I guess I don't have much to post on the second Steve Turner address. He talked about how he had had an influence on the lyrical content of U2's songs through a friendship with Bono and by sending literature periodically that he thought would interest the band. He played some songs and explained the stories and meanings behind the lyrics. Probably the most interesting thing I learned during this session was that U2 had a vision from the beginning to be a superstar rock band and felt specifically called by God to follow the path that they have.
The question that came up at the bar the night prior to this session was, "Who will fill the space of U2 for subsequent generations?" Sufjan Stevens was suggested, but I guess there are many ways of approaching that question. Would Stevens' brand of folk have the same widespread appeal as U2's music? Is widespread appeal an essential part of the formula? Is U2's social justice work an essential part of the formula? Who is serving this function in other arts and other areas of life?
There are always various names being thrown around as "the next U2", though I tend to pay more attention to claims like "the next Oasis" (made recently of the excellent Arctic Monkeys) since it's a little more modest.
Right now I don't see many people who combine the artistic, social and success visions of U2, and I think that combination is all important. Sufjan, for example, is very focussed on the artistic side and doesn't come across with the same drive for commercial success that Bono clearly has. Numerous other people do have the commercial drive, but don't have the artistic vision or the grasp of emerging zeitgeists that U2 have displayed.