U2 bassist Adam Clayton has joined the ranks of his fellow bandmembers in levying judgment on the rise of the Trump administration. In his words, the “vision of America is gone. It’s a much harsher world.”
In an interview with Variety, the musician spoke about his work with MusiCares, a program that helps musicians with addictions, and the struggle to stay relevant in modern society. Clayton made it clear that he does not actually struggle with staying relevant because hopefully U2’s new music will speak to the people who suffer from a lack of democracy.
He told interviewer Jem Aswad that the band’s hit album and tour The Joshua Tree spoke of a different time, when people were “somewhat idealistic in terms of what we were buying into, arriving in America with a kind of immigrant hat on, believing we can have a stake in this country.” In a very serious way, he tried to explain the results of the 2016 election as a “reaction to the left-wing, if you like.”
Clayton ended his political rant with the statement, “I hope change will come and democracy will reboot itself in America, and it will serve more of the people than it does now.”
Wait, so is there democracy in America? Apparently not, for this musician. He stated that America struggles with the same problems as governments in Europe do. And in his words, the people are angry that they aren’t getting better results from “traditional politics.”
When asked if the MusiCares organization was more relevant now than ever because of the “war on ObamaCare,” Clayton called the lack of funds for addiction issues “worrying,” and said that although people are usually willing to help, “generally I don’t think it’s enough.”
Adam Clayton is just one more member of U2 to speak out publicly about his views on the Trump politics. Bono once called the Trump presidency, “the worst idea that ever happened to America.” The lead singer of the band has been outspoken about his politics and who he disagrees with. Clayton is just following in his footsteps.
