U2 U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin . Formed in 1976 , the group consists of Bono ( vocals and guitar ) , The Edge ( guitar , keyboards , and vocals ) , Adam Clayton ( bass guitar ) , and Larry Mullen , Jr . ( drums and percussion ) . U2 ' s early sound was rooted in post - punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music . Throughout the group ' s musical pursuits , they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals , highlighted by The Edge ' s timbrally varied guitar sounds and Bono ' s expressive vocals . Their lyrics , often embellished with spiritual imagery , focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns . U2 formed at Mount Temple Comprehensive School when the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency . Within four years , they signed with Island Records and released their debut album " Boy " . By the mid - 1980s , they became a top international act . They were more successful as live performers than they were at selling records , until their breakthrough 1987 album " The Joshua Tree " , which , according to " Rolling Stone " , elevated the band ' s stature " from heroes to superstars " . Reacting to musical stagnation and late - 1980s criticism of their earnest image and musical direction , the group reinvented themselves with their 1991 hit album " Achtung Baby " and the accompanying Zoo TV Tour . U2 integrated dance , industrial , and alternative rock influences into their sound and performances , and embraced a more ironic and self - deprecating image . Similar experimentation continued for the remainder of the 1990s with mixed levels of success . U2 regained critical and commercial favour after their 2000 record " All That You Can ' t Leave Behind " . On it and the group ' s subsequent releases , they adopted a more conventional sound while maintaining influences from their earlier musical explorations . U2 have released 12 studio albums and are among the all - time best - selling music artists , having sold more than 150 million records worldwide . They have won 22 Grammy Award s , more than any other band , and in 2005 , they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility . " Rolling Stone " ranked U2 at number 22 in its list of the " 100 Greatest Artists of All Time " . Throughout their career , as a band and as individuals , they have campaigned for human rights and philanthropic causes , including Amnesty International , the ONE / DATA campaigns , Product Red , and The Edge ' s Music Rising . History . Formation and early years ( 1976 – 79 ) . The band formed in Dublin on 25 September 1976 . Larry Mullen , Jr . , then a 14 - year - old student at Mount Temple Comprehensive School , posted a note on the school ' s notice board in search of musicians for a new band — six people responded . Setting up in his kitchen , Mullen was on drums , with Paul Hewson ( Bono ) on lead vocals ; David Evans ( The Edge ) and his older brother Dik Evans on guitar ; Adam Clayton , a friend of the Evans brothers on bass guitar ; and initially Ivan McCormick and Peter Martin , two other friends of Mullen . Mullen later described it as " ' The Larry Mullen Band ' for about ten minutes , then Bono walked in and blew any chance I had of being in charge . " Soon after , the group settled on the name " Feedback " because it was one of the few technical terms they knew . Martin did not return after the first practice , and McCormick left the group within a few weeks . Most of the group ' s initial material consisted of cover songs , which the band admitted was not their forté . Some of the earliest influences on the band were emerging punk rock acts , such as The Jam , The Clash , Buzzcocks , and Sex Pistols . The popularity of punk rock convinced the group that musical proficiency was not a prerequisite to being successful . In March 1977 , the band changed their name to The Hype . Dik Evans , who was older and by this time at college , was becoming the odd man out . The rest of the band was leaning towards the idea of a four - piece ensemble and he was " phased out " in March 1978 . During a farewell concert in the Presbyterian Church Hall in Howth , which featured The Hype playing covers , Dik ceremonially walked offstage . The remaining four band members completed the concert playing original material as " U2 " . Steve Averill , a punk rock musician ( with The Radiators ) and family friend of Clayton ' s , had suggested six potential names from which the band chose " U2 " for its ambiguity and open - ended interpretations , and because it was the name that they disliked the least . On Saint Patrick ' s Day in 1978 , U2 won a talent show in Limerick . The prize consisted of £500 and studio time to record a demo which would be heard by CBS Ireland , a record label . This win was an important milestone and affirmation for the fledgling band . U2 recorded their first demo tape at Keystone Studios in Dublin in May 1978 . " Hot Press " magazine was influential in shaping the band ' s future ; in May , Paul McGuinness , who had earlier been introduced to the band by the publication ' s journalist Bill Graham , agreed to be U2 ' s manager . The group ' s first release , an Ireland - only EP entitled " Three " , was released in September 1979 and was their first Irish chart success . In December 1979 , U2 performed in London for their first shows outside Ireland , although they were unable to gain much attention from audiences or critics . In February 1980 , their second single " Another Day " was released on the CBS label , but again only for the Irish market . " Boy " , " October " , and " War " ( 1980 – 84 ) . Island Records signed U2 in March 1980 , and in May the band released " 11 O ' Clock Tick Tock " as their first international single . The band ' s debut album , " Boy " , followed in October . Produced by Steve Lillywhite , it received generally positive reviews . Although Bono ' s unfocused lyrics seemed improvised , they expressed a common theme : the dreams and frustrations of adolescence . The album included the band ' s first United States hit single , " I Will Follow " . " Boy " ' s release was followed by the Boy Tour , U2 ' s first tour of continental Europe and the United States . Despite being unpolished , these early live performances demonstrated U2 ' s potential , as critics noted that Bono was a " charismatic " and " passionate " showman . The band ' s second album , " October , " was released in 1981 and contained overtly spiritual themes . During the album ' s recording sessions , Bono and The Edge considered quitting the band due to perceived spiritual conflicts . Bono , The Edge , and Mullen had joined a Christian group in Dublin called the " Shalom Fellowship " , which led them to question the relationship between the Christian faith and the rock and roll lifestyle . Bono and The Edge took time off between tours and decided to leave Shalom in favour of continuing with the band . Recording was further complicated with the theft of a briefcase containing lyrics for several working songs from backstage during the band ' s performance at a nightclub in Portland , Oregon . The album received mixed reviews and limited radio play . Low sales outside the UK put pressure on their contract with Island and focused the band on improvement . Resolving their doubts of the " October " period , U2 released " War " in February 1983 . A record where the band " turned pacifism itself into a crusade " , " War " s sincerity and " rugged " guitar was intentionally at odds with the trendier synthpop of the time . The album included the politically charged " Sunday Bloody Sunday " , in which Bono lyrically tried to contrast the events of Bloody Sunday with Easter Sunday . " Rolling Stone " magazine wrote that the song showed the band was capable of deep and meaningful songwriting . " War " was U2 ' s first album to feature the photography of Anton Corbijn , who remains U2 ' s principal photographer and has had a major influence on their vision and public image . U2 ' s first commercial success , " War " debuted at number one in the UK , and its first single , " New Year ' s Day " , was the band ' s first hit outside Ireland or the UK . On the subsequent War Tour , the band performed sold - out concerts in mainland Europe and the US . The sight of Bono waving a white flag during performances of " Sunday Bloody Sunday " became the tour ' s iconic image . U2 recorded the " Under a Blood Red Sky " live album and the " " concert film on tour , both of which received extensive play on the radio and MTV , expanding the band ' s audience and showcasing their prowess as a live act . With their record deal with Island Records coming to an end , the band signed a more lucrative extension in 1984 . They negotiated the return of their copyrights ( so that they owned the rights to their own songs ) , an increase in their royalty rate , and a general improvement in terms , at the expense of a larger initial payment . " The Unforgettable Fire " and Live Aid ( 1984 – 85 ) . The band feared that following the overt rock of the " War " album and tour , they were in danger of becoming another " shrill " , " sloganeering arena - rock band " . Thus , they sought experimentation for their fourth studio album , " The Unforgettable Fire " ; as Adam Clayton recalls , " We were looking for something that was a bit more serious , more arty . " The Edge admired the ambient and " weird works " of Brian Eno , who , along with his engineer Daniel Lanois , eventually agreed to produce the record . Partly recorded in Slane Castle , " The Unforgettable Fire " was released in 1984 and was at the time the band ' s most marked change in direction . It was ambient and abstract , and featured a rich , orchestrated sound . Under Lanois ' direction , Mullen ' s drumming became looser , funkier , and more subtle and Clayton ' s bass became more subliminal ; the rhythm section no longer intruded , but flowed in support of the songs . Complementing the album ' s atmospheric sound , the lyrics are open to interpretation , providing what the band called a " very visual feel " . Due to a tight recording schedule , however , Bono felt songs like " Bad " and " Pride ( In the Name of Love ) " were incomplete " sketches " . The album ' s lead single " Pride ( In the Name of Love ) " , written about Martin Luther King , Jr . , was the band ' s biggest hit to that point and was their first song to chart in the US top 40 . Much of The Unforgettable Fire Tour moved into indoor arenas as U2 began to win their long battle to build their audience . The complex textures of the new studio - recorded tracks , such as " The Unforgettable Fire " and " Bad " , were problematic to translate to live performances . One solution was programmed sequencers , which the band had previously been reluctant to use , but are now used in the majority of the band ' s performances . Songs on the album had been criticised as being " unfinished " , " fuzzy " , and " unfocused " , but were better received by critics when played on stage . U2 participated in the Live Aid concert for Ethiopian famine relief at Wembley Stadium in July 1985 . U2 ' s performance in front of 82 , 000 fans was a pivotal point in the band ' s career . During a 14 - minute performance of the song " Bad " , Bono leapt down off the stage to embrace and dance with a fan , showing a television audience of millions the personal connection that Bono could make with audiences . In 1985 , " Rolling Stone " magazine called U2 the " Band of the ' 80s " , saying that " for a growing number of rock - and - roll fans , U2 have become the band that matters most , maybe even the only band that matters " . " The Joshua Tree " and " Rattle and Hum " ( 1986 – 89 ) . For their fifth album , " The Joshua Tree " , the band wanted to build on " The Unforgettable Fire " s textures , but instead of out - of - focus experimentation , they sought a harder - hitting sound within the limitation of conventional song structures . Realising that " U2 had no tradition " and that their knowledge of music from before their childhood was limited , the group delved into American and Irish roots music . Friendships with Bob Dylan , Van Morrison , and Keith Richards motivated the band to explore blues , folk , and gospel music and focused Bono on his skills as a songwriter and lyricist . U2 interrupted the album sessions in mid - 1986 to serve as a headline act on Amnesty International ' s A Conspiracy of Hope tour . Rather than being a distraction , the tour added extra intensity and focus to their new material . Later that year , Bono travelled to San Salvador and Nicaragua and saw first - hand the distress of peasants bullied in internal conflicts that were subject to US political intervention . The experience became a central influence on the new music . " The Joshua Tree " was released in March 1987 . The album juxtaposes antipathy towards US foreign policy against the group ' s deep fascination with the country , its open spaces , freedom , and ideals . The band wanted music with a sense of location and a " cinematic " quality , and the record ' s music and lyrics draw on imagery created by American writers whose works the band had been reading . " The Joshua Tree " became the fastest - selling album in British chart history , and topped the " Billboard 200 " in the United States for nine consecutive weeks . The first two singles , " With or Without You " and " I Still Haven ' t Found What I ' m Looking For " , quickly became the group ' s first number - one hits in the US . They became the fourth rock band to be featured on the cover of " Time " magazine , which declared that U2 was " Rock ' s Hottest Ticket " . The album won U2 their first two Grammy Award s , and it brought the band a new level of success . Many publications , including " Rolling Stone " , have cited it as one of rock ' s greatest . The Joshua Tree Tour was the first tour on which the band played shows in stadiums , alongside smaller arena shows . The documentary " Rattle and Hum " featured footage recorded from The Joshua Tree Tour , and the accompanying double album of the same name included nine studio tracks and six live U2 performances . Released in October 1988 , the album and film were intended as a tribute to American music ; they included recordings at Sun Studios in Memphis and performances with Bob Dylan and B . B . King . " Rattle and Hum " performed modestly at the box office and received mixed reviews from both film and music critics ; one " Rolling Stone " editor spoke of the album ' s " excitement " , another described it as " bombastic and misguided " . The film ' s director , Phil Joanou , described it as " an overly pretentious look at U2 " . Most of the album ' s new material was played on 1989 ' s Lovetown Tour , which only visited Australia , Japan and Europe , so as to avoid the critical backlash the group faced in the US . In addition , they had grown dissatisfied with their live performances ; Mullen recalled that " We were the biggest , but we weren ' t the best " . With a sense of musical stagnation , Bono said to fans on one of the last dates of the tour that it was " the end of something for U2 " and that they had to " go away and . . . just dream it all up again " . " Achtung Baby " , Zoo TV , and " Zooropa " ( 1990 – 93 ) . Stung by the criticism of " Rattle and Hum " , the band sought to transform themselves musically . Seeking inspiration on the eve of German reunification , they began work on their seventh studio album , " Achtung Baby " , at Hansa Studios in Berlin in October 1990 with producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno . The sessions were fraught with conflict , as the band argued over their musical direction and the quality of their material . While Clayton and Mullen preferred a sound similar to U2 ' s previous work , Bono and The Edge were inspired by European industrial music and electronic dance music and advocated a change . Weeks of tension and slow progress nearly prompted the group to break up until they made a breakthrough with the improvised writing of the song " One " . They returned to Dublin in 1991 , where morale improved and the majority of the album was completed . " Achtung Baby " was released in November 1991 . The album represented a calculated change in musical and thematic direction for the group ; the shift was one of their most dramatic since " The Unforgettable Fire " . Sonically , the record incorporated influences from alternative rock , dance , and industrial music of the time , and the band referred to its musical departure as " four men chopping down the Joshua Tree " . Thematically , it was a more introspective and personal record ; it was darker , yet at times more flippant than the band ' s previous work . Commercially and critically , it has been one of the band ' s most successful albums . It produced five hit singles , including " The Fly " , " Mysterious Ways " , and " One " , and it was a crucial part of the band ' s early 1990s reinvention . Like " The Joshua Tree " , many publications have cited the record as one of rock ' s greatest . Like " Achtung Baby " , the 1992 – 1993 Zoo TV Tour was an unequivocal break with the band ' s past . In contrast to the austere stage setups of previous U2 tours , Zoo TV was an elaborate multimedia event . It satirised the pervasive nature of television and its blurring of news , entertainment , and home shopping by attempting to instill " sensory overload " in its audience . The stage featured large video screens that showed visual effects , random video clips from pop culture , and flashing text phrases . Whereas U2 were known for their earnest performances in the 1980s , the group ' s Zoo TV performances were intentionally ironic and self - deprecating ; on stage , Bono performed as several over - the - top characters , including " The Fly " , " Mirror Ball Man " , and " MacPhisto " . Prank phone calls were made to President Bush , the United Nations , and others . Live satellite link - ups to war - torn Sarajevo caused controversy . Quickly recorded during a break in the Zoo TV Tour in mid - 1993 , the " Zooropa " album expanded on many of the themes from " Achtung Baby " and the Zoo TV Tour . Initially intended as an EP , " Zooropa " ultimately evolved into full - length LP album . It was an even greater departure from the style of their earlier recordings , incorporating further dance influences and other electronic effects . Johnny Cash sang the lead vocals on " The Wanderer " . Most of the songs were played at least once during the 1993 legs of the tour , which visited Europe , Australia , New Zealand and Japan ; half the album ' s tracks became permanent fixtures in the setlist . Although the commercially successful " Zooropa " won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1994 , the band regard it with mixed feelings , as they felt it was more of " an interlude " . Passengers , " Pop " , and PopMart ( 1994 – 99 ) . In 1995 , U2 released an experimental album called " Original Soundtracks 1 " . Brian Eno , producer of four previous U2 albums , contributed as a full partner , including writing and performing . For this reason and due to the record ' s highly experimental nature , the band chose to release it under the moniker " Passengers " to distinguish it from U2 ' s conventional albums . Mullen said of the album , " There ' s a thin line between interesting music and self - indulgence . We crossed it on the Passengers record . " It was commercially unnoticed by U2 standards and it received generally poor reviews . However , the single " Miss Sarajevo " featuring Luciano Pavarotti , which Bono cites as one of his favourite U2 songs , was successful . On 1997 ' s " Pop " , U2 continued experimenting ; tape loop s , programming , rhythm sequencing , and sampling provided much of the album with heavy , funky dance rhythms . Released in March , the album debuted at number one in 35 countries and drew mainly positive reviews . " Rolling Stone " , for example , stated that U2 had " defied the odds and made some of the greatest music of their lives " . Others felt that the album was a major disappointment and sales were poor compared to previous U2 releases . The band was hurried into completing the album in time for the impending pre - booked tour , and Bono admitted that the album " didn ' t communicate the way it was intended to " . The subsequent tour , PopMart , commenced in April 1997 . Like Zoo TV , it poked fun at pop culture and was intended to send a sarcastic message to those accusing U2 of commercialism . The stage included a tall golden yellow arch ( reminiscent of the McDonald ' s logo ) , a long video screen , and a tall mirrorball lemon . U2 ' s " big shtick " failed , however , to satisfy many who were seemingly confused by the band ' s new kitsch image and elaborate sets . The postponement of " Pop " s release date in order to complete the album meant rehearsal time for the tour was severely reduced , and performances in early shows suffered . A highlight of the tour was the concert in Sarajevo where U2 were the first major group to perform there following the Bosnian War . Mullen described the concert as " an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life , and if I had to spend 20 years in the band just to play that show , and have done that , I think it would have been worthwhile . " Bono called the show " one of the toughest and one of the sweetest nights of my life " . One month after the conclusion of the PopMart Tour , U2 appeared on the 200th episode of the animated sitcom " The Simpsons " , " Trash of the Titans " , in which Homer Simpson disrupted the band on stage during a PopMart concert . " Reapplying for the job of the best band in the world " ( 2000 – 06 ) . Following the relatively disappointing reception of " Pop " , U2 declared they were " reapplying for the job . . . [ of ] the best band in the world " , and they have since pursued a more conventional rock sound mixed with the influences of their 1990s musical explorations . " All That You Can ' t Leave Behind " was released in October 2000 and was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois . For many of those not won over by the band ' s 1990s music , it was considered a return to grace ; " Rolling Stone " called it U2 ' s " third masterpiece " alongside " The Joshua Tree " and " Achtung Baby " . The album debuted at number one in 22 countries and its worldwide hit single , " Beautiful Day " earned three Grammy Awards . The album ' s other three singles also won Grammy Awards . For the Elevation Tour , U2 performed in a scaled - down setting , returning to arenas after nearly a decade of stadium productions . A heart - shaped stage and ramp permitted greater proximity to the audience . Following the September 11 attacks , the new album gained added resonance , and in October , U2 performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City . Bono and The Edge later said these New York City shows were among their most memorable and emotional performances . In early 2002 , U2 performed during halftime of Super Bowl XXXVI , which SI . com ranked as the best halftime show in Super Bowl history . The band ' s next studio album , " How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb " , was released in November 2004 . The band were looking for a harder - hitting rock sound than " All That You Can ' t Leave Behind " . Thematically , Bono stated that " a lot of the songs are paeans to naiveté , a rejection of knowingness . " The first single , " Vertigo " , was featured on an internationally aired television commercial for the Apple iPod , and a U2 iPod and an iTunes U2 box set were released as part of a promotion with Apple . The album debuted at number one in the US , where the first week ' s sales doubled that of " All That You Can ' t Leave Behind " and set a record for the band . Claiming it as a contender as one of U2 ' s three best albums , Bono said , " There are no weak songs . But as an album , the whole isn ' t greater than the sum of its parts , and it fucking annoys me . " The Vertigo Tour featured a setlist that varied more across dates than any U2 tour since the Lovetown Tour , and it included songs not played since the early 1980s . Like the Elevation Tour , the Vertigo Tour was a commercial success . The album and its singles won Grammy Awards in all eight categories in which U2 were nominated . In 2005 , Bruce Springsteen inducted U2 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . A 3 - D concert film , " U2 3D " , filmed at nine concerts during the Latin American and Australian legs of the Vertigo Tour was released on 23 January 2008 . In August 2006 , the band incorporated its publishing business in The Netherlands following the capping of Irish artists ' tax exemption at €250 , 000 . The Edge stated that businesses often seek to minimise their tax burdens . The move was criticised in the Irish parliament . The band said the criticism was unfair , stating that approximately 95 % of their business took place outside of Ireland , that they were taxed globally because of this , and that they were all " personal investors and employers in the country " . " No Line on the Horizon " , U2 360° Tour and thirteenth studio album ( 2006 – present ) . Recording for U2 ' s twelfth album , " No Line on the Horizon " , began with producer Rick Rubin in 2006 , but the sessions were short - lived and the material was shelved . In June 2007 , the band began new sessions with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois , who contributed not only as producers , but for the first time with U2 , as songwriters as well . In March 2008 , the band signed a 12 - year deal with Live Nation worth an estimated $ 100 million ( £50 million ) , which includes Live Nation controlling the band ' s merchandise , sponsoring , and their official website . Recording on the album continued through December 2008 in the US , the UK , Ireland , and Fez , Morocco , where the band explored North African music . Intended as a more experimental work than their previous two albums , " No Line on the Horizon " was released in February 2009 and received generally positive reviews , including their first five - star " Rolling Stone " review . Critics , however , noted it was not as experimental as expected . The album debuted at number one in over 30 countries , but the album ' s sales have been comparatively low by U2 standards and it did not contain a hit single . The group commenced the U2 360° Tour in 2009 . The shows featured the largest concert stage structure ever , nicknamed " the Claw " , and a 360 - degree staging / audience configuration that allowed fans to surround the stage from all sides . The tour visited European and North American stadiums in 2009 . At year ' s end , " Rolling Stone " named U2 one of eight " Artists of the Decade " . The group ' s tours ranked them second in total concert grosses for the decade after The Rolling Stones , although U2 had a significantly higher attendance figure than the Stones . They were the only band in the top 25 touring acts of the 2000s to sell out every show they played . U2 resumed the 360° Tour in 2010 with legs in Europe , Australia , and New Zealand . However , their scheduled headline appearance at the Glastonbury Festival 2010 and their North American leg that year were postponed following a serious injury to Bono ' s back . These appearances were rescheduled for 2011 after the South African and South American legs . The tour concluded in July 2011 with a final gross of $ 736 , 137 , 344 , and a total attendance of 7 , 268 , 430 , both record - setting figures for a single concert tour . " Forbes " estimates that U2 earned US $ 78 million between May 2011 and May 2012 , making them the fourth - highest - paid musical artist . Musical style . Instrumentation . Since their inception , U2 have developed and maintained a distinctly recognisable sound , with emphasis on melodic instrumentals and expressive , larger - than - life vocals . This approach is rooted partly in the early influence of record producer Steve Lillywhite at a time when the band was not known for musical proficiency . The Edge has consistently used a rhythmic echo and a signature delay to craft his guitar work , coupled with an Irish - influenced drone played against his syncopated melodies that ultimately yields a well - defined ambient , chiming sound . Bono has nurtured his falsetto operatic voice and has exhibited a notable lyrical bent towards social , political , and personal subject matter while maintaining a grandiose scale in his songwriting . In addition , The Edge has described U2 as a fundamentally live band . Despite these broad consistencies , U2 have introduced brand new elements into their musical repertoire with each new album . U2 ' s early sound was influenced by bands such as Television and Joy Division , and has been described as containing a " sense of exhilaration " that resulted from The Edge ' s " radiant chords " and Bono ' s " ardent vocals " . U2 ' s sound began with post - punk roots and minimalistic and uncomplicated instrumentals heard on " Boy " and " October " , but evolved through " War " to include aspects of rock anthem , funk , and dance rhythms to become more versatile and aggressive . " Boy " and " War " were labelled " muscular and assertive " by " Rolling Stone " , influenced in large part by Lillywhite ' s producing . " The Unforgettable Fire " , which began with The Edge playing more keyboards than guitars , as well as follow - up " The Joshua Tree " , had Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois at the production helm . With their influence , both albums achieved a " diverse texture " . The songs from " The Joshua Tree " and " Rattle and Hum " placed more emphasis on Lanois - inspired rhythm as they mixed distinct and varied styles of gospel and blues music , which stemmed from the band ' s burgeoning fascination with America ' s culture , people and places . In the 1990s , U2 reinvented themselves as they began using synthesisers , distortion , and electronic beats derived from alternative rock , industrial music , dance , and hip - hop on " Achtung Baby " , " Zooropa " , and " Pop " . In the 2000s , U2 returned to a more stripped - down sound , with more conventional rhythms and reduced usage of synthesisers and effects . Lyrics and themes . Social and political commentary , often embellished with Christian and spiritual imagery , are a major aspect of U2 ' s lyrical content . Songs such as " Sunday Bloody Sunday " , " Silver and Gold " , and " Mothers of the Disappeared " were motivated by current events of the time . The former was written about the troubles in Northern Ireland , while the latter concerns the struggle of a group of women whose children were killed or " disappeared " by the government during the Salvadoran Civil War . The song " Running to Stand Still " from " The Joshua Tree " was inspired by the heroin addiction that was sweeping through Dublin — the lyric " I see seven towers , but I only see one way out " references the Ballymun Towers of Northern Dublin and the imagery throughout the song personifies the struggles of addiction . Bono ' s personal conflicts and turmoil inspired songs like " Mofo " , " Tomorrow " and " Kite " . An emotional yearning or pleading frequently appears as a lyrical theme , in tracks such as " Yahweh " , " Peace on Earth " , and " Please " . Much of U2 ' s songwriting and music is also motivated by contemplations of loss and anguish , coupled with hopefulness and resiliency , themes that are central to " The Joshua Tree " . Some of these lyrical ideas have been amplified by Bono and the band ' s personal experiences during their youth in Ireland , as well as Bono ' s campaigning and activism later in his life . U2 have used tours such as Zoo TV and PopMart to caricature social trends , such as media overload and consumerism , respectively . While the band and its fans often affirm the political nature of their music , U2 ' s lyrics and music have been criticised as apolitical because of their vagueness and " fuzzy imagery " , and a lack of any specific references to actual people or characters . Influences . The band cites The Who , The Clash , Television , Ramones , The Beatles , Joy Division , Siouxsie and the Banshees , Elvis Presley , and Patti Smith as influences . Van Morrison has been cited by Bono as an influence and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame points out his influence on U2 . U2 have also worked with and / or had influential relationships with artists including Johnny Cash , Green Day , Leonard Cohen , Bruce Springsteen , B . B . King , Lou Reed , Luciano Pavarotti , Bob Dylan , Elvis Costello , Wim Wenders , R . E . M . , Salman Rushdie , and Anton Corbijn . Campaigning and activism . Since the early 1980s , the members of U2 — as a band and individually — have collaborated with other musicians , artists , celebrities , and politicians to address issues concerning poverty , disease , and social injustice . In 1984 , Bono and Adam Clayton participated in Band Aid to raise money for the 1983 – 1985 famine in Ethiopia . This initiative produced the hit charity single " Do They Know It ' s Christmas ? " , which would be the first among several collaborations between U2 and Bob Geldof . In July 1985 , U2 played Live Aid , a follow - up to Band Aid ' s efforts . Bono and his wife Ali , invited by World Vision , later visited Ethiopia where they witnessed the famine first hand . Bono would later say this laid the groundwork for his Africa campaigning and some of his songwriting . In 1986 , U2 participated in the A Conspiracy of Hope tour in support of Amnesty International and in Self Aid for unemployment in Ireland . The same year , Bono and Ali Hewson also visited Nicaragua and El Salvador at the invitation of the Sanctuary movement , and saw the effects of the El Salvador Civil War . These 1986 events greatly influenced " The Joshua Tree " album , which was being recorded at the time . In 1992 , the band participated in the " Stop Sellafield " concert with Greenpeace during their Zoo TV tour . Events in Sarajevo during the Bosnian war inspired the song " Miss Sarajevo " , which premiered at a September 1995 Pavarotti and Friends show , and which Bono and the Edge performed at War Child . A promise made in 1993 was kept when the band played in Sarajevo as part of 1997 ' s PopMart Tour . In 1998 , they performed in Belfast days prior to the vote on the Good Friday Agreement , bringing Northern Irish political leaders David Trimble and John Hume on stage to promote the agreement . Later that year , all proceeds from the release of the " Sweetest Thing " single went towards supporting the Chernobyl Children ' s Project . In 2001 , the band dedicated " Walk On " to Burma ' s pro - democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi . In late 2003 , Bono and the Edge participated in the South Africa HIV / AIDS awareness 46664 series of concerts hosted by Nelson Mandela . The band played 2005 ' s Live 8 concert in London . The band and manager Paul McGuinness were awarded Amnesty International ' s Ambassador of Conscience Award for their work in promoting human rights . Since 2000 , Bono ' s campaigning has included Jubilee 2000 with Bob Geldof , Muhammad Ali , and others to promote the cancellation of third world debt during the Great Jubilee . In January 2002 , Bono co - founded the multinational NGO , DATA , with the aim of improving the social , political , and financial state of Africa . He continued his campaigns for debt and HIV / AIDS relief into June 2002 by making high - profile visits to Africa . Product Red , a 2006 for - profit brand seeking to raise money for the Global Fund , was founded , in part , by Bono . The ONE Campaign , originally the US counterpart of Make Poverty History , was shaped by his efforts and vision . In late 2005 , following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita , The Edge helped introduce Music Rising , an initiative to raise funds for musicians who lost their instruments in the storm - ravaged Gulf Coast . In 2006 , U2 collaborated with pop punk band Green Day to record a remake of the song " The Saints Are Coming " by The Skids to benefit Music Rising . U2 and Bono ' s social activism have not been without its critics , however . Several authors and activists who publish in politically left journals such as CounterPunch have decried Bono ' s support of political figures such as Paul Wolfowitz , as well as his " essential paternalism " . Other news sources have more generally questioned the efficacy of Bono ' s campaign to relieve debt and provide assistance to Africa . Tax and development campaigners have also criticised the band ' s move from Ireland to the Netherlands to reduce its tax bill . Other projects . The members of U2 have undertaken a number of side projects , sometimes in collaboration with some of their bandmates . In 1985 , Bono recorded the song " In a Lifetime " with the Irish band Clannad . The Edge recorded a solo soundtrack album for the film " Captive " in 1986 , which included a vocal performance by Sinéad O ' Connor that predates her own debut album by a year . Bono and The Edge wrote the song " She ' s a Mystery to Me " for Roy Orbison , which was featured on his 1989 album " Mystery Girl " . In 1990 , Bono and The Edge provided the soundtrack to Royal Shakespeare Company London stage version of " A Clockwork Orange " ( only one track was ever released , on the b - side to " The Fly " single ) . That same year , Mullen co - wrote and produced a song for the Irish International soccer team in Italia ' 90 , called " Put ' Em Under Pressure " , which topped the Irish charts . Together with The Edge , Bono wrote the song " GoldenEye " for the 1995 James Bond film " GoldenEye " , which was performed by Tina Turner . Clayton and Mullen reworked the " " for the . Bono loaned his voice to " Joy " on Mick Jagger ' s 2001 album " Goddess in the Doorway " . Bono also recorded a spare , nearly spoken - word version of Leonard Cohen ' s " Hallelujah " for the " Tower of Song " compilation in 1995 . Additionally , in 1998 , Bono collaborated with Kirk Franklin and Crystal Lewis ( along with controversial mainstream artists R . Kelly and Mary J . Blige ) for a successful gospel song called " Lean on Me " . Aside from musical collaborations , U2 have worked with several authors . American author William S . Burroughs had a guest appearance in U2 ' s video for " Last Night on Earth " shortly before he died . His poem " A Thanksgiving Prayer " was used as video footage during the band ' s Zoo TV Tour . Other collaborators include William Gibson and Allen Ginsberg . In early 2000 , the band recorded three songs for " The Million Dollar Hotel " , including " The Ground Beneath Her Feet " , which was co - written by Salman Rushdie and motivated by his book of the same name . In 2007 , Bono appeared in the movie " Across the Universe " and performed The Beatles songs . Bono and The Edge also wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical " " . Additionally , The Edge created the theme song for Season 1 and 2 of the animated television series " The Batman " . Legacy . U2 have sold more than 150 million records , placing them amongst the best - selling music artists of all time . With 51 . 5 million certified units by the RIAA , U2 rank as the 21st - highest - selling music artist in the US . The group ' s fifth studio album " The Joshua Tree " is one of the best - selling albums in the US ( 10 million copies shipped ) and worldwide ( 25 million copies sold ) . " Rolling Stone " placed U2 at number 22 on its list of the " 100 Greatest Artists of All Time " , while ranking Bono the 32nd - greatest singer and The Edge the 38th - greatest guitarist . In 2004 , " Q " ranked U2 as the fourth - biggest band in a list compiled based on album sales , time spent on the UK charts , and largest audience for a headlining show . A 2011 readers ' poll in " Q " named U2 the Greatest Act of the Last 25 Years . VH1 placed U2 at number 19 on its 2010 list of " The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time " . In 2010 , eight of U2 ' s songs appeared on " Rolling Stone " s updated list of " The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time " , with " One " ranking the highest at number 36 . Five of the group ' s twelve studio albums were ranked on the magazine ' s 2012 list of " The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time " — " The Joshua Tree " placed the highest at number 26 . Reflecting on the band ' s popularity and worldwide impact , Jeff Pollack for " The Huffington Post " said , " like The Who before them , U2 wrote songs about things that were important and resonated with their audience " . U2 received their first Grammy Award in 1988 for " The Joshua Tree " , and they have won 22 in total out of 34 nominations , more than any other group . These include Best Rock Duo or Group , Album of the Year , Record of the Year , Song of the Year and Best Rock Album . The British Phonographic Industry has awarded U2 seven BRIT Awards , five of these being for Best International Group . In Ireland , U2 have won 14 Meteor Awards since the awards began in 2001 . Other awards include one AMA , four VMAs , eleven Q Awards , two Juno Award s , three NME Awards , and a Golden Globe Award . The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in early 2005 . In 2006 , all four members of the band received ASCAP awards for writing the songs , " I Still Haven ' t Found What I ' m Looking For " , and " Vertigo " .