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 PPcorn presents our list of 15 facts you probably didn’t know about U2.
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. Impressive!
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
It’s true. Specifically, the second verse of “Volcano” involves Bono‘s younger self saying things to his current self.
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
It’s true. 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.