Most helpful customer reviews
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Walk Past, Nov 26 2009
This book is not bad, but if I could I'd put it somewhere between 2 and 3 stars, between "I didn't care for it" and "it was OK". Now before I go any further, let me admit, as does the author, that I am a U2 fan. However, we are not the same kind of fan and that became clearer with every page.
This book does have some interesting insights and comments on U2's underlying Christian ethos and influences but the fact that the author has never actually spoken directly to the band leaves one wondering if the quotes he does use (which he borrows from other sources) really bolster the point he is trying to make or if at least some of them were wrenched from their original context and shoe-horned in. In fairness, the author admits early on that he is an unabashed fan of the band and their music but that borders on gross understatement. Steve Stockman can't seem to entertain even the hint of a critical thought against the band, especially Bono. Bono is constantly and consistantly elevated as almost a small "s" savior who genuinely enters into the suffering of his various audiences and the subjects of many of his lyrics, whether it be the victims of "the Troubles", those dying of AIDS and starvation in Africa, or the families of the victims of 9/11. I'll grant that Bono does much more than the average celebrity to raise awareness and use his public profile and popularity to try to influence and persuade those in power and that is a commendable use of his position. However, when speaking of Bono, Stockman variously describes him as a prophet, priest and pastor to the world. Really? I'd say that's probably going considerably further than Bono himself would be comfortable with (at least I would hope so, but he is a rock star after all).
I kept waiting for a frank and fair discussion of the wealth of the band members in light of their message or something resembling an honest look at the arguements of their detractors. None was forthcoming. There were occasional and brief admissions that the band is not perfect or that not everyone believes them to be the global knights in shining armour that Stockman clearly does, but these were typically dismissed out of hand or with minimal critical reflection. Now again, I'm not trying to bash U2 - I did admit I am a fan - but this goes something beyond admiration and wanders into shades of adoration. If I learned tomorrow that the author had a tatoo of Bono on his chest I wouldn't bat an eyelash.
All that said, this was the first book I've ever read on U2 and as such, a bit more biography would have provided some helpful context for folks like me who primarily know the band through their music and don't track their every move. However, the authour gave fair warning in declaring that this was not his purpose. While informative about the band's spiritual ethos, I always found myself asking if the band would say "amen" to this assessment of them or if in places they'd say, "no, you're wrong there...you're reading into it...that song actually was just about a woman, not God".
The format was basically a walk through the catalogue with an eye to the spiritual undertones and overtones, depending on the album being discussed. As to quality of writing, it was fair. There were some occasional poetic turns of phrase but they seemed to me to be trying too hard and sometimes the prose, like the sentiments it was conveying, was too gushy.
In the end, I would say the book was not bad. But if pressed I'd have to say that is wasn't that great either.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
For the Casual and Hardcore Fan Alike, Oct 18 2005
I picked up Steve Stockman's book Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 with a bit of reluctance. Being a hardcore U2 fan for so long I really questioned whether Stockman could really tell me anything I wasn't already aware of about my favourite band. The answer? Yes and no. I can't say I made any great discoveries about the band or the influence of the gospel in their music. That being said, if you are a casual fan of U2 or have wondered about where these guys stand in terms of their faith in Christ, this is the book for you. I've heard so many comments like, "supposedly these guys used to be Christians" and other such remarks. Believe me, if you've really read their lyrics, even during the Achtung/Zooropa/Pop years, you would find a deep faith that is seeking to take the Kingdom to the darkest corners of the world while not being afraid to deal with all of the doubts and hypocrisies that those of us who are called Christ followers often try to ignore. If anything, the book falls into the trap of becoming an apologetic for Bono, painting him as a bit of a saint when in fact, he has many shortcomings just like the rest of us.
Stockman goes through each album in the U2 discography to identify the Christian themes that are woven throughout the lyrics from I Will Follow on their first album through to Yahweh on their latest. The only point to be aware of is that Stockman does not draw on any personal interviews with the band. His body of research consists of quotes from previously published articles, books, and interviews. Not the end of the world, but don't be looking for new material here either. While not on the same level as John Waters' incredible book Race of Angels, it is still a worthwhile read for the casual and the hardcore fan alike.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended book about U2, Dec 16 2003
Walk On, The Spiritual Journey of U2 brilliantly tells the story of the spiritual side of U2, arguably the biggest band in the world. The author does a good job of not spending too much time on any certain period of time. Rather, he outlines the changes the band has gone through, and the frustration of being typecast by the church and the media alike. The author describes the feeling you get at a live U2 concert. How does one retain their Christian views when you're not able to attend church without a crowd gathering? This book answeres this question and many more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys U2's music, or anyone who still hasn't found what they're looking for.
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