Paul Donoghue, bassist/vocalist, Glasvegas

"I don't think there's a question over whether U2 still matter or not. They still play to stadiums of new and old fans alike, something very few acts can achieve over such a long career. They still have desire and soul, which doesn't seem to have waned. They're still writing strong material and aren't relying on their back catalogue, which so many people do. They also are a huge inspiration to so many people ... any band with aspirations larger than playing the local shithole to four of their mates has taken something from U2. And just look at the huge bands lining up to support them. It was an honour for us to support them, and if they threw the towel in tomorrow, they'd still be relevant in 50 years time. Of course they still matter."

Bertis Downs, R.E.M. advisor

"Of course U2 still matters--they make music all their own, are many people's favorite band, carry themselves in a manner like no one else, and make a huge difference with their approach to their responsibilities as a role model for so many others. And, to my ears, they are still pushing their creative envelope every time they release a record."

RJD2 (a.k.a. RJ or Ramble Krohn), artist/producer

"U2 sells out venues that are literally 100 times the size of rooms that I play. So if U2 doesn't 'matter,' then what is a degree 100 times smaller than 'mattering'? Does it surpass 'existing'? Whatever it is, that is what I am--sub-existence. Also, for the record, anyone who goes around saying things like 'someone doesn't matter' is a status-obsessed douche."

Glenn "G5" Gyorffy, bassist, Anvil

"Absolutely! U2 have been, and still are, one of the biggest bands in the world. They've inspired some of the greatest music of the past two-and-a-half decades as well. There was a time when they sounded unique but now you can hear their sound in just about every pop band. U2 will always matter! Just like the Beatles will always matter!"