Rock ‘n Roll during the period between 1975 and 1995 was an outlet for many who were in need of escape as a product of the intense culture crisis of the time. According to Pamela Thompson, it was an essential means of communication especially for “…young people seeking sense and identity” (Thompson). With the end of the Vietnam War, people felt such an intense desire to escape from such a harsh social reality. Musical artists such as U2 and John Lennon were especially effective during this time because they gave people something to believe in and a distraction from all that they were enduring.

John Lennon

John Lennon was extremely influential throughout his musical career not only because his musical talent propelled the success of the Beatles but more importantly, because his character influenced societal change in the post-Beatle era. As a member of the band throughout much of the 1960’s known as the “Beatle Revolution”, Lennon was able to create change because the existence of the band, “coincided with a decade of political turmoil, military conflict and domestic tragedy” (Inglis). As a band member, Lennon was held to the confines of his lyrics to express his reflective, utopian, and realistic ideals as heard in songs such as “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “In My Life”. Some even say that the song “Help!” was an outcry of his inability to communicate his criticism of society. Since he was never consumed by the “Beatle image”, Lennon broke away from the band and utilized his radical opinions along with the power and popularity of his musical history to create change.

Once Lennon broke away from the Beatles, he redefined the rock era of the time when he spoke out against the Vietnam War. He got attention by making radical claims about his beliefs and creating controversy but soon found that a peaceful way of protest was much more effective. Initially, the song “Imagine” spoke out against social injustice and communicated Lennon’s primary vision of peace. When he discovered the immensity of the song’s impact he decided to write, “Give Peace a Chance” which exemplified his true character as a man who was willing to challenge the social norm and became known as the anthem for the anti-war movement.

John Lennon- Imagine

U2

U2 is one of the most influential groups in the rock era from 1975 to 1995 because of their impact on politics and the broader world’s culture. The band originated in Dublin, Ireland in 1977, consisting of PaulHewson, lead singer aka ‘Bono’, Dave Evans, guitarist aka ‘The Edge’, Adam Clayton, bassist, and Larry Mullen, drummer.

U2 quickly became a phenomenon after the release of their album entitled War, and continued to sustain their popularity due to the consistency of its members, spirituality in moral meaning of their music, and social consciousness in regards to their rock ‘n roll image.  In addition, to multiple honors and awards U2 is responsible for a major technological advancement in the entertainment industry, ZOO TV. ZOO TV incorporates giant TV screens, streaming live satellite link ups which U2 used to flash subliminal messages to satirize pop-culture. U2, similar to Lennon, redefines the rock star persona in that the band illustrates that one can initiate change through music by means of unifying “the word”, their lyrics, with their deeds. U2 illustrates “the word” of God specifically in their song “Walk On” as they emphasize how one should imitate disciples by .being able to walk away from the confines of society in pursuit of change. In order to unify their word with deed U2 has made it their own personal mission to create a “heaven on earth” by eliminating social injustice, in particular in Africa. One of U2’s multiple charities is the (RED) Campaign, which allows consumers to be active in the fight against in justice. For when one buys a Red product 50% of the profits goes toward buying medicine for AIDS Victims.  

U2- Walk On 

The Creation of “Heaven on Earth”

John Lennon and U2 are the most influential groups of the Rock II era due to their ability to initiate change to fight against social injustice in hope of creating a “heaven on earth”.  In order to combat social injustice and social conformity, both John Lennon and U2 utilize their popularity to promote their morals and non-violent activism through their music and deeds.  Both artists redefine the credentials of what is acceptable “rock star” behavior by illustrating that despite their fame one must “bear the cross”  of others and  do what is in their power to help.  John Lennon and U2 have made it not only their own personal goal to create a “heaven on earth” by eliminating social injustice, but more importantly call to their fans though their deeds and music to join their cause as well.

by Maureen McManus and Brittany Coyle