We already brought you part one of our list of 15 things you probably did not know about U2, and now we’re back with part two! Check out eight more fascinating facts about the Irish rock band that you definitely (probably) did not know below. You might be surprised by what you find out!
Number Eight: Bono Channeled Bob Dylan for “Every Breaking Wave.” In fact, Bono initially wanted the song to have a similar sound to Bob Dylan‘s “Every Grain of Sand.” Bono began imagining the song in the vein of Dylan after he learned that “Every Grain of Sand” was Steve Jobs’ favorite song.
Number Seven: Larry Mullen Is Too Good at the Drums. It’s true! While making Songs of Innocence, a producer actually wanted Mullen to change his performance so it was “less perfect.” The producer said he wanted the song to sound “live,” despite the fact that it literally was being played live.
Number Six: Mullen Speaks Out When He Has To. Mullen has said that he has no problem speaking up when he feels like something is wrong.
Number Five: The Edge Has Been to Coachella. In 2014, the Edge went to Coachella to scope out the talent. He said that he was a big fan of Cage the Elephant, Broken Bells, and Skrillex.
Number Four: Bono Is Comfortable With Change. Bono is not a big fan of people telling him that he hasn’t changed. Though they might mean it as a compliment, Bono has said that he associates change with growth, and so for someone to tell him that he hasn’t changed is actually more of an insult than a compliment.
Number Three: Adam Clayton Has Worn the Same Bracelet Since He Was 21. Clayton was given a jade bracelet when he was 21 years old that he has amazingly never taken off. However, there is no special significant to the bracelet; he simply says that he is unable to take it off.
Number Two: They Weren’t Always U2. In fact, before they began calling themselves U2, they tried out the Larry Mullen Band, the Hype, and Feedback. “U2” ended up being the name that they liked the most.
Number One: Bono’s Glasses Aren’t a Gimmick. Bono has glaucoma, which is an incurable condition that can end up damaging the optic nerve. He wears glasses to protect his already sensitive eyes.