Sample Speech 11.3

U2 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Uno, dos, tres, catorce. That translates as one, two, three, fourteen. That is the correct math for a rock and roll band. For in art and love and rock and roll, the whole had better equal much more than the sum of its parts, or else you’re just rubbing two sticks together searching for fire. A great rock band searches for the same kind of combustible force that fueled the expansion of the universe after the big bang. . . .

It’s embarrassing to want so much, and to expect so much from music, except sometimes it happens—the Sun Sessions, Highway 61, Sgt. Pepper, The Band, Robert Johnson, Exile on Main Street, Born to Run—whoops, I meant to leave that one out [laughter]—the Sex Pistols, Aretha Franklin, the Clash, James Brown . . . the proud and public enemies it takes a nation of millions to hold back. This is music meant to take on not only the powers that be, but on a good day, the universe and God himself—if he was listening. It’s man’s accountability, and U2 belongs on this list. . . .

Compares U2 to other accomplished, well-known artists to show level of their success

They are both a step forward and direct descendants of the great bands who believed rock music could shake things up in the world, who dared to have faith in their audience, who believed if they played their best it would bring out the best in you. They believed in pop stardom and the big time. Now this requires foolishness and a calculating mind. It also requires a deeply held faith in the work you’re doing and in its powers to transform. U2 hungered for it all, and built a sound, and they wrote the songs that demanded it. . . .

Now the band’s beautiful songwriting—“Pride (In the Name of Love),” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “One,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “Beautiful Day”—reminds us of the stakes that the band always plays for. It’s an incredible songbook. In their music you hear the spirituality as home and as quest. How do you find God unless he’s in your heart? In your desire? In your feet? I believe this is a big part of what’s kept their band together all of these years. . . .

Lists U2’s impressive accomplishments

This band . . . has carried their faith in the great inspirational and resurrective power of rock and roll. It never faltered, only a little bit. They believed in themselves, but more importantly, they believed in “you, too.” Thank you Bono, the Edge, Adam, and Larry. Please welcome U2 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Source: From “Bruce Springsteen Inducts U2 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, March 17, 2005.” Retrieved from http://www.u2station.com/news/archives/2005/03/transcript_bruc.php. Used with permission of Bruce Springsteen.