80s Madness: U2 Demolishes Simple Minds; The Clash Easily Rolls Over Nine Inch Nails

Reports of U2’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. On Hector’s bracket, 2nd seeded U2’s The Joshua Tree delivered a record-setting victory over 7th Simple Minds’ Once Upon a Time. Meanwhile on John’s bracket, The Clash’s London Calling had no problem ousting Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine.

On Hector’s bracket, U2’s The Joshua Tree won 95.5% to 4.5% over Simple Minds’ Once Upon a Time. It is the second largest percentage in the four year history of Battle of the Bands (The Beatles got a perfect 100% against the Roots in 2020). The difference was the raw vote margin was the highest ever in a Battle of the Bands matchup.

On John’s bracket, The Clash’s London Calling came out of the gate strong, defeating Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine 70.6% to 29.4%

Both of the wins set up 2-3 matchups in the Sweet Sixteen for Hector and John. On Hector’s bracket, 2nd seeded U2’s The Joshua Tree faces 3rd seeded The Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill. Meanwhile on John’s bracket, 2nd seed The Clash’s London Calling faces 3rd seeded ZZ Top’s Eliminator.

To follow the current version of the brackets, see below:

• John’s Bracket
• Hector’s Bracket
• Dave’s Bracket
• Coop’s Bracket

To VOTE, go to the Cigar Coop Twitter Page for the latest matchups