I don't particularly like U2, but it has more to do with thier self-appointed generational spokesperson status than their music. It's very un-rock and roll to actively seek out a position like that. Look at Nirvana; I'm not a big fan of them either, but cultural influence was essentially thrust upon them, and they just shrugged it off and didn't give a rip. Isn't that how it should be done? Heck, theories exist that Bob Dylan intentionally botched Self Portrait just to get people off of his back. Back to the thread topic, U2's music is actually pretty solid when I detach it from their image. RHCP, on the other hand, just aren't all that good. Objectively, U2 is a much better band. Achtung.
Bring on the flak that I probably deserve for that.