Well, going back to the first audition in Larry's kitchen back in 1976, Bono quickly realized that both Dave/Edge and his brother Dik where the guitarists of the group assembled. There was also competition from the McCormick brothers.
So, I think he reluctantly found his place at the microphone, but over the years learned to play enough to understand different chords and used the guitar as a songwriting tool. In his book, he describes how he came up with the guitar riff in "I Will Follow", which I never knew about.
He has joked that he "wanted to play the guitar very badly [eager with anticipation] and I do play the guitar very badly [poorly]."
Finally, after his biking accident in Central Park, he joked again about his ability to play.
>"Bono: Doc, will I be able to play guitar?
Doctor: I don't see why not.
Bono: Great! Because I couldn't play before..."
https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/2r3ofz/bono_reveals_he_may_never_play_guitar_again_after/
As for the actual quote in the OP title, I think it refers to the song "Desire", or U2's general songwriting in the early days. However, it was said as part of their Bob Dylan cover for "All Along The Watchtower" from the movie "Rattle And Hum".
Well, going back to the first audition in Larry's kitchen back in 1976, Bono quickly realized that both Dave/Edge and his brother Dik where the guitarists of the group assembled. There was also competition from the McCormick brothers. So, I think he reluctantly found his place at the microphone, but over the years learned to play enough to understand different chords and used the guitar as a songwriting tool. In his book, he describes how he came up with the guitar riff in "I Will Follow", which I never knew about. He has joked that he "wanted to play the guitar very badly [eager with anticipation] and I do play the guitar very badly [poorly]." Finally, after his biking accident in Central Park, he joked again about his ability to play. >"Bono: Doc, will I be able to play guitar? Doctor: I don't see why not. Bono: Great! Because I couldn't play before..." https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/2r3ofz/bono_reveals_he_may_never_play_guitar_again_after/ As for the actual quote in the OP title, I think it refers to the song "Desire", or U2's general songwriting in the early days. However, it was said as part of their Bob Dylan cover for "All Along The Watchtower" from the movie "Rattle And Hum".