U2’s Bono: We’re up against Coldplay and The Killers

In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Bono, singer for U2 (does anyone not know that?), praised Chris Martin and The Killers as worthy competitors in the modern music market.

“In our heads we’re up against Coldplay and The Killers,” Bono said. “You’ve got to keep an eye on the youth. Coldplay are such an extraordinary band with such song writing talent. I think Chris Martin is one of the most important melodists since Noel Gallagher, since Ray Davies or since Paul McCartney. He’s in the line of great British melodists.”

If Bono is intimidated by Chris Martin’s success, the feeling is mutual: In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, Martin said “the other reason why we do well is because U2 is still on holiday. So…they’re back in March. So, you know, as soon as they come back, we drop down the ladder a bit. So, we’re in our last week of substitute teaching.”

Bono also told BBC Radio 1 about how his band has “to fight very hard” to keep people’s attention on their new music, adding “A lot of people have a U2 album. Why would they want another one is a very good question.” I guess we’ll find out when No Line on the Horizon, which was leaked by their label last week, drops on March 2.