U2 are one of the most well-known and recognizable rock bands of all time. The Irish rock group featuring Bono as their frontman has been around the block a few times, but they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. However, despite the fact that U2 and its members have spent a considerable amount of time in the spotlight and under the scrutiny of the public eye, there are still some things that many people don’t know. With that in mind, here we present our list of 15 things you probably didn’t know about U2. Check out part one below, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon!
Number Fifteen: They’re Still Going Strong. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bono revealed that the band might still be playing together well into their 70s! They mentioned that since they turned 50, they don’t see a reason of stopping, especially since they’re still enjoying themselves.
Number Fourteen: They Recorded the Acoustic Version of Songs of Innocence in a Week. Though the band spent multiple years on developing Songs of Innocence, they were able to record the acoustic version featured on the deluxe edition in just a single week.
Number Thirteen: They’re Not Afraid of Guitar-Based Music. Though electronic music has exploded onto the scene over the past few years, U2 are not afraid of sticking to their specific brand of rock. The Edge said in an interview that the important part is that the music is at least a little “defiant.”
Number Twelve: Bono Is a Fan of Future Islands. Bono has said that he’s a big fan of the indie band Future Islands. He said, “That song, ‘Seasons’? A miracle, that is.”
Number Eleven: “Raised by Wolves” References Bono’s Political Awakening. Specifically, the car bombing referenced in the lyrics of “Raised by Wolves” is what initially sparked Bono’s political awakening. He said that the car bombing reminds him of how coincidence can shape a person’s life.
Number Ten: They Are Afraid of Being Ignored. In an interview, the Edge revealed that part of the reason U2 developed that controversial deal with iTunes is because they were afraid their album would be ignored. They mentioned that they had seen so many artists release good albums that just went unnoticed, and though they have a loyal fanbase, they feared it would happen to them as well.
Number Nine: They Have a Song That Features a Conversation Between Bono and his Younger Self. Specifically, the second verse of “Volcano” involves Bono‘s younger self saying things to his current self. Stay tuned for part two of this list, coming soon!