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Band Timeline

1976

Formation of U2 in Dublin, Ireland

U2 was formed in 1976 when four teenagers from Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, Ireland — Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. — came together to create a rock band. Initially rooted in post-punk, the band's early years were marked by limited musical proficiency, but their passion for music laid the groundwork for their future fame.
1980

Debut album 'Boy' and signing with Island Records

In 1980, U2 signed with Island Records and released their debut album 'Boy'. The album showcased their youthful energy and post-punk style and received moderate commercial success, reaching number 52 on the UK charts and 63 in the US. This established them as an emerging band with potential in the rock music scene.
1983

Release of 'War' and rise as politically aware band

Their third album, 'War', released in 1983, was a commercial breakthrough and their first number-one album in the UK. It featured powerful singles such as 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and 'New Year's Day' that reflected their political and social consciousness. The album solidified U2's reputation with its anthemic and socially engaged themes, expanding their global following.
1984

Shift to ambient sound with 'The Unforgettable Fire'

In 1984, U2 collaborated with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois for 'The Unforgettable Fire'. This album marked a shift from their earlier punk-influenced sound to a more abstract and ambient musical style. The album featured the hit single 'Pride (In the Name of Love)', a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., broadening their artistic range and critical acclaim.
1987

'The Joshua Tree' catapults U2 to international stardom

'The Joshua Tree', released in 1987, became their most successful and critically acclaimed album, propelling U2 to superstardom worldwide. It reached number one in over 20 countries and sold over 25 million copies globally. The album produced their only US number-one singles, 'With or Without You' and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For', and is considered an iconic work in rock music history.
1988

Release of 'Rattle and Hum' and exploration of American roots music

In 1988, U2 released 'Rattle and Hum', a double album and documentary film that explored American roots music during their Joshua Tree Tour. The album included new studio tracks, cover songs, and live recordings with the successful single 'Desire', their first UK number-one single. Despite commercial success, the project received some critical backlash for its direction.
1991

Reinvention with 'Achtung Baby' and new musical direction

Responding to changing musical landscapes and critical challenges, U2 reinvented their sound with the 1991 album 'Achtung Baby'. Influenced by alternative rock, industrial, and electronic dance music, it showcased a more experimental and ironic style. The album debuted at number one in the US, sold 18 million copies, and spawned hits like 'One' and 'Mysterious Ways', marking a successful transformation.
1993

Continued experimentation on 'Zooropa'

'Zooropa', released in 1993, continued U2's exploration of alternative and electronic music. The album debuted at number one worldwide, maintaining their commercial success despite somewhat reduced sales compared to earlier works. 'Zooropa' cemented their reputation as a band willing to experiment and evolve artistically during the 1990s.
1997

Release of 'Pop' and PopMart Tour

In 1997, U2 released 'Pop', an album further delving into electronic and dance influences. The accompanying PopMart Tour was a massive multimedia spectacle, showcasing the band's flair for theatrical live performances. However, both the album and tour polarized critics and audiences, marking a challenging phase in the band's career.
2000

Return to mainstream success with 'All That You Can't Leave Behind'

U2 regained commercial and critical favor with their 2000 album 'All That You Can't Leave Behind', which featured a more conventional rock sound. The album sold over 12 million copies and earned seven Grammy Awards. Notable singles include 'Beautiful Day' and 'Elevation'. This period marked a revitalization of U2's status in the music industry.
2004

Critical acclaim for 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb'

The 2004 release 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' maintained U2's resurgence with widespread commercial and critical success. The album won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and featured popular tracks like 'Vertigo'. It demonstrated the band's continued ability to produce impactful rock music in the new millennium.
2009

'No Line on the Horizon' and expansive U2 360° Tour

In 2009, U2 released 'No Line on the Horizon', which topped charts in 30 countries but sold more modestly at 5 million copies and lacked major hit singles. Despite this, their U2 360° Tour from 2009 to 2011 became the highest-grossing and most-attended concert tour at the time, showcasing their enduring appeal as a live act.
2014

'Songs of Innocence' release and digital controversy

Their 2014 album 'Songs of Innocence' was released for free to over 500 million iTunes users, a groundbreaking but controversial marketing approach. The unsolicited distribution was criticized by many, impacting the album’s reception and sales negatively. This event highlighted challenges in adapting to digital music distribution amid changing industry landscapes.
2017-2019

'Songs of Experience' and anniversary Joshua Tree Tours

U2 released 'Songs of Experience' in 2017, continuing their thematic companion to 'Songs of Innocence'. They also embarked on 2017 and 2019 Joshua Tree Tours celebrating the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1987 album. These events reaffirmed the band's legacy and sustained connection with fans across generations.
2023

Release of 'Songs of Surrender' and Sphere residency

In 2023, U2 released 'Songs of Surrender', an album of re-recorded versions of their songs. To inaugurate the Sphere in Las Vegas, they began the U2:UV Achtung Baby Live concert residency. This period showcased the band’s continued creativity and willingness to revisit and reinterpret their classic works while embracing innovative live venues.

Albums

u2_1st_album
Boy
12 tracks
1980
u2_2nd_album
October
11 tracks
1981
u2_3rd_album
War
10 tracks
1983
u2_4th_album
The Unforgettable Fire
10 tracks
1984
u2_5th_album
The Joshua Tree
11 tracks
1987
u2_6th_album
Achtung Baby
12 tracks
1991
u2_7th_album
Zooropa
10 tracks
1993
u2_8th_album
Pop
12 tracks
1997
u2_9th_album
All That You Can’t Leave Behind
12 tracks
2000
u2_10th_album
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
12 tracks
2004
u2_11th_album
No Line on the Horizon
11 tracks
2009
u2_12th_album
Songs of Innocence
11 tracks
2014
u2_13th_album
Songs of Experience
13 tracks
2017
u2_14th_album
Songs of Surrender
10 tracks
2023

Collections Featuring U2

U2’s Top 10: From Sunday Cries to Beautiful Days
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Larry Mullen, Jr.

N/A

Percussion

Membranophone

Background vocals

Bono

N/A

Guitar

Harmonica

Lead vocals

Adam Clayton

N/A

Bass guitar

The Edge

N/A

Keyboard

Piano

Guitar

Background vocals

Story of U2

U2: From Dublin Streets to Global Icons

U2, the Irish rock band hailing from Dublin, burst onto the music scene in 1976. This iconic quartet, comprised of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), The Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion), have transcended their post-punk roots to become a global force in music.

Their sound, characterized by Bono's soaring vocals and The Edge's signature shimmering, effects-laden guitar, evolves across their expansive career, yet consistently retains an anthemic quality. Bono's lyrics, often imbued with spiritual imagery, explore both personal and sociopolitical themes, captivating audiences worldwide.

U2's journey began humbly, with the members as teenagers attending Mount Temple Comprehensive School, their musical skills still developing. Despite their early limitations, they quickly gained traction, signing with Island Records just four years later and releasing their debut album, "Boy" (1980).

Their ascent continued with "War" (1983), their first UK number-one album, which further cemented their reputation as a politically and socially conscious group. Singles like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)" became anthems of a generation, reflecting the band's commitment to raising awareness and sparking dialogue.

Collaborating with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois on their fourth album, "The Unforgettable Fire" (1984), U2 embarked on a new sonic direction. This partnership introduced a more abstract, ambient sound, adding another dimension to their already diverse musical palette.

U2's impact extends far beyond the studio, as their renowned live performances have become legendary. Their elaborate, immersive tours have captivated fans worldwide, showcasing their dynamic energy and powerful message. From their humble beginnings in Dublin to their status as global icons, U2's journey is a testament to their unwavering passion, musical evolution, and enduring impact on the world of music.

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