"Under a Blood Red Sky" Album Description:
U2's "Under a Blood Red Sky" stands as a significant album in the band's discography, capturing the essence of their live performances during a pivotal time period. Released in 1983, the album not only showcased U2's electrifying stage presence but also became notable for a particular controversy surrounding the track "The Electric Co."
During the original release of the album, the version of "The Electric Co." included a 27-second snippet of Bono singing Stephen Sondheim's "Send In The Clowns." However, the band neglected to secure the necessary permissions and pay the appropriate licensing and royalty fees for this inclusion. When Sondheim raised objections, U2 consented to pay a $50,000 penalty for the unauthorized use and committed to pressing all future releases with a revised version that excluded the contentious snippet.
Consequently, there are two distinct versions of "The Electric Co." on different pressings of the album. The original version, found on the initial vinyl release, features the full 5:17 rendition of "Electric Co.," including the unauthorized snippet. Subsequent pressings corrected this issue, with the song ending at 4:51 and clearly indicating the alteration on the album details.
Collectors and enthusiasts seeking the unedited version of "Electric Co." should focus their efforts on tracking down the original vinyl pressing of "Under a Blood Red Sky." The key identifier is the duration listed on the album, with the initial release specifying 5:18, while later corrected pressings indicate 4:51.
This incident not only adds a layer of intrigue to the album's history but also reflects the challenges artists may face when navigating the complexities of licensing and copyright issues in the music industry. "Under a Blood Red Sky" remains a timeless testament to U2's live prowess, and the controversy surrounding "The Electric Co." serves as a reminder of the intricate legal landscape that artists must navigate in the pursuit of their creative endeavors.
