U2 has shaped rock history for more than four decades, yet many intriguing details about the Irish band remain unknown. From unexpected stage mishaps to surprising side projects, these tidbits reveal a fresh side of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
U2
The band originally called themselves “Feedback” because it was the only technical term they knew.
Bono’s nickname comes from a Dublin hearing aid store called “Bonavox,” meaning “good voice” in Latin.
The Edge’s distinctive guitar style often relies on delay effects rather than heavy distortion.
U2 once played on a rooftop in Los Angeles, echoing The Beatles’ famous London performance.
Adam Clayton forgot to bring his bass to the filming of the “New Year’s Day” video.
“Sunday Bloody Sunday” is one of the few U2 songs Larry Mullen Jr. starts live with a snare drum beat.
The band recorded part of The Joshua Tree in a house rumored to be haunted.
U2’s first American TV appearance was on The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder in 1981
Bono once lost his voice mid-tour and was advised by doctors to stop singing for months.
The group’s 360° Tour set the record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.
The Edge almost quit music to study engineering before U2 found global fame.
“Where the Streets Have No Name” nearly got erased when a frustrated producer tried to wipe the tape.
The band appeared in The Simpsons episode “Trash of the Titans” as themselves.
U2 performed in Sarajevo in 1997, making a statement for peace after the Bosnian War.
Bono collects sunglasses not just for style but to protect his eyes from glaucoma-related light sensitivity.
