Rockband U2

Irish rockband U2

The Irish rockband U2 was one of the world's most popular bands of the 1980s. The group was formed in 1976 when drummer Larry Mullen Jr. posted a notice on a school bulletin board asking for fellow musicians to form a band. Bono (real name: Paul Hewson), the Edge (real name: David Evens), Adam Clayton and Dick Evens responded to the ad. At first they called themselves "Feedback" but the group later renamed itself to "Hype". In 1977 Dick Evens left the band to form "The Virgin Prunes" and the group's name was changed to U2.
In the fall of 1979 U2 released their debut EP. "U2:3" topped in charts in Ireland. Before the group signed with Island Records the single "Another Day" was released.

Boy

Steve Lillywhite produced the band's debut album "Boy".
"October" was released in 1981. The album became their British breakthrough. It reached number 11 on the charts. The singles "I Will Follow" and "Gloria" were successful on MTV.
The next album became a huge hit on both sides of the ocean. "War" was the last album produced by Lillywhite. The album had a stronger political message than its predecessors with songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day". Their concert at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater was later released on "Under A Blood Red Sky".

The Unforgettable Fire

Their Band Aid and Live Aid concerts proved the group's popularity. The band's early records were characterized by spirituality. They commented on social and political issues with compassion and tenderness.
"The Unforgettable Fire" hit the charts in the fall of 1984. This was the first album produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois and contained the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute "(Pride) In the Name of Love". A successful international tour was followed by the life EP "Wide Awake in America" in 1985. The group was known for its inspirational live performances.

The Joshua Tree

In 1987 the critics proclaimed "The Joshua Tree" a masterpiece. It was the first American number one hit. "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" earned big success hit singles. U2 had become one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s.
The group decided to film their American tour of 1987. The motion picture "Rattle & Hum" was a documentary movie and supported by a double album with live tracks and new studio material. The band explored American roots: blues, country, gospel and folk music.

Achtung Baby

In 1990 the The Irish rockband went to Berlin to record "Achtung Baby". The album was produced by Eno and Lanois and presented a new sound. Electronics and dance music were introduced to spice up the group's rock sound.
"Zooropa" (1993) demonstrated heavier experimental techno and dance influences. The "Zoo TV" tour was one of the most technically and ambitious rock spectacle ever staged. U2 had become a multi-media show with a stage filled with electronics and television screens.