U2 at 50: 50 things you might not know
From a kitchen in Artane to some of the biggest stages in the world, U2 have spent five decades making music together. As the Dublin band mark their 50th anniversary, here are 50 facts from their remarkable story.
U2, the iconic Irish rock band, celebrated their 50th anniversary by marking their remarkable journey from a kitchen in Artane to some of the biggest stages in the world. Assembled in drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s kitchen on September 25, 1976, the original lineup included Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Mullen, with later additions of Paul Hewson and members Dave and Dik Evans.
The band's name evolved from The Larry Mullen Band, The Hype, and finally settled on U2, which was chosen for its simplicity and open interpretations. Their first television appearance was on RTÉ's Youngline in 1978, and they won a talent contest in Limerick, securing a £500 prize and an opportunity to audition for a recording contract.
Despite initial skepticism from manager Paul McGuinness, U2 persevered and released their debut album, "U2-3," with only 1,000 copies originally pressed. The band's breakout hit, "Out of Control," was chosen by RTÉ listeners through a radio show poll.
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