U2's first tour outside the UK helped develop new fan bases in other parts of Europe and in the United States, where strong club shows helped propel Boy briefly onto the U.S. Bono's lyrics tackled subjects like faith, spirituality, and death - subjects generally avoided by even the most seasoned rock acts. The album offered a fresh, new sound that earned rave reviews in both the Irish and UK press. The first album to come from that agreement was Boy, released in October of that year. In December of that year, U2 traveled to London for its first shows outside Ireland, but struggled to get attention from music fans and critics.Īfter continuing to build a large following inside Ireland, and after the success of a second Irish-only single, Island Records signed U2 to its first international contract in March, 1980. In September, 1979, U2 released its first single, an Irish-only release called 'U2:3' which topped the national charts.

Now out of school, the band played as many shows as possible in and around Dublin, trying to build up a local fan base. Shortly after the talent show contest, the band convinced a Dublin businessman named Paul McGuinness to manage them. With CBS Records' Jackie Hayden judging, U2 (they had just changed their name again) won the contest, earning a £500 prize and studio time to record their first demo. After nearly 18 months of rehearsing, the band's big break came at a talent show in Limerick, Ireland, in March, 1978. Dave's brother, Dick, also played guitar for a while, but left Feedback very early on to join another Dublin band, the Virgin Prunes.įeedback quickly changed their name to 'The Hype,' and began rehearsing on weekends and after school as often as possible, forming genuine friendships and developing an undeniable chemistry in the process. From the group of hopefuls that showed up at Mullen's home that first day, a five-piece known originally as 'Feedback' formed with Mullen (born October 31, 1961) on drums, Adam Clayton (born March 13, 1960) on bass, Paul Hewson (later nicknamed 'Bono Vox' and eventually just 'Bono', born May 10, 1960) on vocals, and Dave Evans (later nicknamed 'The Edge', born August 8, 1961) on guitar.

posted a note on the bulletin board at his high school seeking musicians for a new band. U2 formed in Dublin in the fall of 1976 after 14-year-old Larry Mullen, Jr.

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