U2

The Liffey is a river in Dublin that separates the city into its north and south sections. St. Stephen’s Green, the Temple Bar district, and most other city sights will be found south of the river. North of the river, the neighborhood gradually deteriorates into old residential buildings where drug addiction is causing social problems on a scale similar to that seen in Scotland. From this unpromising area rose Ireland’s greatest rock band, U2.

U2 is the rare band that has retained the same lineup through its journey to superstardom and current status as one of the world’s most powerful live acts. While the whole band is high energy, front man Bono, whose nickname derives from the childhood nickname “Bono vox” (Latin for good voice) and guitarist The Edge (named for his razor-sharp intellect) do the heavy lifting on stage.

U2’s early albums lean on their Irish heritage to create a unique sound. Celtic accents flavor the soft, lush harmonies that populate The Unforgettable Fire, while sparse, unsettling pieces such as Boy’s “October” serve as counterpoint to the politically conscious, hard driving punk vibe and strong vocal performances that packed the pubs from the band’s inception.

U2’s combination of otherworldly guitar tones and hit-you-in-the gut rhythm served as the foundation for the sound that was further developed on the chart-topping Joshua Tree. The early nineties Achtung Baby startled fans by puncturing the underlying optimism of most of the band’s work. The band’s exploration of Berlin lent the album a gritty, industrial sound foreign to their earlier work, and saw Bono engaging in uncharacteristic activities such as appearing as The Fly, an alter ego, and briefly taking up smoking.

Albums to follow have received mixed reviews, although no one would deny the presence of standout songs on each. U2’s new direction has been the incorporation of electronic music into their dynamic rock sound, which for many fans is a refreshing take on a well-tested, well-loved formula. Bono is very active in charities devoted to ending poverty, and band members balance family commitments with what remains a busy touring and recording schedule.