They have a tendency to completely fall apart right when the spotlight is brightest.

Huge run up from post punk darlings to next big thing, release Joshua Tree, dominate popular music: release Rattle & Hum, huge embarrassing failure, everyone is sick of you.

Disappear, write Achtung Baby, it’s massive, surprise EP follow up Zooropa while still on tour, more fame, everyone loves the whole ironic rock star act, nothing can touch you: debut Pop at a K-mart, you play a B Side that’s not the best, Discotheque flops, tour goes poorly, everyone is reminded of why they stopped listening.

Go away again, write All That You Can’t…., solid music, 9/11 rocks the world and uplifting songs like Beautiful Day help things feel a little brighter, play the Super Bowl, US flag lined jacket, Vertigo happens, iPod commercial, everyone is back on board, massive tours: Get on your fucking boots kills every bit of momentum. Hide for 5 years.