If you're name happens to be Bono and you front U2, then calling Coldplay's Chris Martin a not-so-nice-word live on radio should just about do the trick.
Taking time out from saving the world, Bono was scheduled to appear on Jo Whiley's BBC 1 radio show earlier this week. The singer entered the radio station just as Whiley was playing a Coldplay track, prompting the announcer to ask Bono if he thought Chris Martin was as talented as Paul McCartney. Here's what happened next:
Bono: I think he's that good a melodist, but he's a wanker.
Whiley: Would you like to apologise for what you've just said live on my show?Bono: I'm a reformed character, I don't do that anymore.
Whiley: You're not showing any signs of being reformed.
Bono: He's [Martin] obviously a completely dysfunctional character and a cretin, but he happens to be a great melodist and up there with Ray Davis, Noel Gallagher and Paul McCartney.
Whiley: I'm sorry if anyone is listening at the moment who were offended by the words that Bono said. I will apologise on his behalf.
Bono: I'm sorry, it's early.
How very peculiar and amusing at the same time - professional jealousy perhaps? After all, Coldplay have just slinked off with a few Grammys, while some critics are slating U2's latest release.
But it seems the joke is on those who took the comments seriously.
News.com.au reported Chris Martin as saying "I always thought he felt that way,''
"I think it's great that we're arch enemies,'' Martin said. "That's a joke too.''
In fact, things have never been better for the camaraderie between the two bands. Chris has said that Coldplay has long used U2 as the benchmark , with U2 saying Martin's band also keep them on their toes.
Coldplay are now playing U2's new single 'Magnificent' just before they come on stage "as a mark of respect.''
It appears Bono may just have unveiled a new fail safe way of demanding respect from your contemporaries; but perhaps don't try it on your boss first...
Meanwhile, Martin has also written the comeback single for ex-girlfriend Natalie Imbruglia; the singer has pushed the release of her new album back to May to include the track.
"A bit annoyingly we've given her the best Coldplay song of all time, but because we're off-cycle we can't do it ourselves,'' Martin said.
"Half of me wishes we still had it. But she sounds f---ing brilliant on it. I think she has a very unique talent and an incredibly unique voice.''
Coldplay are planning to release a free live album later this year ("tickets are expensive, especially in a recession. We're playing huge places, we thought it'd be cool to do something like that'') and will open Sydney's Sound Relief concert on March 14 with a full band, as opposed to their planned acoustic set.
"We're trying to make it extra good,'' Martin said. "It's going to be a great day.''
Copyright : MTV Australia
