From the U2 fansite interference:


It's true, 2005 is U2's year to shine, shimmy and rock the world to its knees with what promises to be another fantastic tour that will no doubt sell out most venues it plays.

But now the question is—who to induct our favorite boys from Dublin?

Based on their deep influence on the band, the late and undeniably great Joe Strummer and Joey Ramone would surely have been asked to do the honors. In their absence however, who would satisfy as a worthy replacement? U2 fans believe they have found candidates in Coldplay's Chris Martin, Oasis' Noel Gallagher, Pete Townshend and Bob Geldof.

Martin has never made a secret of the profound affect U2 has had on his life and its towering influence colors Coldplay's albums in every facet imaginable, from ringing guitars to delicate piano, accomplished songwriting and beautiful vocals.

"I think it would be nice to see someone that has been influenced by U2's music," said Interference.com member clementine_rose. "That being said, I think someone like Chris Martin would be a great choice. He has said a number of times that he is a fan of U2, and that Coldplay's music has been greatly influenced by them. I also think it would be neat to see a group that is young and starting out, maybe someone like Franz Ferdinand."

Next to Martin, another outspoken rock star/U2 admirer that found his way on the shortlist is Oasis' Noel Gallagher. While it has always been The Beatles' influence and pomp that has clouded the reputation of Oasis among music fans since the 1995 release of "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" the members of Oasis are also big fans of U2, even serving as the opening act for several California dates on the 1997 PopMart tour.

"The person who inducts an artist/band is almost always a younger band who was influenced by the inducted artist, and Oasis was," offered member U2Kitten. "Also, one of the songs on 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,' 'One Step Closer,' was dedicated to Noel. Bono used to joke that they were like their naughty little brothers and they babysat them as kids. The Gallaghers are hilarious and would make for a funny, cool, and interesting induction."

The Who's Pete Townshend is another name that came up often among U2 fans on the Interference.com message boards, citing Bono's recent proclamations that The Who "is everything U2 wanted to be" when the Dublin lads were first starting out. Perhaps appropriately, it was Bono who inducted The Who into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.