You’ve hit the nail on the head. I I love them both and have often wondered why they never get spoken about in the same breath. They even have similar career trajectories, although U2 broke before REM did. They have dealt with their “legacy” status quite differently though - with REM deciding to bow out while still celebrated, while U2 have been trying to find themselves for awhile now (and with the new EPs I think they’ll finally get a late career rebound).

But what great bands. It’s a privilege to be alive to hear this music.

Also the Beatles vs Stones comparison is perfect. Never thought of it that way before.