U2

Have you ever heard of this letter-and-a-number named music band? I bet you listened to at least a few of their songs without even knowing its songwriters. Well, let me present to you one of the greatest and most renowned bands ever to have formed. As a side note, I must admit I am rather fond of U2 not only for their music but also for their acts and contributions out of the musical field which I might touch upon later.

U2 are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1976. The band comprises Bono (Paul David Hewson), lead vocals and rhythm guitar, the Edge (David Howell Evans), lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, Adam Charles Clayton, bass guitar, Larry Mullen Jr., drums, and percussion.

The member met when they were boys back in the early seventies while they were attending Mount Temple comprehensive School in Dublin. Larry was the first to come up with the idea of forming a band and he did so by posting a note on the school's notice board reading "Drummer seeks musicians to form a band." Auditions for the "Larry Mullen Band" were to be held on Saturday, September 25, 1976, in Larry's parent's kitchen in Artane, Dublin. Called The Hype, then Feedback, then U2, the band won their first award 18 months after that first rehearsal.

Growing up throughout the period of so-called "Troubles" was not easy. Not that I would underestimate you, but I suppose not many people, apart from those interested in Irish history are familiar with the term 'Troubles.' It was a political and nationalistic conflict, fueled by historical events. As this is not an article about the Troubles, I will not dwell on it anymore. I might post an article talking about the Troubles sometime as it was quite an influential conflict in Irish and Northern Irish history. Anyway, back to the plot. Their music, especially in its earlier stages had a rather rough and moving character and reflected on those difficult times.

U2's musical style has evolved throughout their career yet has maintained an anthemic quality built on Bono's expressive vocals and Edge's chiming, effects-based guitar sounds. What I admire most is the quality of being able to express and convey feelings and life situations into music. Such a quality I have not yet encountered nor experienced in any other music band. It is an unexplainable feeling listening to U2 while staring out the window to the pouring rain. It is a sort of remedy for me, and it had pulled me out of my deep well when I was stumbling in the darkness looking for a way out. There it was.

Bono has gone through a lot in his life, losing his mom at the age of fourteen, coping with fame, dealing with band crisis, losing his dad on the turn of 21st century, preserving and nourishing relationship with his beloved wife Ali, raising a family, eight-hour heart surgery, and else. Yet, he has contributed to the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa. Donating millions to the development of cure and supporting those living in crisis. He is the cofounder of ONE, a global campaign and advocacy organization committed to taking action to end extreme poverty. The band itself is also actively involved in improving human rights around the world and such. The band and Bono alone have received many acclaimed rewards for their actions and are considered one of the most affecting and effortful musicians and activists to have ever existed. If you would like to know more about U2 and Bono¨ and their life stories, I frankly recommend reading "Surrender, 40 songs, one story" by Bono. 

"Paint the world you need to see…" (from the song Cedarwood road by U2)