The History of U2

Formation

This iconic rock band formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976.  Consisting of Paul Hewson, or Bono, on vocals; David Evans, or The Edge, on guitar; Adam Clayton on bass and Larry Mullen, Jr. on drums; U2 began performing as a foursome in 1978.

Debut

They were able to record their first demo tape after winning an Irish talent show, and this led to their first EP, Three.  In 1980, they signed to Island Records and came out with their debut, Boy.  The rock record tackled the themes of teen issues and angst, and it received mostly positive reviews. It also featured the single, “I Will Follow.” 

Second and Third Albums

The group’s sophomore effort was 1981’s October.  The album mainly centered on spiritual themes and received mixed reviews.  Up next was 1983’s War. This was a politically charged record and also U2’s first commercial success.  It contained the hits, “New Year’s Day,” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which became one of their signature songs. 

Touring

Next came the live album, Under a Blood Red Sky, and the accompanying concert video, “U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky.” This release developed U2’s reputation as a solid live band.

More Abstract Rock

1984’s The Unforgettable Fire took the band in a different musical direction with its ambient and abstract style.  It also gave U2 their biggest hit thus far, “Pride (In the Name of Love).”

Live Aid

The next year, U2 had their live breakthrough playing the Live Aid charity event in London. Bono showed how well he could connect with an audience during an expanded performance of the song, “Bad.”

"The Joshua Tree"

1987’s The Joshua Tree was a critically acclaimed record filled with socio-political lyrics that especially spotlighted U2’s feelings towards the U.S.  The chart-topping effort won the band their first Grammy Awards, and turned them into full-fledged superstars.   It also became one of the best-selling albums in history, and its biggest hits were “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “With or Without You.”

"Achtung Baby"

Up next was the 1988 album and companion documentary, Rattle and Hum, which featured new songs, live tracks and covers.  Three years later, U2 dropped the darker-sounding, Achtung Baby.  The Grammy-winning disc integrated industrial and alternative rock influences into their music, and generated singles such as “The Fly,” “One” and “Mysterious Ways.”

Zoo TV Tour

Achtung Baby was supported with the multimedia-infused Zoo TV tour.   It was followed by the 1993 record, Zooropa, which was filled with themes related to technology and information overload.  Incorporating dance and electronic sounds, the Grammy-winning effort yielded singles such as “Numb” and “Lemon.”

Musical Experimentation


1997’s Pop continued with the band’s musical experimentation. The album featured the use of samples and drum machines, and this led to more techno and dance-inspired tracks.  The number-one album contained the songs, “Staring at the Sun,” and “Discotheque,” which was their first top ten Billboard single.

More Grammys

Then, U2 came out with their tenth studio effort, 2000’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind.  The number-one album won multiple Grammys and produced successful singles like, “Elevation” and “Beautiful Day.” 

Return to Rock

2004’s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb was a critical and commercial success.  That number-one record presented a more traditional rock sound and won even more Grammy Awards than the band’s last effort. 

Performing for President Obama

Its singles included the international hit, “Vertigo,” and the live staple, “City of Blinding Lights,” which was performed during President Barack Obama’s inaugural celebration.  In 2008, a concert film called “U2 3D” came out, and it featured footage from the Vertigo tour.

Another Number One

No Line on the Horizon dropped the next year, and hit number one on Billboard.  However, the disc did not sell as well as their previous records and lacked a hit single.  It was accompanied by a companion film called “Linear.”

360 Tour

That same year, U2 embarked on the U2 360˚ Tour, and that went on to become the most successful concert tour of all time. In 2011, members of U2 contributed music to Broadway’s most expensive musical, “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark.”

Influences

Though they are one of the best-selling acts of all time, this iconic band has also collaborated with many individuals to support social and humanitarian causes. U2 has been influenced by many, and in turn has gone on to influence others, as well as the history of rock and roll.