If the Rolling Stones were the “World’s Greatest Rock Band” in the late ’60s and early ’70s, then U2 possessed the title in the ’80s. From Ireland, the band was also known for making potent social and political statements – usually death for most Rock groups.
War
U2 got together when drummer Larry Mullen posted a notice at his school looking for band members. U2 started out, as Feedback, then The Hype.
Paul Hewson gave himself the name Bono Vox, taken from a hearing aid company. Guitarist Dave Evans became ‘The Edge’. The nickname was provided by Bono and had something to do with the shape of Evans’ head.
“War,” regarded as U2’s first overtly political album., contained “New Year’s Day” and the fierce “Sunday Bloody Sunday” was their breakthrough.
“War” became their first #1 album in the U.K. Stateside it reached #12 and became the band’s first certified gold album (500,000 units moved).
U2 went on to release the ground-breaking “Joshua Tree.”
The ’87 album had “With Or Without You,” “Where The Street Have No Name” and “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”
The effort contrasted the group’s antipathy for the “real America” with their fascination with the “mythical America”. The theme was inspired by their experiences in the United States, as well as American literature and politics.
It defined U2 as a challenging and creative force. In the ’90s, U2 stretched out with the “Achtung Baby” (industrial), “Zooropa” (Alt. Rock/EDM) and “Pop” (techno).
U2 logged several successful mega-tours that often were the year’s top draw.
Joshua Tree
Meanwhile, Bono became increasingly known for his involvement in notable causes like the elimination of crippling third world debt.
It was not uncommon to see Bono meeting with presidents, politicians and religious leaders in an effort to mitigate suffering around the world. He even launched a product line in ’06, RED (with participation from Converse, The GAP and Apple, among others), to fight AIDS in Africa.
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
’04 saw U2 roar to the top of the album charts (again) with “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb” containing the hit “Vertigo.”
They followed that with an induction into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was led Bruce Springsteen who said, U2 had “beaten (the odds) by continuing to do their finest work and remaining at the top of their game and the charts for 25 years.”
’09’s “No Line On The Horizon” was U2’s twelfth album and seventh #1 in the U.S. The band originally intended to release the songs as two EPs but later combined the material into a single record.
U2 then recorded a trio of albums, “Songs Of Innocence” (2014), Songs Of Experience” (2017) and “Songs Of Surrender” (2023).
“Innocence” references childhood memories, loves, and losses, while paying tribute to their musical inspirations. “Experience” is based on a collection of letters written by Bono to people and places closest to his heart. “Surrender,” a project led by Bono and The Edge was comprised of re-recorded and reinterpreted versions of 40 songs from the group’s back catalogue, many with acoustic arrangements.
In ’24, U2 played a 40-show residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, a $2 billion venue.
A few months later, Bono was one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S.’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden at the White House.
Select U2 Tracks:
It was the lead single from the “Joshua Tree” album.
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