Bono and the Edge Praise Julie Taymor, Injured Actor at 'Spider-Man' Discussion

With a track record like that of U2's Bono and the Edge, one would expect that anything they did would be effortless -- even composing the score for the much-publicized Broadway musical 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.' But in an interview in front of a New York City audience on Monday night, the Edge admitted that work on the production was touch and go at times. Still, he made a point to say, "We believed in the project. If we could get it right, it'll be an amazing thing."

Both the Edge and Bono spoke at a 92nd Street Y event on the eve of the official Broadway opening of 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.' (The accompanying cast album is also being released on Tuesday, June 14). Talking to interviewer and Jujamcyn Theaters president Jordan Roth, the two U2 members spoke of their involvement in the production, which has been in the news in the last couple of months because of its delayed opening, injuries to cast memberso9 and the departure of director Julie Taymor.

"She was so into it," Bono said about Taymor, who is best known for her work on the musical version of 'The Lion King.' "I miss her -- she's an extraordinary artist. But we have to make it work. We're very serious about what we do. We feel that it's our duty to her that it's a success."

"I loved it," he added about the production. "I've had suspended disbelief. I've been taken away by this."

About their initial involvement in the theater, the Edge had said that they recognized the potential of magic happening. "We were intrigued by it. If it was the right project, it might lead to something we want to do."

Brought up in the conversation was an aspect of Bono's early life: his own involvement in the theater as a 13-year-old in a production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.' He revealed a poignant memory from that experience: "It was the only time my mother saw me sing."

The singer also commented about the musical's main protagonist, Peter Parker/Spider-Man. "Peter Parker is such a great character," he said, "because he's not so fantastic at first. He's an ordinary guy that does extraordinary things."

In his questioning, moderator Roth brought up themes from the story of 'Spider-Man.' One of them was about "with great power comes great responsibility," which prompted a response from Bono about the band's activism. Another subject was about normalcy, to which Bono said, "I've forgotten that I'm famous," and then joked, "I think Edge never knew." He added: "I'll tell you who is a rock star, Chris Tierney [the 'Spider-Man' actor who was injured during a performance, and has returned to the production]. He's sort of a life force."

Audience members and online followers were invited to submit questions for the U2 members. Asked which song they wished they could have wrote, Bono cited 'Amazing Grace' and later mentioned Kris Kristofferson's 'Help Me Make It Through the Night' and Bob Dylan's 'Visions of Johanna.'

As far as the new musical itself, Bono believes there has been some support amid all the detractors: "I think people who love the theater, who love the process, they want to see us succeed."

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