U2 Photography

U2 formed in 1976, but didn’t develop into Ireland’s most celebrated exports until 1984’s The Unforgettable Fire (enhanced by a show-stealing Live Aid performance in 1985). The initial line-up of the world’s most famous frontman, Bono, guitarist “The Edge,” bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. has survived unchanged for over forty years.

The group effortlessly commanded stadiums on every inhabited continent touring to support 1987’s social/political/spiritual commentary The Joshua Tree, with career-defining tunes like “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You.” The juggernaut rolled on with a re-invented modern rock aura on 1991’s Achtung Baby (“One,” “Mysterious Ways”), further allowing U2 to live up to their “biggest band in the world” attribution.

U2 has received an impressive 22 Grammy Awards—the most of any rock group in history—and scored a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction during their first year of eligibility in 2005. Constantly writing new music and exploring fresh horizons, their international fame and commercial success continue to escalate into the 21st century.