The Ongoing History of New Music, episode 1094: 50 short stories about U2 (part 1)
This is the first part of a three-episode series marking the 50th anniversary of U2.
As of September 25, 2026, the iconic Irish rock band U2 has been active for an impressive 50 years. On March 4, 1978, the original lineup of four members—Bono, Larry Mullen Jr., the Edge, and Adam Clayton—formed the band initially as "Feedback," later changing their name to "The Hype." However, they made one notable change when Dik Evans departed the group, marking the only lineup shift in their half-century journey.
With no other band currently boasting the same members after five decades, U2’s longevity stands out among other groups such as the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Golden Earring. Comparatively, ZZ Top enjoyed a 52-year tenure with original members until Dusty Hill's passing in 2021, but that streak has since ended.
U2's enduring presence can be likened to the Montreal Summer Olympics of 1976, predating the launch of the first Star Wars film, and even surpassing the era of disco music. Despite countless documentaries, books, movies, concert films, and box sets chronicling their story, there remains an opportunity to present U2's journey in a fresh, engaging, and informative manner.
This podcast episode aims to do just that, marking the band's milestone in a unique way. Tune in to the Ongoing History of New Music, available on various stations, to explore "50 Things About U2 at 50."
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