U2, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift Take Hardware at Billboard Touring Awards : November 11, 2011

U2, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift were among the winners at the 8^th annual Billboard Touring Awards, held on November 10 at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel. The touring awards celebrate excellence...

U2, Lady Gaga, Usher Featured at Clinton Foundation Show : September 16, 2011

Pop icons Usher, U2 and Lady Gaga have been asked to help celebrate the William J. Clinton Foundation's 10th anniversary. Over the years the organization has made large contributions...

U2, Roger Waters Lead Concert Industry to 11% Increase in 2011 : July 11, 2011

We already learned this week that albums sales in 2011 have increased, which is the first increase since 2004. Now the music industry has just received more good news....

U2, Muse Become High Profile Cover Bands at Brazilian Nightclub : April 16, 2011

Members of Muse and U2 covered songs from Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie at a Brazilian nightclub during a secret show. The bands, after finishing their stadium tour...

U2 Set to Outgross Rolling Stones Record Tour : April 09, 2011

U2 is poised to set the record for having the all-time highest grossing tour. The gross for U2's “360 World Tour” after their second show in Sao Paulo, Brazil...

U2′s New Album ‘Songs of Ascent’ Scheduled for Release in Early 2011 : October 18, 2010

In an interview with the Irish Times Paul McGuinness, U2 manager, said a new album from U2 should be released early next year. McGuinness said, I am expecting a new album...

U2 Wraps Up 2011 North American Leg with Pittsburgh Show : October 15, 2010

With Bono almost in full recovery after going through an intensive emergency back surgery last summer, U2 has just finalized the North American leg of their 360° world tour which...

Bono’s Back Surgery Resets U2 Tour Dates for 2011 : July 13, 2010

Iconic Irish rockers U2 will be back in the touring scene after almost a year since front man Bono threw his back out severely and had to undergo an immediate...

U2 Pushes U2360° tour, Bono in Post-surgery Recovery : May 26, 2010

With U2 front man Bono still in recovery after an intensive back surgery, they are left with no choice but to push back the dates for the upcoming North American...

Top 50 Concert Tours of the Decade : December 22, 2009

Well it’s official. 2009 is days away from coming to a close so it’s time to pull out all of those best of the decade lists. They are exhaustive, tedious...

U2 Tour Prepares for Return to US in 2010 : October 27, 2009

If you thought you missed the U2 360 tour for good, think again. The men of U2 have already penned a 12-date return to North America in 2010 to hit...

U2, Kid Rock, Rihanna Tabbed to Perform at Grammys : January 29, 2009

Kid Rock, U2, Rihanna, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant are the latest musicians to sign on to perform at the Grammy Awards 51st annual ceremony next month. The latest group of...

u2 Biography

The Irish rock band U2 was formed in 1976 in Dublin. Band members include Bono (guitar and vocals), The Edge (vocals, keyboards and guitar), Larry Mullen Jr. (percussion and drums) and bassist Adam Clayton. The early sound of U2 drew on post-punk music but grew eventually to incorporate multiple influences from various popular music genres. Through their various musical pursuits, the group has been able to maintain a recognizable sound that is built on the expressive vocals of Bono's and their melodic instrumentals that are highlighted by the textural guitar playing from The Edge. U2's lyrics, which frequently have spiritual imagery embellishments, focus on sociopolitical concerns and personal themes.

The band was formed while the members were teenagers and attending Mount Temple Comprehensive School. They signed with Island Records and released “Boy,” their debut album. U2 evolved into one of the top international acts by the middle 1980's. During their early years they were more successful being live performers than with selling records. Their breakthrough album came in 1987 with “The Joshua Tree.” In 1991 they released the set “Achtung Baby” which was accompanied by their “Zoo TV Tour.” The band integrated alternative rock, industrial and dance influences into their performances and sound. Throughout the 1990s the band continued experimenting, although their level of success was reduced. “All That You Can't Leave Behind,” their 2000 record, brought U2 regained commercial and critical favor. On the album as well as subsequent releases, the group has pursued a sound that is more conventional, while still retaining influences from their past musical experimentation.

U2 has released 12 albums. They are one of popular music's best selling groups. Their 22 Grammy Awards is the most won by any band. They have sold over 150 million records. The band became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Rolling Stone rated U2 in the No. 22 spot on their “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” list. As individuals and as a band, U2 has campaigned for philanthropic causes and human rights, including Music Rising, Product Red, ONE/DATA and Amnesty International.