Greg Carroll was a New Zealander whose journey from a roadie to a beloved friend of U2 left a lasting impact on the band. Born and raised in New Zealand, Carroll's initial connection with U2 began in the mid-1980s when he joined the band’s crew.
Carroll quickly became more than just a roadie; his reliability, calm demeanor, and humility endeared him to the band members, particularly Bono. Over time, he became a confidant and a close friend to the entire band.
Bono, in particular, found in Carroll a kindred spirit.
Carroll's Maori heritage fascinated Bono, who was deeply influenced by Carroll's sense of spirituality and his connection to the land and its traditions. This friendship became so integral to the band that Carroll was often seen as a part of the extended U2 family, traveling with them and sharing in their successes and struggles.
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Greg Carroll, London, Christmas Day 1984. - photo by Richard Morris. |
Tragically, Greg Carroll's life was cut short on July 3, 1986, in a motorcycle accident in Dublin, Ireland. The suddenness of his death deeply affected U2, especially Bono, who was devastated by the loss of his close friend. The band immediately flew to New Zealand to attend Carroll's funeral and, in a profound gesture of solidarity, carried his coffin to its final resting place.
In the wake of Greg Carroll's death, Bono channeled his grief into what would become one of U2's most poignant songs, "One Tree Hill."
Named after a volcanic peak in Auckland, New Zealand, which holds significant cultural importance to the Maori people, the song became both a tribute to Carroll and a reflection on themes of life, death, and the passage of time.
The lyrics of "One Tree Hill" are deeply personal, with Bono reflecting on his friendship with Carroll and the pain of losing him. The song’s opening lines, "We turn away to face the cold, enduring chill / As the day begs the night for mercy," encapsulate the emotional turmoil Bono experienced.
Musically, "One Tree Hill" stands out on U2’s 1987 album The Joshua Tree for its soulful and haunting sound, marked by The Edge's atmospheric guitar work and Bono’s impassioned vocals. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, echoing the emotional intensity of the lyrics. In the context of the album, "One Tree Hill" serves as a deeply personal moment amidst the broader themes of American landscapes and political struggles that define The Joshua Tree.
The actual One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) in Auckland is more than just a geographical landmark; it is a place of profound historical and cultural importance. For the Maori, One Tree Hill is a sacred site, historically serving as a fortified village (pa) and a place of burial. The solitary tree that once stood on its summit was a symbol of endurance and continuity, though it was eventually cut down in the 1850s.
The significance of One Tree Hill is not lost on the people of Auckland or New Zealand as a whole. It is a place where the past and the present converge, symbolizing both the enduring Maori heritage and the colonial history of New Zealand. For Greg Carroll, One Tree Hill represented a connection to his roots, his identity, and the spiritual landscape of his homeland.
"One Tree Hill" holds a unique place in U2's live performances. Recognizing the song’s deep emotional resonance, the band usually reserves it for their concerts in New Zealand. This practice is a nod to the song’s origins and its connection to Greg Carroll and the people of New Zealand.
When performed live, especially in New Zealand, "One Tree Hill" becomes more than just a song; it is a collective act of remembrance and tribute, both to Carroll and to the spirit of the land that inspired the song.
For U2, performing "One Tree Hill" in New Zealand is a way of honoring the memory of their friend in the most fitting context. The live performances are often marked by a sense of reverence and emotional depth, with audiences fully aware of the song's significance. It stands as a reminder of the enduring impact that Greg Carroll had on the band and the way his life, though tragically short, continues to resonate through their music.
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