U2: The Road to Pop

Carter Alan's Road to Pop takes an extensive look at U2's career from their infancy in Dublin to the recording of their first album, Boy, to their first tour of America through their last album at the time of the book's re-release, Pop. It is a fascinating look at a band who is never at a loss for words.

It is not often that a reader gets an in-depth look at one of the greatest bands in the world through the man responsible for introducing them in the United States. Carter Alan's book takes the reader through 17 years of relationships with the band. The book is based off various interviews and general views of the media towards U2 through out the years. This is a MUST-HAVE for all Carter Alan fans.

The Road To Pop focuses on the early years of U2's touring in America from Boy to The Joshua Tree. The reports of U2's activities during this time are entertaining and insightful and Mr. Allens closeness with the band is clear. There are many behind the scenes antidotes and interviews with the band members which really allow their personalities to shine through. The problems begin with the Achtung Baby / Zoo Tv era. Mr. Allens alienation from the band at this time is obvious as the tone of the book changes from a warm first person account to a superficial and almost hostile account. This section of the book contains inexcusable factual inaccuracies, such as the claim that U2 accepted corporate sponsorship for the Zoo Tv tour, which calls into question the reporting throughout the book. Despite this, U2 fans will find the majority of the book about the early years very interesting and well worth the purchase price. Stop reading The Road To Pop at the end of chapter 16 and pick up the story with Bill Flanagans U2 - At The End Of The World.

I think this was just really wonderful to read I've read it about 3 times now and again it is wonderful. I think that if you like U2 you should read this. You should also take a look at Far Away So Close it too is wonderful.