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The Edge

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Edge is the stage name of David Howell Evans, born on 8 August 1961 in England to Welsh parents and raised in Dublin. He is lead guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist of the rock band U2. In 1976 he got together with his brother Dik and classmates from Mount Temple Comprehensive School when drummer Larry Mullen Jr. was looking for musicians. Bono and Adam Clayton responded too. In 1978 the band was named U2. He got the nickname the Edge from members of Lypton Village, the circle around Bono.

Music and breakthrough

His guitar playing is unobtrusive but recognisable and defines the sound of U2. It is characterised by clear-sounding tones, rhythmic delay, sustained notes, harmonics and a lot of effects equipment. He often uses a delay set to a dotted eighth note, which makes it seem as though two guitarists are playing. With U2 he made, among others, The Joshua Tree (1987) and Achtung Baby (1991). He also produced, including Zooropa (1993).

Influence

Outside the band he worked with Bono on music theatre and on songs for others, such as GoldenEye for Tina Turner. In 1986 he made the film score Captive with Michael Brook, his only solo record. He also wrote music for the musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. He campaigned for human rights and co-founded Music Rising, a charity for musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. Music magazines count him among the greatest guitarists of all time.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a U2 song from The Joshua Tree and notice the Edge's guitar: the clear tone and the echo effect that plays along rhythmically. Try to hear where the echo seems to fill in notes that he does not play.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists