The sophomore slump is often the make-or-break moment for any successful band. Even with a stellar debut album, groups like The Clash and The Jam have struggled to recreate that magic on their second releases, resulting in disappointing efforts.
U2, despite their immense talent, faced a similar challenge with their sophomore album, October. Even The Edge admitted that no one in U2 wanted to revisit the song “Fire.”
Looking back, it’s easy to see why October didn’t resonate as intended. While it contains some strong moments, the concept of a record centered on Bono’s struggles with faith likely alienated many non-religious listeners right from the opening track, “Gloria.”
U2 had evolved significantly since their debut, Boy, but this transformation should have been welcomed. However, “Fire” was supposed to draw listeners back in but fell short. It wasn’t groundbreaking, yet it had a catchy chorus that seemed destined for stadium sing-alongs.
Unfortunately, the band viewed it as an unfinished idea rather than a fully realized song.
Years later, The Edge reflected on the October sessions, stating that “Fire” was one of their least favorite moments, noting, “The problem was it was high in potential but actually not very high on content.”
Still, U2 thrived in live performances, and “Fire” shone brighter on stage. A notable rendition from 1982 at the Werchter Festival showcased Bono’s electrifying presence and The Edge’s inventive guitar work, even before they had fully adopted their more theatrical style.
Perhaps “Fire” was simply a song ahead of its time, better suited for larger arenas. The crowd at Werchter was still getting to know the band, years away from experiencing U2 classics like “New Year’s Day.” As they evolved and honed their sound, “Fire” gradually disappeared from their setlists, overshadowed by the iconic tracks that emerged from The Joshua Tree.
If U2 aims to revitalize their classics on projects like Songs of Surrender, they should consider injecting some new energy into “Fire” for contemporary audiences.
