Irish Rock
U2
U2
Behind stage names, expressive vocals and clever lyrics stand four Irishmen: Paul Hewson (Bono), David Evans (The Edge), Larry Mullen Jr, and Adam Clayton, the members of the Irish Rock band: U2.
With limited music proficiency the four formed a band during secondary school in Dublin in 1976. This lead two members to change their names to ‘The Edge’ and ‘Bono’ and was to also be the beginning of one of the most influential bands in music history, U2.
When the band first formed in 1976 the name, U2, was unheard of. The group originally called themselves ‘Feedback’ and later changed again to ‘The Hype’. After being told by other musicians that ‘The Hype’ was a horrible name it was suggested they name the band after a Spy Plane – the U2. It is safe to say that the rest is history and it is hard to imagine the band performing under a name different to one we have all come to love and idolise.
The early days of U2’s music were classified as Post Punk with Irish punk style songs such as ‘Boy Girl’, ‘I Will Follow’ and ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ released on their EP and the next three albums. As the years progressed so did their music. The group finally found their home within the Irish Rock style and went from heroes to superstars with the release of The Joshua Tree in 1987. This album features still popular hits such as: ‘With or Without You’, ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ and ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’.
Since the release of The Joshua Tree, U2 has released seven other studio albums, making for a total of twelve.
The magnitude of success that followed after the release of The Joshua Tree could never have been comprehended back in 1987. Music which was to follow, such as: ‘Beautiful Day’,’ Vertigo’, ‘Stuck in a Moment’ and ‘City of Blinding Lights’, are now songs the world cherishes and loves. As the fame surrounding the once post punk high school students escalated so did the love, lust and need for their music from people all around the globe.
Over the years U2 have embarked on 14 world tours and have been awarded 22 Grammys. Their most recent tour, 360 Tour, visited 30 countries and was described by Kate Miller, journalist for Take 40 Australia, as an amazing night and certainly a musical experience not to be forgotten showing the group still have what it takes to make a good show.
Apart from their amazing musical efforts, U2 and, in particular, Bono have also become world known for their monumental humanitarian efforts. In support of the ongoing fight to eradicate Third World poverty and provide essential aid to those living under the poverty line, Bono has positively used his success as an Irish Rock musician in becoming an activist, organiser and spokesman for these causes. His long running involvement with organisations such as Make Poverty History, ONE and Product Red, and U2’s involvement in Band Aid and Hope for Haiti led him to receive the prestigious Atlantic Council Humanitarian Leadership Award in 2010.
Releases
Boy (1980)
October (1981)
War (1983)
The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
The Joshua Tree (1987)
Rattle and Hum (1988)
Achtung Baby (1991)
Zooropa (1993)
Pop (1997)
All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000)
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)
No Line on the Horizon (2009)
With limited music proficiency the four formed a band during secondary school in Dublin in 1976. This lead two members to change their names to ‘The Edge’ and ‘Bono’ and was to also be the beginning of one of the most influential bands in music history, U2.
When the band first formed in 1976 the name, U2, was unheard of. The group originally called themselves ‘Feedback’ and later changed again to ‘The Hype’. After being told by other musicians that ‘The Hype’ was a horrible name it was suggested they name the band after a Spy Plane – the U2. It is safe to say that the rest is history and it is hard to imagine the band performing under a name different to one we have all come to love and idolise.
The early days of U2’s music were classified as Post Punk with Irish punk style songs such as ‘Boy Girl’, ‘I Will Follow’ and ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ released on their EP and the next three albums. As the years progressed so did their music. The group finally found their home within the Irish Rock style and went from heroes to superstars with the release of The Joshua Tree in 1987. This album features still popular hits such as: ‘With or Without You’, ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ and ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’.
Since the release of The Joshua Tree, U2 has released seven other studio albums, making for a total of twelve.
The magnitude of success that followed after the release of The Joshua Tree could never have been comprehended back in 1987. Music which was to follow, such as: ‘Beautiful Day’,’ Vertigo’, ‘Stuck in a Moment’ and ‘City of Blinding Lights’, are now songs the world cherishes and loves. As the fame surrounding the once post punk high school students escalated so did the love, lust and need for their music from people all around the globe.
Over the years U2 have embarked on 14 world tours and have been awarded 22 Grammys. Their most recent tour, 360 Tour, visited 30 countries and was described by Kate Miller, journalist for Take 40 Australia, as an amazing night and certainly a musical experience not to be forgotten showing the group still have what it takes to make a good show.
Apart from their amazing musical efforts, U2 and, in particular, Bono have also become world known for their monumental humanitarian efforts. In support of the ongoing fight to eradicate Third World poverty and provide essential aid to those living under the poverty line, Bono has positively used his success as an Irish Rock musician in becoming an activist, organiser and spokesman for these causes. His long running involvement with organisations such as Make Poverty History, ONE and Product Red, and U2’s involvement in Band Aid and Hope for Haiti led him to receive the prestigious Atlantic Council Humanitarian Leadership Award in 2010.
Releases
Boy (1980)
October (1981)
War (1983)
The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
The Joshua Tree (1987)
Rattle and Hum (1988)
Achtung Baby (1991)
Zooropa (1993)
Pop (1997)
All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000)
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)
No Line on the Horizon (2009)