From The Joshua Tree to Blood Sugar Sex Magik, from Automatic for the People to OK Computer, they produced some of the most memorable rock albums of the post-punk era. Beyond the music, though, the members of U2, R.E.M., Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers share several common bonds. Having emerged from punk's do-it-yourself ethos, they embody collective creativity over individual artistry. With the exception of the Chili Peppers' revolving-door guitarists, each band's lineup has remained stable while the groups outlasted most of their contemporaries. The twin...