U2's Clayton: 'Music fan an outdated idea'

Adam Clayton has said that U2 must face the challenge of a future where the "music fan" is becoming extinct.

The bassist told The AP that he fears that rock 'n' roll could lose its relevance to the modern world as other music forms have done.

Clayton said: "The commercial challenges have to be confronted, but I think, in a sense, the more interesting challenge is, 'What is rock 'n' roll in this changing world?'.

"Because, to some extent, the concept of the music fan - the concept of the person who buys music and listens to music for the pleasure of music itself - is an outdated idea."

He added: "Music exists in an environment where people are multitasking, and I think that's a very different environment.

"[Jazz] was for people who took life a certain way, but it wasn't part of the modern world for me. I worry that the world of rock 'n' roll that I grew up in is destined to end up that way."

Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. said: "The biggest danger for a band like U2 is accepting that you've reached a certain age, and, therefore, you can just actually sit back.

"That's not what we signed up to do. We want to make relevant, great music, and Bono has said numerous times, 'One crap album and you're out'. We've avoided it so far."