Within four years, they signed with Island Records and released their debut album, "Boy" (1980). Subsequent work such as their first UK number-one album, "War" (1983), and the singles "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)" helped establish U2's reputation as a politically and socially conscious group. By the mid-1980s, they had become renowned globally for their live act, highlighted by their performance at Live Aid in 1985. The group's fifth album, "The Joshua Tree" (1987), made them international superstars and was their greatest critical and commercial success. Topping music charts around the world, it produced their only number-one singles in the US to date: "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".
Introduction
U2
U2 | Introduction
"Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Pride (In the Name of Love)", "With or Without You", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". Sunday Bloody Sunday, Pride (In the Name of Love), With or Without You etc "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)". "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)"
who are the members of the band u2
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Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
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where is this band from ?
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Dublin.
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when was it created
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1976.
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name their first album ?
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"Boy".
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what was their musical style ?
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Rock.
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when was the above album released ?
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20 October 1980.
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who is the lead singer of the band ?
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Bono.
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what is he's full name ?
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Paul David Hewson.
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where was he born ?
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Dublin, Ireland.
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name some songs from this band ?
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U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin, formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). Initially rooted in post-punk, U2's musical style has evolved throughout their career, yet has maintained an anthemic quality built on Bono's expressive vocals and the Edge's effects-based guitar textures. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal and sociopolitical themes. Popular for their live performances, the group have staged several ambitious and elaborate tours over their career. The band formed as teenagers while attending Mount Temple Comprehensive School, when they had limited musical proficiency.
U2 | Introduction
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. The band formed in 1976 and released their debut EP "Three" in 1979 exclusively in Ireland. Following the release of their single "Another Day" in 1980, U2 signed a recording contract with Island Records, and released their first album, "Boy", later that year. The band has since released 14 studio albums, the most recent being "Songs of Experience" in 2017. To date, U2 has released 436 songs.
List of songs recorded by U2 | Introduction
In 2005, "Blender" ranked the song at number 214 on its list "The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born". The magazine wrote, "The first song on U2's first album introduced the guitar sound that would define their work. [...] The arena-ready clarion call also established Bono's trademark lyrical earnestness, one of the reasons the song remains a fan favorite and a staple of the band's recent tours."
I Will Follow | Reception and legacy
The band that would eventually be named U2 formed in Dublin on 25 September 1976. Dik and his brother Dave were two of six people to respond to a note that Larry Mullen Jr. posted on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in search of musicians for a new band. The group set up in Mullen's kitchen, with the Evans brothers on guitar—at the first meeting, the duo shared a single home-made instrument between them. They soon whittled down the lineup to a five-piece and settled on the name "Feedback" because it was one of the few technical terms they knew.
Dik Evans | Career
One of Kasem's milder comments, after trying to deliver a run-down of U2's line-up, was "These guys are from England and who gives a shit?" All four members of U2 are actually from the Republic of Ireland, although Adam Clayton and The Edge were born in England. U2's label Island Records quickly sued Negativland, claiming that placing the word "U2" on the cover violated trademark law, as did the song itself. Island Records also claimed that the single was an attempt to deliberately confuse U2 fans, then awaiting the impending release of "Achtung Baby".
U2 (EP) | History
synth pulses" reminiscent of Kraftwerk. Their album "The Man-Machine" was gifted by Bono to Ali when they were dating as teenagers and is name-checked in "Iris (Hold Me Close)" in the line, "But it was you who made me your man/Machine". "This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now" takes musical cues from one of the group's childhood inspirations, the Clash; according to the liner notes, the song is dedicated to the Clash's guitarist/vocalist Joe Strummer. The lyrics were inspired by Bono's realisation that he had found a new family and home in the form of U2, having felt like his childhood house was no longer home after his mother's death.
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Composition
McCormick was born in England but later moved with his family to Scotland, then Ireland. He attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin at the same time as all the future members of U2.
Neil McCormick | Early life
The nickname is commonly believed to be derived from the angular shape of Evans' head. However, the origin of the name is disputed and other theories include a description of his guitar playing and his preference for not becoming fully involved and therefore remaining on the edge of things. U2 began its public performance life in small venues in Dublin in 1977, occasionally playing at other venues elsewhere in Ireland. In December 1979, they performed their first concerts outside Ireland, in London, and in 1980 began extensive touring across the British Isles, developing a following. Their debut album "Boy" was released in 1980.
The Edge | U2
They returned to Dublin in 1991, where morale improved and the majority of the album was completed. "Achtung Baby" was released in November 1991. The album represented a calculated change in musical and thematic direction for the group; the shift was one of their most dramatic since "The Unforgettable Fire". Sonically, the record incorporated influences from alternative rock, dance, and industrial music of the time, and Bono referred to its musical departure as "four men chopping down the Joshua Tree". Thematically, it was a more introspective and personal record; it was darker, yet at times more flippant than the band's previous work.
U2 | "Achtung Baby", Zoo TV, and "Zooropa" (1990–1993)
"Bad" originated from a guitar riff that the Edge improvised during a jam session at Slane Castle, where U2 were recording "The Unforgettable Fire." The basic track was completed in three takes. Of its immediate and live nature, the Edge said, "There's one moment where [drummer] Larry [Mullen Jr.] puts down brushes and takes up the sticks and it creates this pause which has an incredibly dramatic effect." Producer Brian Eno added the sequencer arpeggios that accompany the song. The early 1980s recession had led to a high number of heroin addicts in inner city Dublin. In concert, lead vocalist Bono frequently introduced the song as a song about Dublin.
Bad (U2 song) | History
On 25 September 1976, Bono, David Evans ("The Edge"), his brother Dik and Adam Clayton responded to an advertisement on a bulletin board at Mount Temple posted by fellow student Larry Mullen Jr. to form a rock band. The band had occasional jam sessions in which they did covers of other bands. Tired of long guitar solos and hard rock, Bono wanted to play The Rolling Stones and Beach Boys songs. The band could not play covers very well, so they started writing their own songs. The band went by the name "Feedback" for a few months, before changing to "The Hype" later on.
Bono | U2
The prize consisted of £500 and studio time to record a demo which would be heard by record label CBS Ireland. The win was an important milestone and affirmation for the fledgling band. Within a few days, Dik Evans was officially phased out of the band with a farewell concert at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Howth. During the show, which featured the group playing cover songs as the Hype, Dik ceremonially walked offstage. The remaining four band members returned later in the concert to play original material as U2. Dik joined another band, the Virgin Prunes, which comprised mutual friends of U2's; the Prunes were their default opening act early on, and the two groups often shared members for live performances to cover for occasional absences.
U2 | Formation and early years (1976–1980)
"One" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1991 album "Achtung Baby", and it was released as the record's third single in February 1992. During the album's recording sessions at Hansa Studios in Berlin, conflict arose between the band members over the direction of U2's sound and the quality of their material. Tensions almost prompted the band to break up until they achieved a breakthrough with the improvisation of "One"; the song was written after the band members were inspired by a chord progression that guitarist the Edge was playing in the studio.
One (U2 song) | Introduction
In issue 14 of U2's fan magazine "Propaganda", Lanois said that he believed some of the in-progress songs would become worldwide hits, despite lyrics and vocal takes being unfinished.
Achtung Baby | Dublin sessions
Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960), known by his stage name Bono (), is an Irish singer, songwriter, philanthropist, activist, venture capitalist, businessman, and actor. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of rock band U2. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, he attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his future wife, Alison Stewart, as well as schoolmates with whom he formed U2 in 1976. Bono soon established himself as a passionate frontman for the band through his expressive vocal style and grandiose gestures and songwriting. His lyrics are known for their social and political themes, and for their religious imagery inspired by his Christian beliefs.
Bono | Introduction
U2 Additional performers Technical
Boy (album) | Personnel
"Please" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the eleventh track on their 1997 album, "Pop", and was released as its fourth single on 20 October 1997. As with "Sunday Bloody Sunday", the song is about The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The single cover for this song features the pictures of four Northern Irish politicians – Gerry Adams, David Trimble, Ian Paisley, and John Hume (clockwise from top left). Two months before the release of the single, live versions of "Please" and three other songs from the PopMart Tour were released on the "" in September 1997.
Please (U2 song) | Introduction
Following an argument with his girlfriend, and a period of doubt in his own song-writing abilities, the Edge – "feeling depressed... channeled [his] fear and frustration and self-loathing into a piece of music." Early versions of the song opened with the line, "Don't talk to me about the rights of the IRA, UDA". After Bono had reworked the lyrics, the band recorded the song. The opening drum pattern soon developed into the song's hook. A local violinist, Steve Wickham, approached the Edge one morning at a bus stop and asked if U2 had any need for a violin on their next album.
War (U2 album) | Recording
According to music journalist Jon Pareles, "Songs of Innocence" features U2 strictly playing rock music, particularly arena rock, whose elaborate production "puts a higher gloss, and sometimes a heavier fuzz tone, on the band's instantly recognizable sound". Thematically, "Songs of Innocence" revisits the group members' youth in Ireland in the 1970s, touching on childhood memories, loves, and losses, while paying tribute to their musical inspirations. Bono described it as "the most personal album we've written". In an interview with Gus Wenner of "Rolling Stone", he said, "Let's try to figure out why we wanted to be in a band, the relationships around the band, our friendships, our lovers, our family.
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Composition
In 1976, Larry Mullen Jr., then a 14-year-old student at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, Ireland, posted a note on the school's notice board in search of musicians for a new band. Six people responded and met at his house on 25 September. Set up in the kitchen, Mullen was on drums, with: Paul Hewson ("Bono") on lead vocals; David Evans ("the Edge") and his older brother Dik Evans on guitar; Adam Clayton, a friend of the Evans brothers, on bass guitar; and initially Ivan McCormick and Peter Martin, two other friends of Mullen. Mullen later described it as "'The Larry Mullen Band' for about ten minutes, then Bono walked in and blew any chance I had of being in charge." Martin, who had brought his guitar and amplifier to the first practice but could not play, did not remain with the group, and McCormick was dropped after a few weeks.
U2 | Formation and early years (1976–1980)
This list shows cover versions of songs originally by the Irish rock band U2 that have been recorded and released.
List of cover versions of U2 songs | Introduction
The band were rather anxious about the quality of their material, but when Eno arrived in Berlin, they were surprised to hear that he liked most of the tapes. However, as Bono recalls, Eno said, "There's just one song I really despise, and that's 'One'." Eno felt that they needed to deconstruct the song. The band returned to Dublin in 1991 to record at the "Elsinore" mansion on the Dalkey coastline. The band continued to work on the song there, adding various overdubs, but not finding a mix they were satisfied with. The Edge thought that they had the foundation for the song, but that it needed "foreground".
One (U2 song) | Writing and recording
In 2010, "Rolling Stone" magazine placed the single at number 435 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". This song was also included in the Pitchfork 500. The UK cover features a photograph of Peter Rowen, who grew up near U2 lead vocalist Bono in Ireland.
New Year's Day (U2 song) | Introduction
"Raised by Wolves" is about the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, which killed 33 people but were narrowly avoided by Bono that day. The song is written from the perspective of Andy Rowen (brother of Bono's childhood friend Guggi), whose presence at the bombings would later drive him into heroin addiction, a subject also addressed in U2's 1984 song "Bad". "Cedarwood Road" reminisces about the street in Dublin on which Bono lived during his youth. The cherry blossom tree referenced in the lyrics was from the Rowen family garden. "Sleep Like a Baby Tonight", written about a pedophile priest, was described by "Q"s Tom Doyle as featuring "deceptively lullaby-like...
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Composition
The whole album is first journeys—first journeys geographically, spiritually, sexually." He said that he felt challenged to write about more personal themes and why he wanted to be in a rock band after producer Jimmy Iovine told him, "The person you need to be to make the album that you wanna make is a long way from where you live." "Rolling Stone" deemed "Songs of Innocence" as having the feeling of a concept album, a notion that Bono rejected, although he did opine it was lyrically cohesive in a way the group's other records were not. For the album, the group revisited adolescent musical influences, such as punk rock band Ramones and electronic music group Kraftwerk, for inspiration.
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Composition
The song originated from a demo recorded in late 1985 that the group continued to work on throughout "The Joshua Tree" sessions. Ostensibly a troubled love song, the track's lyrics were inspired by Bono's conflicting feelings about the lives he led as a musician and domestic man. Critics praised the song upon its release. It is frequently performed on the band's tours, and it has appeared on many of their compilation albums and concert films. "With or Without You" is U2's second most frequently covered song. In 2010, "Rolling Stone" magazine placed the song at number 132 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
With or Without You | Introduction
The closing track, "The Troubles", was described by Bono as "an uncomfortable song about domestic violence". The deluxe editions of the album feature two additional songs. "Lucifer's Hands" is based on an instrumental piece titled "Return of the Stingray Guitar" that U2 debuted live in 2010 and performed as the opening song at each of their 32 concerts that year. "The Crystal Ballroom" is written about the former Dublin nightclub of the same name (later known as McGonagle's) where the band frequently performed in their early years. Lyrically, Bono imagines himself on-stage at the venue witnessing his parents dancing in the audience.
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Composition
The band later changed their name to "The Hype", and again to "U2" for a 1978 talent contest in Limerick, Ireland, that they entered and won as a four-piece. Days after the competition, the band's reduction to a four-piece lineup became permanent after they parted ways with Dik. Mullen left school in 1978, having taken his Intermediate Certificate exams. The school offered him the chance to complete his Leaving Certificate exams. He and his sister Cecilia worked for an American company in Dublin, involved in oil exploration off the coast of Ireland. Mullen worked there for a year in the purchasing department, with the prospect of becoming a computer programmer in their geology section.
Larry Mullen Jr. | U2
Blige on her album "The Breakthrough".
One (U2 song) | Introduction
After Dik Evans left the group to join another local band, the Virgin Prunes, the remaining four officially changed the name from "The Hype" to "U2". Initially Bono sang, played guitar and wrote the band's songs. He said of his early guitar playing in a 1982 interview, "When we started out I was the guitar player, along with the Edge—except I couldn't play guitar. I still can't. I was such a lousy guitar player that one day they broke it to me that maybe I should sing instead. I had tried before, but I had no voice at all. I remember the day I found I could sing.
Bono | U2
"Early Demos" is an EP containing three demos, produced by Barry Devlin and recorded at Keystone Studios in November 1978. These songs are the band's second recorded studio work. "Street Mission" and "The Fool" have not been on any other album. "Shadows and Tall Trees" was the final track on their first studio album "Boy", released in 1980.
The Complete U2 | "Early Demos"
Dik Evans, who was older and by this time at college, was becoming the odd man out. The rest of the band was leaning towards the idea of a four-piece ensemble. In March 1978, the group changed their name to "U2". Steve Averill, a punk rock musician (with the Radiators) and family friend of Clayton's, had suggested six potential names from which the band chose "U2" for its ambiguity and open-ended interpretations, and because it was the name that they disliked the least. That same month, U2, as a four-piece, won a talent contest in Limerick sponsored by Harp Lager and the "Evening Press".
U2 | Formation and early years (1976–1980)
U2's lyrics are known for their social and political themes, and are often embellished with Christian and spiritual imagery. Songs such as "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Silver and Gold", and "Mothers of the Disappeared" were motivated by current events of the time. The first was written about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, while the last was a tribute to COMADRES, the women whose children were killed or forcibly disappeared at the hands of the Salvadoran government during the country's civil war. The song "Running to Stand Still" from "The Joshua Tree" was inspired by the heroin addiction that was sweeping through Dublin—the lyric "I see seven towers, but I only see one way out" references the Ballymun Towers of Dublin's Northside and the imagery throughout the song personifies the struggles of addiction.
U2 | Lyrics and themes
Boy is the debut studio album by Irish rock band U2. It was released on 20 October 1980 by Island Records and was produced by Steve Lillywhite. "Boy" contains songs from the band's 40-song repertoire at the time, including two tracks that were re-recorded from their original versions on the group's debut release, the EP "Three". "Boy" was recorded from July to September 1980 at Dublin's Windmill Lane Studios, which became U2's chosen recording location during the 1980s. It was their first time working with Lillywhite, who employed unorthodox production techniques such as recording drummer Larry Mullen Jr. playing in a stairwell, and recording smashed bottles and forks played against a spinning bicycle wheel.
Boy (album) | Introduction
Clayton later changed school to the non-boarding Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, where he met future U2 bandmates Paul Hewson ("Bono") and Larry Mullen Jr., who were also pupils there, and was reunited with his childhood friend David Evans.
Adam Clayton | Early life
"I Threw a Brick Through a Window" was one of the band's first songs to highlight drummer Larry Mullen, Jr., while "Gloria" highlights bassist Adam Clayton as it features three styles of playing in one song (using a pick for the most part, playing with fingers during the slide guitar by The Edge, then a "slap & pop" solo towards the end). "Is That All?" borrows the riff from "Cry", an older song the band has used as an introduction to "The Electric Co." live.
October (U2 album) | Composition
The song's riff and techno dance rhythm are then introduced. The break in the song's rhythm section features guitar sounds utilizing a "Big Cheese", an effects pedal made by Lovetone. Writer John D. Luerssen noted that the song is "often cited as U2's first experiment with electronica," calling it "a continuation of the experimentation the band had done on "Zooropa"." "Do You Feel Loved", which was considered for a single release, runs at a slower pace and features electronic elements. Bono said of the song: "It's quite a question, but there's no question mark on it," as the band took the question mark off the title of the song for fearing it would be perceived as "too heavy."
Pop (U2 album) | Composition
The same day, U2 played a show at the 2,000-seat National Stadium in Dublin as part of an Irish tour. Despite their gamble of booking a concert in such a large venue, the move paid off. Bill Stewart, an A&R representative for Island Records, was in attendance and offered to sign them to the label. The following month, the band signed a four-year, four-album contract with Island, which included a £50,000 advance and £50,000 in tour support.
U2 | Formation and early years (1976–1980)
Tobey Maguire's character Captain Sam Cahill was the inspiration for the lyric, with the band noting that the focus on "intense hidden emotion" and the secrets he held inside "was a jumping off point, thematically." Bono noted that Sheridan wanted a "complex song for a complex character" and so the band wrote two songs: "Winter" and "White as Snow". While "White as Snow" focuses more on the relationship between the Cahill brothers, "Winter" is a "more universal song about the experience of the armed forces in Afghanistan."
Winter (U2 song) | Writing and recording
After Bonnie's death, his daughter Monica took over for him, but Mullen gave up the lessons and started playing by himself. His mother died in a car accident in 1976. Before founding U2, Mullen joined a Dublin marching band called the Artane Boys Band at the suggestion of his father. Mullen said that the band focused more on learning to read sheet music, whereas he wanted to spend more time playing the drums. He was asked by the band to cut his shoulder-length hair, and despite acquiescing and cutting a few inches off, he was asked to shorten it further.
Larry Mullen Jr. | Early life
"Trip Through Your Wires" is a song by the Irish rock band U2 and the eighth track on their 1987 album, "The Joshua Tree". The song has a bluesy rhythm and features lead singer Bono on harmonica. In 1986, an early version of this song, containing different lyrics, was performed on the RTÉ programme "TV GAGA". During the song's recording, the producer Daniel Lanois played the Omnichord, an electronic autoharp. He plugged it into the equipment of the guitarist the Edge, using his delay effect units and guitar amplifier. Lanois said it sounded like an organ "jangling in the background".
Trip Through Your Wires | Introduction
The lyrics, written by lead singer Bono, were inspired by the band members' fractured relationships and the German reunification. Although the lyrics ostensibly describe "disunity", they have been interpreted in other ways. "One" was released as a benefit single, with proceeds going towards AIDS research. The song topped the Irish Singles Charts, the Canadian "RPM" Top Singles chart and the US "Billboard" Album Rock Tracks and Modern Rock Tracks charts. It also peaked at number three in New Zealand, number four in Australia, number seven on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the "Billboard" Hot 100. In promotion of the song, the band filmed several music videos, although they were not pleased until a third was created.
One (U2 song) | Introduction
At the beginning of the song, Bono counts off in Spanish "Unos, dos, tres, catorce!" In English, this translates to "some, two, three, fourteen!" When asked about this oddity in an interview for "Rolling Stone", Bono replied "there may have been some alcohol involved". Some sources have suggested that as the first words spoken on the album, the lyrical choice was a deliberate nod to Exodus 3:14 (the first Testament (Old) of the Christian Bible, second book, third chapter, fourteenth verse), whereby after Moses asks God's name, God responds "I Am that I Am". This theory is supported by the fact the final track on the "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" album is titled "Yahweh", another name for the Abrahamic god.
Vertigo (U2 song) | Composition
"Running to Stand Still" is the fifth track from U2's 1987 album, "The Joshua Tree". It is a soft, slow, keyboard-based song about a heroin-addicted woman from the Ballymun Seven Towers area of Dublin.
List of cover versions of U2 songs | Running to Stand Still
Bono and the Edge believed the lack of progress was the fault of the band, while Clayton and Mullen Jr. believed the problem was the quality of the songs. Mullen said he "thought this might be the end" of the band. Ultimately, a breakthrough in the sessions was achieved. While jamming on a song called "Sick Puppy"—an early version of "Mysterious Ways"—the band tried different chord progressions for the bridge. The jam stopped and the Edge tried playing them alone on an acoustic guitar, as "everyone was trying to decide if they were any good." At the suggestion of producer Daniel Lanois, the Edge played two separate sections sequentially.
One (U2 song) | Writing and recording
The discography of the Irish rock band U2 consists of 14 studio albums, one live album, three compilation albums, 67 singles, and nine extended plays (EPs). The band formed at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in 1976 as teenagers. In 1979, the group issued their first release, the EP "U2-3", which sold well in Ireland. The following year, the group signed to Island Records and released their debut album, "Boy". It reached number 52 in the UK and number 63 in the US. They followed it up with the release of "October" (1981) and "War" (1983). "War" was a commercial success, becoming the band's first number-one album in the UK while reaching number 12 in the US.
U2 discography | Introduction
"Running to Stand Still" was written by U2 in the context of the heroin addiction epidemic in Dublin of the 1980s, much like "Bad" (and to some extent "Wire") had been from their 1984 album "The Unforgettable Fire". Bassist Adam Clayton has referred to the song as "Bad Part II". Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott's decline and death from addiction also resonated with Clayton at the time. Until their 2014 album "Songs of Innocence", U2 had written relatively few songs directly related to their growing up in Dublin, often giving higher priority to works about The Troubles in Northern Ireland or to international concerns.
Running to Stand Still | Background
The time required to complete "Pop" cut into the band's rehearsal time for the tour, which affected the quality of initial shows.
Pop (U2 album) | Introduction
The rest of the band was leaning towards the idea of a four-piece ensemble. In March 1978, the group changed their name to "U2". That same month, U2, as a four-piece without Dik, won a talent contest in Limerick sponsored by Harp Lager and the "Evening Press". The win was an important milestone and affirmation for the fledgling band. Within a few days, Dik was officially phased out of the band with a farewell concert at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Howth. During the show, which featured the group playing cover songs as the Hype, Dik ceremonially walked offstage. The remaining four band members returned later in the concert to play original material as U2.
Dik Evans | Career
"Iris (Hold Me Close)" is written about Bono's mother, Iris, who died after suffering a cerebral aneurysm at her father's funeral when Bono was 14 years old. The lyrics liken her influence over her son to a star that died long ago but whose light is still reaching earth. Bono rewrote the song's lyrics after reading a letter that journalist James Foley wrote in captivity to his family prior to his being killed by ISIS; the letters made Bono realize that "we will all be remembered by the least-profound moments. The simplest moments." The lyrics for "Volcano" are written from the perspective of a younger Bono addressing his modern-day self; he said, "It's this young guy going, 'The fuck happened to you?'" The Edge composed the song's bass intro.
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Composition
"Bad" is a song by Irish rock band U2 and the seventh track on their 1984 album, "The Unforgettable Fire". Thematically, the song is about heroin addiction, though lead vocalist Bono has given varying accounts of who was the inspiration behind his lyrics. "Bad" is considered a fan favourite and is one of U2's most frequently performed songs in concert. The band's 12-minute performance of the song at the Live Aid charity concert in 1985 was a breakthrough moment for them. A live version of the song appears on U2's 1985 EP "Wide Awake in America"; this rendition became popular on album-oriented rock radio stations.
Bad (U2 song) | Introduction
"Gone" is a song by Irish rock band U2, and is the seventh track on their 1997 album, "Pop". It is also included on their 2002 compilation album, "The Best of 1990–2000", in a reworked version. A highlight of the PopMart Tour, it was often dedicated to Michael Hutchence during the final few months of the PopMart Tour and during the following Elevation Tour. Lead vocalist Bono frequently refers to it as one of his favorite songs of the band's. Guitarist the Edge has also stated he was very pleased with the "New Mix" of the song available on "The Best of 1990–2000".
Gone (U2 song) | Introduction
Dave Marsh of "Rolling Stone" said the record's music was "unpretentious and riveting" and called U2 "easily the best Irish rock band since Van Morrison's original Them troupe". He also lauded Lillywhite for his "always spearheaded production". In a separate review for "Rolling Stone", Debra Rae Cohen found the band skilled and likeable while crediting Lillywhite for helping them "blend echoes of several of Britain's more adventurous bands into a sound that's rich, lively and comparatively commercial." Overall, she believed the album did not live up to the high standard set by the opening track "I Will Follow", finding most of it "diffuse and uneven".
Boy (album) | Reception
"Like a Song..." is the fourth track from U2's 1983 album, "War". It was only played live once, on 26 February 1983 in Dundee, Scotland.
List of cover versions of U2 songs | Like a Song
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the second track from their 1987 album "The Joshua Tree" and was released as the album's second single in May 1987. The song was a hit, becoming the band's second consecutive number-one single on the US "Billboard" Hot 100 while peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart. The song originated from a demo the band recorded on which drummer Larry Mullen Jr. played a unique rhythm pattern. Like much of "The Joshua Tree", the song was inspired by the group's interest in American music.
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For | Introduction
"Analogue"s Brendan McGuirk described them as "Louth's answer to an early form of Radiohead". After witnessing one performance at The Black Box in Belfast, "Hot Press" commented: "There's a playful grope with U2 here, a quick fumble with Talking Heads there and a covert, climactic Krautrock fondle at the end", while the vocals and guitars on "Stop and Remember" were compared to Gang of Four by the magazine. "The Irish Times" observed that they did not fit into any of Dublin's "many micro-musical scenes".
The Immediate | Style
And, you know, that song's not just about heroin: it's about a lot of things. None of our songs, really, are just about one thing."
Bad (U2 song) | History
Adam Sweeting of "The Guardian" said that with the album, U2 "evolved a raw, semi-industrial noise though which to filter strong melodies and thrusting funk-rock grooves". He praised the group for improving their songwriting and incorporating "black humour" into darker lyrical themes. He called the album "quite an achievement" in following up a successful record, responding to emerging musical influences, and expanding the band's sound while still pleasing existing fans. Greg Kot of the "Chicago Tribune" felt the record "shows the band in a grittier light: disrupting, rather than fulfilling, expectations". He praised Lanois' production and said that due to the Edge's guitar playing, "U2 sounds punkier than it has since its 1980 debut, "Boy"".
Achtung Baby | Reception
Bono later sent a note to the Dalai Lama declining an invitation to a festival called "Oneness", incorporating a line from the song: "One—but not the same". The song's writing inspired the band and changed their outlook on the recording sessions. Mullen Jr. said the song reaffirmed the band's "blank page approach" to recording and reassured the band that all was not lost. Following the song's initial improvisation, tapes of the recording sessions were delivered to assisting producer Brian Eno to gather his input; Eno spent extended periods of time away from the sessions before visiting to review songs, and he believed that distancing himself from the work allowed him to provide the band with a fresh perspective on their material each time he rejoined them.
One (U2 song) | Writing and recording
After "War" had been recorded, but three months before it was released, U2 began playing the Pre-War Tour: 20 shows, and a television appearance, in halls in Western Europe, commencing on 1 December 1982 in Glasgow and finishing in the band's home town, Dublin, on 24 December. These shows generally featured only three songs from the upcoming album – "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "New Year's Day", and "Surrender". The 20 December performance in Belfast's Maysfield Leisure Centre represented the first airing of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" in Northern Ireland; lead singer Bono told the crowd, "We're going to do a song for you now.
War Tour | Itinerary
The band had limited time to write new music on tour and in July began a two-month recording session at Windmill Lane Studios largely unprepared, forcing Bono to quickly improvise lyrics. Lillywhite, reprising his role as producer, called the sessions "completely chaotic and mad". "October"s lead single, "Fire", was released in July and was U2's first song to chart in the UK. Despite garnering the band an appearance on UK television programme "Top of the Pops", the single fell in the charts afterwards. On 16 August 1981, the group opened for Thin Lizzy at the inaugural Slane Concert, but the Edge called it "one of the worst shows [U2] ever played in [their] lives".
U2 | "Boy" and "October" (1980–1982)
The 1980s saw the rise to stardom of the most successful Irish rock band, U2. Since the release of their album "Boy" in 1980, U2 has grown to become one of the biggest rock bands in the world. In fact, "Rolling Stone" claims this band to be "the biggest band in the world." Band members Bono (Paul Hewson), The Edge (David Evans), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr have brought international attention to this unique genre. Within four years of starting the band, they were signed onto Island Records. Their 1987 album, "Joshua Tree" sent them over the top. Now, in the third decade of their career, they continue to achieve enormous commercial and critical success.
Rock music in Ireland | 1980s
"All Because of You" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the sixth track on their eleventh studio album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" (2004). The song was released as the album's second single in North America on 8 February 2005 and fourth single in other territories on 10 October 2005. The song was released for airplay in the United States concurrently with the album release date (the first single, "Vertigo", had been released prior to the album debut).
All Because of You (U2 song) | Introduction
"Where the Streets Have No Name" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the opening track from their 1987 album "The Joshua Tree" and was released as the album's third single in August 1987. The song's hook is a repeating guitar arpeggio using a delay effect, played during the song's introduction and again at the end. Lead vocalist Bono wrote the lyrics in response to the notion that it is possible to identify a person's religion and income based on the street on which they lived, particularly in Belfast. During the band's difficulties recording the song, producer Brian Eno considered erasing the song's tapes to have them start from scratch.
Where the Streets Have No Name | Introduction
Three, also known as U2 3, is the debut release by Irish rock band U2. It was released in Ireland on 26 September 1979 through the CBS Ireland record label. "Three" comprises three songs recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in August 1979, with the label's A&R representative Chas de Whalley serving as producer. "Out of Control" appears on the A-side, with "Stories for Boys" and "Boy/Girl" on the B-side, the result of a listener poll on Dave Fanning's radio programme; the release is variously referred to as a single and an EP. It was the group's first chart success, selling all 1,000 copies of its limited-edition 12-inch vinyl almost immediately.
Three (U2 EP) | Introduction
The following albums are only officially available as part of this set:
The Complete U2 | Digital box set-exclusive albums
Adapted from the liner notes. U2 Additional performers
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Personnel
In the United States, the song peaked at number 21 on the Adult Top 40, number 19 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and number 10 on the Alternative Songs chart. It also topped the charts in Canada, and reached the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Walk On (U2 song) | Introduction
The remaining five members settled on the name "Feedback" for the group because it was one of the few technical terms they knew. Most of their initial material consisted of cover songs, which they admitted was not their forte. Some of the earliest influences on the band were emerging punk rock acts, such as the Jam, the Clash, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols. The popularity of punk rock convinced the group that musical proficiency was not a prerequisite to success. In April 1977, Feedback played their first gig for a paying audience at St. Fintan's High School. Shortly thereafter, the band changed their name to "The Hype".
U2 | Formation and early years (1976–1980)
In August, U2 recorded demos at Windmill Lane Studios with CBS talent scout Chas de Whalley producing, marking the first of the band's many recordings at the studio during their career. The following month, three songs from the session were released by CBS as the Ireland-only EP "Three". It was the group's first chart success, selling all 1,000 copies of its limited edition 12-inch vinyl almost immediately. In December 1979, the band performed in London for their first shows outside Ireland, although they were unable to gain much attention from audiences or critics. On 26 February 1980, their second single, "Another Day", was released on the CBS label, but again only for the Irish market.
U2 | Formation and early years (1976–1980)
While the Evans brothers were at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin in 1976, they went along to a meeting in response to an advert posted by another pupil, Larry Mullen Jr., on the school's noticeboard seeking musicians to form a new band with him. Among the several other pupils who also responded to the note were Paul "Bono" Hewson and Adam Clayton. The band went through a number of reformations before becoming known as U2 in March 1978 (Richard Evans having left before this to join another band, leaving his younger brother as the lead guitarist). Early in the band's career, Evans was given the nickname "the Edge" by members of the Lypton Village surrealist street gang to which Bono belonged.
The Edge | U2
"One" is the third song from U2's 1991 album, "Achtung Baby", and was released as a single in 1992. Tensions during the recording of the album almost prompted U2 to break-up until the band rallied around the writing of "One". It is widely considered to be one of the band's greatest songs and is consistently featured in lists of the greatest songs of all time, including "Rolling Stone"s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, where it placed #36, and #1 on "Q Magazine"'s list of the 1001 Greatest Songs of All-Time.
List of cover versions of U2 songs | One
"Breathe" is a song by Irish rock band U2 and the tenth track on their 2009 album "No Line on the Horizon". The lyrics detail an outburst from the song's narrator. The song was developed primarily by guitarist the Edge, with musical influences from Jimmy Page and Jack White. The track was mixed numerous times before the band decided to rewrite it.
Breathe (U2 song) | Introduction
Bono of Irish band U2 described "Shot of Love" as one of his favorites, particularly due to Dylan's singing ability.
Shot of Love | Introduction
The Edge says this portion of the show represented "U2 stripped back in the innocence moment of the band, referring to those early years where we formed and influenced by the music of the late 1970 and early 1980s, post-punk and punk music." After four songs, the band more explicitly explored its adolescence, beginning with "Iris (Hold Me Close)", which Bono wrote about his mother who died when he was 14 years old. The set's video screen showed old home video footage of her intercut with visuals of stars, matching the song's lyrics that liken her influence on Bono over time to the light of long-dead star.
Innocence + Experience Tour | Show overview
Music and words by U2, except where otherwise noted.
The Best of 1990–2000 | Track listing
D. Considine stating: "Generally, the album's musical strengths are largely the product of well-honed arrangements and carefully balanced dynamics. Even as the Edge spins increasingly sophisticated guitar lines, he maintains the minimalist bluntness that sparked "Boy". And while bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. have swung to more dance-oriented rhythms, their songs hurtle along with the sort of brusque purposefulness more frequently associated with punk." Considine added: "the songs here stand up against anything on the Clash's "London Calling" in terms of sheer impact, and the fact that U2 can sweep the listener up in the same sort of enthusiastic romanticism that fuels the band's grand gestures is an impressive feat.
War (U2 album) | Reception
It's just about a guy who gets an idea into his head. He picks it up off a preacher on the radio or something and goes out...". He noted that, although 30 songs were in contention for inclusion on the album, he "wanted a song with that sense of violence in it, especially before 'Mothers of the Disappeared'."
Exit (U2 song) | Writing and recording
Hewson was born in Dublin, the second daughter of activist Ali Hewson (née Alison Stewart) and U2 lead singer Bono (Paul David Hewson). She was named after being born at 7 am on 7 July, as "eve" is the middle of the word "seven". She has an older sister, Jordan, and two younger brothers, Elijah and John. She was educated at the Dalkey School Project and St. Andrew's College in Dublin and New York University. The U2 song "Kite" was inspired by a moment when Bono took a kite up on Killiney Hill with Hewson and her sister, but the kite blew off and smashed.
Eve Hewson | Early life
"4th of July" is a song by Irish rock band U2, and is the sixth track from their 1984 album, "The Unforgettable Fire". The song is an instrumental ambient track that was spontaneously improvised by bassist Adam Clayton and guitarist the Edge while producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois recorded, unbeknownst to the band. It has never been performed live, although Clayton did play it as a warm-up during a soundcheck before U2's concert in San Jose on 20 April 2001.
4th of July (U2 song) | Introduction
"Please", "If God Will Send His Angels", and "Mofo" were subsequently released as singles, but none reached the Top 100.
Pop (U2 album) | Singles
U2 is an Irish rock band. U2 or U-2 may also refer to:
U2 (disambiguation) | Introduction
"An Cat Dubh" is the third track from U2's debut album, "Boy". It is frequently paired with the following song from the same album, "Into the Heart".
List of cover versions of U2 songs | An Cat Dubh
Throughout their career U2 have kept their base firmly planted in their home town, Dublin. The band, especially frontman Bono, are also well known for their social conscience and their involvement in various international causes. Along with the 1980s came Donegal group Clannad who were, at the time, innovators in bridging the gap between pop rock music and traditional Irish music. Following the disbandment of The Undertones in 1983, lead vocalist Feargal Sharkey pursued a solo career while the other band members formed That Petrol Emotion along with an American vocalist, Steve Mack. In 1986 The Saw Doctors from Tuam in County Galway formed however the band would have to wait until the nineties and noughties for major success.
Rock music in Ireland | 1980s
The song is known to have been played at six concerts (twice on 11 May 1980, for a total of 7 occasions). Its last known performance was on 27 July 1980 at Leixlip Castle, County Kildare in Ireland.
Another Day (U2 song) | Live performances
"I Will Follow" is a song by rock band U2. It is the opening track from their debut album, "Boy", and it was released as the album's second single, in October 1980. Lead singer Bono wrote the lyrics to "I Will Follow" in tribute to his mother, who died when he was 14 years old. "I Will Follow" is the only song that U2 have performed on every tour since they released their first album. The song was U2's first music video, directed by Meiert Avis in Dublin, Ireland. The song was issued five times, first in 1981 on a 7" vinyl in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, second on the same format in the United States and Canada, third in the Netherlands in 1982 with a track from 1981's "October", in 1983 with a live version of the song, and finally in 2011 with a live version of the song recorded at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival.
I Will Follow | Introduction
"Mysterious Ways" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the eighth track from their 1991 album "Achtung Baby" and was released as the album's second single on 2 December 1991. The song began as an improvisation called "Sick Puppy", with the band liking only the bass part that bassist Adam Clayton composed. The band struggled to build a song from it, with vocalist Bono and producer Daniel Lanois arguing intensely during one songwriting session. The song's breakthrough came after guitarist the Edge began experimenting with the Korg A3 effects unit. "Mysterious Ways" features a danceable beat, funky guitar hook, and conga-laden percussion, as well as mystical lyrics by Bono about romance and women.
Mysterious Ways (song) | Introduction
When they have written about Dublin, allusions to it have often been disguised. But "Running to Stand Still" was one of those with specific Dublin connections: This lyric was a reference to the Ballymun flats, a group of seven local authority, high-rise residential tower blocks built in the Ballymun neighborhood of Dublin during the 1960s. Paul Hewson (later known as U2's lead vocalist Bono) had grown up on Cedarwood Road in the adjacent Glasnevin neighborhood, in a house across fields behind the towers, near his friends and future artists Fionán Hanvey (later known as Gavin Friday) and Derek Rowan (later known as Guggi).
Running to Stand Still | Background
"Another Day" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It was commercially released as a single on 26 February 1980 by CBS Ireland as a follow-up to the band's first release, the EP "U2-3".
Another Day (U2 song) | Introduction
Describing U2's and Apple's intentions, Bono said: "We wanted to deliver a pint of milk to people's front porches, but in a few cases it ended up in their fridge, on their cereal. People were like, 'I'm dairy-free.'" Although he apologized to a fan during a Facebook Q&A session for the album's addition to their music library, publicly he refused to offer an apology, saying, "It's one of the proudest moments in U2's history."
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Effectiveness and reaction
U2 is credited with composing all of "The Joshua Tree"s music. The album's sound draws from American and Irish roots music more than the group's previous albums, following the counsel and influence of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and Keith Richards. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" has strong gospel influences, with Bono singing of spiritual doubt in an upper register and Eno, Lanois, and the Edge providing choir-like backing vocals. The slow piano-based ballad "Running to Stand Still" exhibits traits of folk music and acoustic blues in the track's slide acoustic guitar and harmonica. "Trip Through Your Wires", another song on which Bono plays harmonica, was described by Niall Stokes as a "bluesy romp".
The Joshua Tree | Music
U2 Additional performers Technical
One Tree Hill (song) | Credits and personnel
Thematically, it revisits the group members' youth in Ireland in the 1970s, touching on childhood memories, loves, and losses, while paying tribute to musical inspirations Ramones and the Clash. Bono described it as "the most personal album we've written". Lead single "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" was featured in an Apple television advertisement as part of a promotional campaign for the band on which the company reportedly spent US$100 million. Approximately 81 million iTunes users listened to the album in its first month of release, 26 million of whom downloaded the entire record. "Songs of Innocence" received mixed reviews and drew criticism for its digital release; the album was automatically added to users' iTunes accounts, which for many triggered an unprompted download to their electronic devices.
Songs of Innocence (U2 album) | Introduction
The single was released on 26 February 1980 exclusively in Ireland in a small scale pressing but failed to enter the Irish Singles Chart. In 2008, the song was included in the deluxe editions of the reissue of "Boy".
Another Day (U2 song) | Release
"40", also known as "40 (How Long)", is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the tenth and final track on their 1983 album, "War". The song is noted for its live performances; guitarist the Edge and bassist Adam Clayton trade instruments during performances of it, and as it was commonly played to end their concerts, the band would leave the stage one-by-one as the audience continued to sing the refrain "How long to sing this song?". The lyrics are a modification of the Bible's . The song was released as a commercial single only in Germany, simply to promote U2's appearance at the Loreley Festival in 1983.
40 (song) | Introduction
On the record, musically, it's not half the song it is live."
List of cover versions of U2 songs | Where the Streets Have No Name
Adding to this period of self-doubt, Bono's, the Edge's, and Mullen's involvement in a Charismatic Christian group in Dublin called the "Shalom Fellowship" led them to question the relationship between their religious faith and the lifestyle of a rock band. Bono and the Edge considered quitting U2 due to their perceived spiritual conflicts before deciding to leave Shalom instead. "October" was released in October 1981 and contained overtly spiritual themes. The album received mixed reviews and limited radio play, and although it debuted at number 11 in the UK, it sold poorly elsewhere. The single "Gloria" was U2's first song to have its music video played on MTV, generating excitement for the band during the October Tour of 1981–1982 in markets where the television channel was available.
U2 | "Boy" and "October" (1980–1982)
This performance of "Staring at the Sun", played by Bono and the Edge as part of an acoustic set at the PopMart concerts, was a departure from the version on the "Pop" album. It was a more subtle, vocal-oriented version, with only the two guitars and some harmonies during the choruses.
Please (U2 song) | "Staring at the Sun" (Live from Rotterdam)
"Zooropa" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the opening track from their 1993 album "Zooropa". The song was the result of combining two pieces of music, the first of which was conceived in the studio, and the second of which was discovered by guitarist The Edge while listening to soundchecks the band had done while on tour. The lyrics were written by vocalist Bono, describing two characters in a brightly lit city in a futuristic version of European society. Lyrics in the song were based on advertising slogans, and also featured the phrase "dream out loud", which has appeared in other U2 media.
Zooropa (song) | Introduction
"In God's Country" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the seventh track from their fifth studio album "The Joshua Tree" and was released as the album's fourth single in November 1987 in North America only.
In God's Country | Introduction