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U2
1978-
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Artistfacts:
| They were originally called Feedback, after the awful noise they made in early rehearsals. Their next name was The Hype, followed by U2. |
| The band members met in high school in Ireland when Mullen posted a note looking to start a group. They have been together ever since. |
| Members had various nicknames in the early days. "The Edge" came about because of his chin. "Bono Vox" was the name of a hearing aid company Paul Hewson saw advertised on TV. Because U2 were a "loud" band, he thought it was an appropriate enough stage name. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada) |
| Bono's first concert was The Clash's "White Riot" tour at Trinity College in Dublin. |
| They formed the band before they knew how to play. They wrote their own songs because they weren't good enough to play other people's. |
| They almost broke up in early '80s when the born-again Christian group that Bono, Edge, and Mullen belonged to tried to convince them to break up the band as a sacrifice to God. |
| Rolling Stone magazine named them "Band of the '80s." |
| In 1998, they played a free concert in Belfast to support the Northern Ireland Peace Accord. The Protestant and Catholic leaders who negotiated the agreement joined U2 on stage to encourage passage of the referendum, which it did. |
| Because of their commitment to keep ticket prices low, yet have lavish stage shows, the profits for their Zoo TV and Pop tours were relatively meager. |
| Bono has played lots of charity events with and without U2, including Band Aid, Live Aid, Netaid, and various benefits for Amnesty International. |
| The child on the cover of Boy is Peter Rowan, a nephew of a friend of the band. 2 albums later, he was used for the cover of War. |
| They were on the cover of Time magazine on April 29, 1987, with the headline "Rock's Hottest Ticket." |
| The Joshua Tree was the first major release to come out on CD at the same time as cassette and vinyl. It was common practice to release the CD a few weeks later. It was the first million-selling CD. |
| The Joshua tree on the album cover is located in Death Valley, California. It's location was kept secret for years, but it was eventually toppled over in 2000. |
| The Edge used to live in the Los Angeles house where Eric and Lyle Menendez killed their parents in 1989. |
| 3 times on The Joshua Tree tour, The Dalton Brothers opened for U2. It was actually U2 dressed as hillbillies doing country standards. |
| On the Zoo TV tour, Bono would call President Bush (the first one) from the stage. He never got through, but the White House operator got used to him and asked why he kept calling. |
| Achtung Baby got it's title from the Mel Brooks movie The Producers. It was chosen so as not to be taken seriously. Achtung means "attention" in German. |
| Appeared on the 200th episode of The Simpsons, where Homer interrupts their concert to ask the crowd to support him for Sanitation Commissioner. He is taken back stage and beaten up. |
| In 2001, Bono invited 79 year-old US Senator Jesse Helms to a show. It was Helms' first rock concert - he turned down his hearing aid and covered his ears throughout the show. |
| They make a staggering amount of money. As an established band, they have a very favorable record deal, their tours are hugely profitable, and because they write their own songs, they own the copyrights on them, meaning they get royalties when they are played on radio or TV. |
| They were the top touring act of 2001. They played 113 shows and made $143 million. The next closest was 'N Sync with $90 million. |
| Clayton was expelled from Mount Temple School for streaking. (thanks, Lydia - Dublin, Ireland) |
| Bono is the only person in the history of the world to be nominated for an Academy Award, a Nobel Prize, a Grammy and a Golden Globe. (thanks, Anuar - Plantation, FL) |
| They won 5 Grammys at the 2006 awards: Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year ("Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own"), Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song ("City Of Blinding Lights") and Best Vocal Rock Performance ("Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own"). Though they won the most, Bono was still humble: "This is our second Album of the Year but we've lost two, Achtung Baby and All That You Can't Leave Behind, so we know how it feels - Kanye, you're next - he's a great artist, being on the road with us. Extraordinary. To be in the company of Paul McCartney, who discovered the country that we're all living in, is a true honor indeed. Yes, sir. Mariah, you sing like an angel, really something else. And what about Gwen? This is the heart of Hollywood. She's like Carole Lombard, she's this extraordinary girl." (thanks, Lawrence - Singapore) |
| They were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005, their first year of eligibility. |
| When they were featured on the cover of Time magazine, they became the fourth Rock band to have the honor, after the Beatles, The Band and The Who. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2) |
| Al Kooper's memoir Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards tells the story of how Kooper first heard U2 in 1979. While visiting England (and employed as producer for Epic Records), Kooper took in a show at the Marquee Club to see The Photos. He wasn't too impressed, but the opening act, "an Irish band," blew him away and as soon as their set was over, Kooper met the band backstage to ask if they'd signed with a label yet. They had - to Island Records. Al Kooper, the prodigy who discovered Lynryd Skynyrd, just missed being the first to discover U2! |
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Comments:
| U2 is a a great group not legendary (i would doubt that) and their most magnificent attribute in my opinion is that they achieved to change their sound several times in the past. i would disagree with Boris because it's not how many cds you sell it's how many of them are unique. And U2 always recorded unique cds. That's what makes them such an important group. - Thanos, Rhodes, Greece |
| After watching U2 leave 34,000 people cheering clapping and most importantly SMILING true smiles noy just the ones we all do for the cameras on the opening night in manchester 05 why are there still muppets who try to doubt the quality that these men bring to the world of music? does it matter how they where named does it matter how they look does their colour and creed bare any relevance to the enjoyment the give to millions just shut up and enjoy the shows ffs its music expressing deep felt feelings feel them and respond U2 are about ridding the world of pain why look for ways to degrade a world super band that actually wants more than a huge bank balance think before you mock or unplug your keyboard and do the world a favour!!!!! col liverpool england - col, pride, England |
| U2 oh yeah by the way forgot to put was a wicked stage show and anyone who was there ( can u imagine how that lil girl felt that bono took from the audience and sat on the stage what a memory she has may she live a long long life and tell many many people about that night) was gutted he didn't get me but then again i was in the main stands hahaha col - col, pride, England |
| U2's rythm section is really underrated. The rhythm in "I still haven't....." is awesome. Adam Clayton is quite the bassist. - Rick, humboldt, IA |
| songs, Rolling Stone, music, record company, the Beatles, rock and roll......these "Sponsered links" are really getting annoying!!-Great band though - Tom, Dosen't Matter, CT |
| I saw the Vertigo Tour concert in Toronto and let me just say it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to.
- Kayla, London, Canada |
| and ps. U2 is the ONLY band that has ever made me actually start to cry during one of their songs. That really says something not only about their songs and lyrics, but also about their stage performance.
U2 is an incredible band, My absolute favorite
- Kayla, London, Canada |
| That Was Rolling Stone that named U2 Band of the 80s, not Time. - Mike, Germantown, MD |
| I recenttly found a website that ranked U2 thw 3rd best band EVER!! come on seriously, the Who were'nt on it, Velvet Underground and Sly And the Family stone were!!! WTF?!?!?!?! - Ben, NYC, MS |
| time magazine should update their statement that "u2 are the band of the 80s" and extend that to 80s and 90s at least - marlow, perth |
| Ok, time to put the spyplae/subway line theories to rest, as stated in The Unforgettable Fire (a brilliant book that follows U2 through their struggles as an early band, to finally breaking the coveted american music market) it is stated that U2 was actually chosen by a friend of the band, as it was catchy and ambigous, it could be taken as You Too, You Two. Bono actually had no knowledge of the spyplane til much later in their careers... - Acrobat, Adelaide, Australia |
| As for Bono Vox, it was actually given to Bono by a friend, who was also a member of 'The Lypton Village' as they called themselves. It was given before the band had even formed, and the boys of Village used to run around Dublin putting on plays and listening to punk music. The Village consisted of of several members of what later became The Virgin Prunes. The Edge was dubbed such by Bono due to the angular features of his face... and was also a way of including him into Village. Bono's good friend Guggi was also a member of this group, and they still remain good friends til this day - Acrobat, Adelaide, Australia |
| Well what can I say about this band? It is my favourite band, I am their huge fan. So many great songs, great tunes, I am just impresed by their music. I see that many people underestimate their music or dislike them as a band. That is O.K., everybody has a right to express his own opinion, but at the same time we have to take in consideratin the facts. And these tell us that U2 is one of the greatest band in the history of music; after 27 years they are still remaining, millions and millions of albums sold, sellout tours, numerous awards... I think everyone should respect that. I just hope that they won`t retire soon and will keep on doing an excellent music as they have done it so far. - Boris, Maribor, Other |
| Also, for those of you who are saying that Larry Mullen is not a good drummer, Listen to "Sunday Bloody Sunday". The drum line in that is just amazing. - J, Boston, MA |
| Ok for all of you that say Adam Clayton is a bad bass player and just say that his lines just drone on in all the songs, um, thats what bass lines do. He does his job. Same thing with Larry Mullen. - J, Boston, MA |
| I like U2 a lot, been introduced to them through the Rattle And Hum documentary adn fell instantly in love with them and their music. (Then I was an early teenager) Today my love for them has vanished (although Adam looks great) but not for their music. Achtug baby and POP and Discotheke were a little too "electric" for me, but their later work is simply the best. Greetings to them and all the fans! - Sanda, Zagreb, Croatia |
| if you arent certain of a fact dont post it- you just show your own ignorance. There are no subway lines anywhere in Ireland, the other two are right, its named after a spy plane. I think what sets U2 apart is Bono's voice- it has to be one of the most unique sounds, if not always technically brilliant. And for people who dont like them- show me another band who has been around 27 years, is still releasing fresh and new material and is on a sellout world tour. You cant deny the facts!! - Amy, Monaghan, Ireland |
| Mike from Baltimore - I don't see you selling millions of albums and filling stadiums year after year. Clearly they can play bass and drums better than you, and Bono can almost certainly write better lyrics than you. Here's a challenge - post some of your excellent lyrics on this page and everyone else can review them, taking into account their wide metaphorical meanings. I'm sure some record company bod will see them and give you a deal immediately. Alternatively, shut the **** up and get a life. - Richard, Newport, Isle of Wight, England |
| Oh, and clearly they are named after the spyplane. "Subway" station - oh pleease! - Richard, Newport, Isle of Wight, England |
| I got into U2 in 1983, and got OUT of them after Joshua Tree. They got too 'lollipop' for me. That's the only way I can put it. I love their pre-Joshua Tree material, though. - James, Windsor, CA |
| I read somewhere that 'Bono Vox' means 'Good Voice' in Latin or something. That's where he got the name from. - nunu, bangalore, India |
| U2 is my favorite band and I must disagree with some of you - they are musically talented. Bono's a great vocalist/songwriter, The Edge is a unique and under-rated guitarist, Adam Clayton is actually a very good bassist...and Larry Mullen's a decent drummer. He's the least talented, I'll admit it. - Leon, Waterbury, CT |
| Um... actually, U2 got their name from the american spyplane, the U2, that was shot down over the Soviet Union 4 days before Bono was born.
your an idiot... theyre nsmed for the subway line that passed by where they used to live - eddy, sf, CA |
| U2 are awesome, each of the band memebers complement each other perfectly and this is testimate to the many years that they have been together. Individually each memeber isnt outstanding but as a band they are the greatest. - Dave, Canberra, Australia |
| To Mike; Adam Clayton may not be the most technically gifted bassist around, but his lines complement the songs perfectly (in my opinion). It's not about chops, it's about music. I relate it to Ringo and the Beatles. I'm a staunch fan of both. - Ace, Thousand Oaks, CA |
| Marvin is right. Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" was indeed the first CD to be awarded platinum status. - George, Trenton, OH |
| In Feb.'05 Bono was recognized for his continued good works and was awarded $100,000 and three wishes by the TED Foundation! One wish you can help make come true for Bono today is signing the petition in support of Africa at one.org - Lisa, Perry, GA |
| U2 are the best band in the world full stop. - Ross, Dublin, Ireland |
| Great band early on (Boy through Joshua Tree) for their energy and great live shows. I just would have expected them, over the years, to improve a little bit. Adam Clayton has got to be the worst bassist in music today, as he plays practically the same droning bass line in every song. Bono uses a fairly consistent and narrow set of metaphors for lyrics. Larry Mullins, Jr. is a mediocre drummer at best. Only the Edge has been moderately innovative over the years. I subscribe to the theory that a bands first two or three albums are its' best work and after that it may be time to do something else. - Mike, Baltimore, MD |
| The band formed the year I was born, and Mom bought War on vinyl. I grew up listening to them. Pop was the first CD I ever bought. Can't remember a time I didn't love them. Bono has the most amazing voice, their songs always have exceptional lyrics, and I love Edge's distinctive style. - Delwyn, Topeka, KS |
| Um... actually, U2 got their name from the american spyplane, the U2, that was shot down over the Soviet Union 4 days before Bono was born. - Steven, Congers, NY |
| They're not the most musically talented band out there (Bono can't read music) but what makes them amazing is that they're driven by an unbelievable amount of passion and dedication. It also doesn't hurt that Bono is one of the best vocalists and writers around. The entire band is on friendly terms and truly enjoy what they're doing while avoiding the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle (with the possibly exception of Adam Clayton at times). They're truly unique and offer a breath of fresh air in contemporary music. - Clay, Chattanooga, TN |
| Peter Rowan is a great guitarist. - Loretta, Liverpool, England |
| in regards to the "million selling cd" question from marvin- i did extensive reasearch on this album this summer for a tribute show, and "the joshua tree" was the first album to ship a million cds, in effect making it the first "platinum selling cd". other albums before that were certified platinum through the combined sales of vinyl, cassette, and cd (and dire straits may have very well been the first group to achieve a platinum certification through that method) but in strictly counting cd sales alone, "the joshua tree" was the first one to do it that way. - michael, new york city, NY |
| They were originally called U Also, but people kept calling them Yalso, like that, and Bono was like "Yuch" and Edge was like "Eww" and then they thought U Too, but people were like Yootoo and Bono was like "no" and Edge was like "icky" and finally they were like U2 and then they were like "duh" why didn't we think of that sooner and I think they are the BEST BAND EVER no matter what their name is. - Emory, Baltimore, MD |
| I absolutely love Bono, and the charity work he's doing for Africa is awesome. U2 is a timeless band and thier talent is eternal - Joan, Cape Town, South Africa |
| I love bono he is so freaking hot!!! Wait that might seem homosexual but he is stacked. Sunday Bloody Sunday i want to see them in concert - zebulon, Dalworthington Gardens, TX |
| they had the second biggest selling album of the year with 'rattle and hum', second to 'kick' inxs, the two bands felt they had a sort of bond. and bono was quick to send his regards, to inxs and the hutchence family after the death of singer michael hutchence - marlow, perth, Australia |
| Since I first heard The Joshua Tree, I've been obsessed with them. {Well, except for that crazy "Pop Mart" period. What was that all about?} Bono is a deep and soulful songwriter who has a heart of gold and the ability to take risks. I am patiently waiting for their next album. - Aimiee, San Antonio, TX |
| Apparently THE most popular band in the world, not my fave but many others. - Crazybasement, Dundee, Scotland |
| U2 - They ain't 'The Best Band in the World' for no reason!! - Steven, Market Harborough, England |
| I'm pretty sure Dire Straits's 1985 album Brothers In Arms was the first album to reach 1 million copies on CD. - Marvin, East Brady, PA |
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