School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

U2

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

U2 is an Irish rock band from Dublin. In 1976 the fourteen-year-old drummer Larry Mullen Jr. put a note on the notice board of his school, Mount Temple. Those who responded included Paul Hewson, known as Bono, the guitarist who calls himself The Edge, and Adam Clayton. They could barely play, but punk had taught them that being able to play was no prerequisite. Within four years they signed to Island Records and the debut album Boy was released in 1980.

Music and breakthrough

With War in 1983 the band broke through in the United Kingdom. Sunday Bloody Sunday and Pride (In the Name of Love) made U2 known as a politically and socially engaged group. On The Unforgettable Fire in 1984 the group worked with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois for the first time, which brought a more ambient sound. After the performance at Live Aid in 1985 came The Joshua Tree in 1987, the album that made them world famous. In the 1990s the band reinvented itself with Achtung Baby and the Zoo TV Tour, with influences from alternative rock, industrial and electronic dance music.

Influence

The sound revolves around Bono's vocals and The Edge's echoing, effects-laden guitar playing. It is big, anthemic and suited to stadiums. Bono, the band and their performances also remained active outside music for human rights and good causes.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Sunday Bloody Sunday and notice the drums at the start: they sound like a military march. Can you hear how the guitar sound builds tension before Bono begins to sing?

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsAlternative rock