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	November 2002
		Walk On - the Spiritual Journey of U2 by Steve Stockman, 2001, Relevant Media Group reviewed by Alex Wegman
			Steve Stockman is an authority on the music of Irish supergroup U2, particularly from a Christian perspective. The underlying themes of faith, justice and redemption in U2's catalogue have been the point of much contention within many circles over their 20-plus year career. Stockman, a Presbyterian minister from Northern Ireland has compiled this excellent book, drawing from many years of articles, interviews, analysis and insight. There are several biographical books in print that cover the history and attitudes of U2, but with Walk On Steve Stockman takes a close look at the spiritual underpinnings of the band's career, in particular that of its front man Bono, from their early days as members of Dublin's charismatic Shalom Fellowship through to their involvement with Live Aid, Jubilee 2000 and their response to the events of September 11. Spiritual nourishment I'm not a major aficionado of U2, but I do like their music and I am interested in them as people. I'm sure many are familiar with the cynicism directed at U2 from much of the Christian mainstream, e.g. 'I heard they were once Christian. Is that true?', or 'how can Bono be Christian and drink and swear and smoke?', etc. As readers of Walk On may conclude, buying into such cynicism is a waste of time when it comes to in-depth discussion of U2. For the record, and as is common knowledge in the music community, three of the four members of the band, Bono, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr, confess a Christian faith. I won't discuss too much of this book in detail, but I found it quite inspiring. Stockman argues that the deep-rooted Christian faith - a faith that is constantly struggling, questioning, discovering - of U2 has been a backbone to their uniqueness, passion, creativity and vitality as a band. In reading this book I am reminded of why the music of U2 and other artists like Bruce Cockburn can give me so much spiritual nourishment. Special mention is made of other musicians, such as Cockburn, T-Bone Burnett, Bob Dylan and John Lennon, who have had great impact on the musicians of U2. Honest lyrics Stockman gives many of U2's songs a thorough examination and turns up allusions to spiritual themes everywhere. An interesting point is made about `Contemporary Christian Music' and how, when U2 started in Dublin over twenty years ago, there was no Christian music sub-culture for them to get drawn into. They started where they were, saying what they did, and they've come this far. It was not a case of making it in the Christian scene and then trying to break out (as UK's Delirious have attempted). A lesson for Christians who feel the music press is prejudiced against them: if you make great music, the content will not hinder it. As I complete this review I am listening to a recent recording by Radiohead, a band known for their inventive, melancholic sounds and honest lyrics. I believe that we need to be ready to engage with modern `secular' music that is abundant with hints of pain, regret, searching, transcendence and (curiously?) repentance. This could well be the beginnings of another article for another day... By the way, Steve Stockman runs a radio program, Rhythm and Soul, on BBC Radio Ulster that is streamed over the web and worth checking out if you have a good net connection. He also maintains an excellent website at www.stocki.ni.org