Joshua Tree Tour. The band was grappling with newfound superstardom and the pressures of filming the Rattle and Hum documentary, as noted on Songfacts. Bono later admitted in a Propaganda interview that the band felt stronger at music than talking, and his “stealing it back” comment stirred backlash for its perceived arrogance. Some fans, like a commenter on ZOO Station Radio, argue the cover isn’t their favorite but credit it with introducing them to U2’s powerful live presence. Despite mixed reviews, U2 only performed “Helter Skelter” live 15 times during the Joshua Tree Tour, making it a rare gem, as detailed on U2 365.

Now, let’s rewind to how U2 got their start. Formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976, the band—Bono (Paul Hewson), The Edge (David Evans), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.—came together as teenagers. It all began when Larry, then 14, posted a notice on his school’s bulletin board seeking musicians for a band. The group, initially called Feedback, played covers in Larry’s kitchen and local gigs, drawing from punk influences like The Clash and Joy Division. By 1978, they became U2, named after the U2 spy plane, and started writing original songs. Their early sound, rooted in post-punk, evolved with a spiritual and political edge, shaped by Dublin’s economic struggles and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Their 1980 debut album, Boy, caught attention with its youthful energy, and by 1983, War solidified their global presence with anthems like “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”

U2’s journey from Dublin schoolboys to rock icons is chronicled across their official platforms. Check out their story and latest updates on their official website, where you can dive into their discography and tour history. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and tour announcements. Fans, or Zoo Freaks, can join the vibrant community at atu2.com, a long-running fan site with news and forums, or u2songs.com, which offers detailed discography and setlist archives. On Facebook, groups like U2 Fans bring together thousands of devotees sharing memories and concert tips. So, keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep the Rattle and Hum vibes flowing!