# In 1997, George Harrison dismissed one band as the downfall of music. They’ve since gone on to sell over 200,000,000 records

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1997-george-harrison-dismissed-one-band-as-the-downfall-of-music-theyve-since-gone-on-to-sell-over-200000000-records/
- Published: 2026-11-05T13:43:39+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T14:42:44+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/george-harrison-dismissed-band-downfall-of-music-sell-over-200000000/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Harrison questioned U2’s lasting significance.
- U2 have sold more than 200 million records.
- He criticised music’s growing focus on attention and sales.

## Summary

George Harrison criticised U2 in 1997, saying the band’s showmanship and self-importance reflected what he saw as music’s decline. He also doubted they would be remembered 30 years later, a prediction that sits uneasily with their lasting commercial success.

Harrison argued that music was becoming more focused on selling and attracting attention than on talent or experimentation. U2 have since sold more than 200 million records, placing them 14th among the best-selling artists of all time, according to the article. Bono said the band loved Harrison despite his criticism.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.