Where does U2 stack up among the best rock bands of all time?

As good as the Rolling Stones?? How about far superior to the Rolling Stones! U2's success has been built on a foundation of more than twenty years of original lyrics and composition, unlike the Stones who didn't write any of their own tunes until they were locked in a room by their record company and forced to! The Rolling Stones are just a pop act next to the rock star talent exhibited by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.!

Agreed. The options only applied to readers who have a somewhat negative view of the band. Keep in mind that your city is hosting an event that will be catering to thousands of people who think quite highly of U2 and their talent. Not to mention, I learned how to construct poll questions better than this one my freshman year of college. Way to go.

U2 has done what most rock bands have not, that is, they have existed and thrived for decades. Muse, the opening act has about nine years, so the question becomes, can they stay relevant and fresh. U2 has done this, by refreshing their music periodically. They have gone complex at times, then stripped down to basic quartet at others. And lyrics which preach, yet don't beat you over the head about world peace, love for neighbors, and grace. Most so called "Christian Rock" bands could take a lesson here, without repeating meaningless chants over and over in a sort of mindless haze. So U2 has survived and reached a pantheon inhabited by few bands. Longevity but relevance. Wow.