U2 Tickets

U2 are one of the most respected and influential bands of the last 20 years. Through politically and spiritually declarative lyrics infused with an anthemic yet experimental rock sound, U2 has managed to achieve a stratospheric level of success while simultaneously maintaining their commitment to issues important to them. Somewhere along the way, U2 decided it wanted to change the world, and the way things are going for them, they just might.

Formed in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland U2 came together when drummer Larry Mullen Jr. posted a flyer on a high school bulletin board seeking other musicians for a band. Bassist Adam Clayton, Guitarist The Edge (born David Evans), Vocalist Bono (born Paul Hewson) and Dick Evans all responded to the ad. Originally starting off as a cover band called The Feedback, the group eventually changed its name to U2 following the departure of Dick Evans in 1977.

For the next couple of years the group had modest success. U2 managed to grab the attention of high powered manager Paul McGuinness and a 3 album record deal with CBS records, spawned the released of their debut EP U2 Three which topped the charts in Ireland. In 1980 they signed with Island Records and took their first step towards superstardom.

U2 gradually established a cult-like following with electrifying live shows sharpened through extensive touring in America and Europe. Unafraid to declare their political passions, the band believed in itself and wanted the world to listen, as they soon did. Their first LP "Boy" was released in 1980 to wide spread critical acclaim. In the following year the band release a little more mellow record entitled "October" which reflected their more Christian and spiritual beliefs. While "October" was more successful then their first record, things really changed in 1983 with the release of "War. " Entering the UK charts at #1 and with the help of songs "New Years Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "War" when to #12 in the United States with headlining arena tours across the country.

It was at this point in their career that U2 began a working relationship with co-producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois that still survives to this day. The result of this new team was the album "The Unforgettable Fire" which showed the band taking on a distinctive, more complex sound. It was during this time that the band played Live Aid, a benefit concert at Wembley Stadium in London. Their performance was so captivating that it became one of the most memorable and pivotal shows in their history. "The Joshua Tree" was the next LP. Released in 1987, it was U2's most successful record to date. It reached #1 in 22 countries. In touring for this record, the band hired director Phil Joanou to document their live shows as well as their views on America. "Rattle and Hum," the resulting movie and LP were released in 1988. By then, Time magazine had christened U2 as " The Band of the Eighties." They were rock's hottest ticket.

In late 1991, after taking a few years off, the band regrouped and recorded "Achtung Baby" a more electronic sounding record. The subsequent tour called ZooTV was a huge production and spectacle, which utilized video, screens, floating cars, and Bono's alter ego The Fly to provide fans with an innovative concert experience.

Over the next few years the band released a few albums ("Zooropa" as well as "Original Soundtracks Vol 1" under the band name the Passangers) to mediocre sales and luke warm critical acclaim. It seemed as though U2 were loosing their edge, until 1997 and the release of "Pop." While exemplifying strong electronic, techno, and dance elements in the music, fans did flock to buy it and critics provided strong reviews. The tour to follow was even more grandiose, employing a 50ft. by 150ft. video screen (the world's largest), a gigantic rotating lemon shaped mirror ball and a 100ft. tall cocktail stick with an olive on it. Over the top Maybe. Entertaining Indeed.

In 2000 the band once again reunited with Eno and Lanois for "All That You Can't Leave Behind." Which was once again released to much critical acclaim. Yet, their most recent record "How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb" shows U2 still at the top of their game. This band show's no signs of slowing down and the have the talent to keep us entertained for years to come. The U2 Vertigo Tour has the potential to be their greatest tour ever!