Founded in Dublin in 1976, the Irish rock band U2 has achieved international acclaim as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Made up of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., U2 has released a total 14 studio albums, sold more than 170 million records worldwide, and won a whopping 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other rock group in history. Though U2 had put out 4 records prior, their international fame truly came after the 1987 release of The Joshua Tree, which featured hits such as “With or Without You,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” U2’s musical style has evolved throughout the years, however, their songs continue to weave in social and political themes, embellished with spiritual imagery and effect-laden guitar. Rolling Stone named U2 as no. 22 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time—an opinion that’s echoed by the millions of fans who buy tickets to see them in concert.
Formed by 5 high school students in 1976, U2’s original name was Feedback, as it was one of the only technical terms they actually knew at the time. The group first began playing cover songs from punk bands like Sex Pistols and the Clash and, within less than a year, changed their name to The Hype. By 1978, they again changed their name—this time to U2 on a suggestion from former punk rock musician Steve Averill. Shortly thereafter, Dik Evans, older brother of The Edge, decided to leave the band, and U2 became the 4-piece ensemble that it still is today. Over the next 2 years, U2 would book gigs at small venues and clubs across Ireland and England. By 1980, the band had released their first international single under a major label, and the rest is music history. They’ve since gone on to have a near 40-year career and continue to sell out concerts across the world. In fact, the band’s 360° Tour, which ran from 2009 to 2011, has gone down as the highest- grossing concert tour of all time. They recently wrapped the Joshua Tree Tour in honor of the album’s 30th anniversary and, in 2018, will be treating fans in Europe and North America to the Experience + Innocence Tour. Tickets are sure to disappear before you know it, so grab yours today.
