Portal:U2

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edit   The U2 Portal U2 performing at Madison Square Garden in November 2005, from left to right: The Edge; Larry Mullen, Jr. (drumming), Bono, and Adam Clayton Welcome to Wikipedia's U2 Portal. U2 are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The band consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). U2 have been one of the most popular acts in the world since the mid-1980s. The band has sold upwards of 170 million albums worldwide, and they have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other rock band. U2 formed in 1976 when the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. By the mid-1980s, however, the band had become a top international act, noted for its anthemic sound, Bono's impassioned vocals, and The Edge's textural guitar playing. Their success as a live act was greater than as a record-selling act until their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree, brought them mega-stardom. Their alternative rock/dance-infused 1991 album Achtung Baby and the accompanying Zoo TV Tour were part of a significant reinvention for the band; it was a response to their own sense of musical stagnation, the dance and alternative music revolutions, and criticism of their image. This experimentation continued for the rest of the 1990s. In the early years of the 21st century, U2 have pursued a more traditional sound while maintaining influences from their previous musical explorations. They continue to enjoy the highest level of commercial and critical success. The band is active in human rights, international development, and social justice causes, such as Amnesty International, Make Poverty History, the ONE Campaign, Live Aid, Live 8, Bono's DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa) campaign, and Music Rising. Main U2 article.. edit   Selected article Achtung Baby is the seventh studio album by rock band U2. Produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, it was released on 19 November 1991 on Island Records. Stung by criticism of their previous album, Rattle and Hum (1988), U2 shifted their musical direction for Achtung Baby, incorporating alternative rock, industrial, and electronic dance music influences into their sound. Thematically, the record was darker and more introspective, and at times, was more flippant than the band's previous work. The album and the multimedia-intensive Zoo TV Tour were a crucial part of the group's 1990s reinvention, as U2 replaced their earnest public image with a more lighthearted, self-deprecating one. Seeking inspiration on the eve of German reunification, U2 began recording Achtung Baby in Berlin's Hansa Studios in October 1990. Conflict arose amongst the band members over their musical direction and the quality of their material. However, after weeks of tension, arguments, and slow progress, the group made a breakthrough with the improvised writing of the song "One". They returned to Dublin in 1991, where they completed the majority of the recordings in the first half of the year. Read more... edit   Selected picture U2 - 1 April, 2005 in Anaheim.' More media... edit   Did you know... That "City of Blinding Lights" was in development for seven years before it was released? That the full name of the song "United Colours" is "United Colours of Plutonium"? That "A Sort of Homecoming" has been played by the band only twice since 1987? That "Winter" and "White as Snow" were both written for the 2009 film Brothers? That Adam Clayton's once missed a concert due to a hangover? That "Desire" was U2's first UK number one single? That "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is the most covered U2 song? edit   WikiProjects WikiProject U2 is a project that helps to assemble writers and editors interested in U2. The aim of this project is to standardise and improve articles related to U2, as well as to create any missing articles. To become a member of this WikiProject (anyone may join), simply click here - and add {{user|username}}. More info on project.... edit   Selected bio Paul David Hewson, KBE (born 10 May 1960), most commonly known by his stage name Bono, is an Irish singer and musician, best known for being the main vocalist of the Dublin-based rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his future wife, Ali Hewson, and the future members of U2. Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social, and religious themes.During their early years, Bono's lyrics contributed to U2's rebellious and spiritual tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences shared with members of U2. Outside the band, he has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists, sits on the board of Elevation Partners, and has refurbished and owns The Clarence Hotel in Dublin with The Edge. Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa, for which he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product Red. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with influential politicians. Bono has been praised and criticized for his activism and involvement with U2. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time, among other awards and nominations. Read more... edit   Quotes "What ever you do, do not get into a car with Bono. He's not great at the old driving." ~The Edge "Then Bono arrived, and he meant to play the guitar, but he couldn't play very well, so he started to sing. He couldn't do that either. But he was such a charismatic character that he was in the band anyway, as soon as he arrived. I was in charge for the first five minutes, but as soon as Bono got there, I was out of a job." ~Larry Mullen Jr. "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."~Larry Mullen Jr. "There's a thin line between interesting music and self-indulgence. We crossed it on the Passengers record."~Larry Mullen Jr. "I joined a band to hit things."~Larry Mullen Jr. edit   Categories [−] U2 [+] U2 albums [×] U2 films [+] U2 media [×] U2 members [+] U2 songs [×] U2 concert tours [×] U2 tribute albums [+] WikiProject U2 edit   Topics edit   Related portals Alternative music Rush Rolling Stones Progressive rock Led Zeppelin Bryan Adams Heavy metal AC/DC The Beatles Aerosmith Rock and Roll Music More music portals... edit   Associated Wikimedia U2 on Wikibooks  U2 on Wikimedia Commons U2 on Wikinews  U2 on Wikiquote  U2 on Wikisource  U2 on Wikiversity  U2 on Wiktionary  Manuals and books Images and media News Quotations Texts Learning resources Definitions

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