By Ray Shasho
In this shameful musical era filled of American Idol absurdity, it’s refreshing to witness true heroes of the music world entertaining the intelligent enthusiast.
The internationally renowned Irish rock band U2 has perpetually been a top draw amongst music enthusiasts since the early 80’s. After their first album Boy (produced the hits “A Day Without Me,” “I Will Follow”) was released in 1980, U2 frontman Bono revealed to Rolling Stone Magazine...
“Even at this stage, I do feel we are meant to be one of the great bands, there’s a certain spark, a certain chemistry, that was special about the Stones, the Who and the Beatles, and I think it’s also special about U2.”U2’s collaborations and humanitarian efforts in addressing poverty and social issues around the globe have surely earned them the title of rock’s Ambassadors. Bono referred to the bands symbolic “Sunday Bloody Sunday” the opening track from their 1983 album, War as...
“A song of hope and a song of disgust.”Drummer Larry Mullen mentioned that it was...
“The first time we ever really made a statement.”Bono was awarded knighthood in 2007 for his humanitarian efforts around the world.
U2’s album War reached #12 in the U.S. and was their first album to go platinum.
The band transformed into their current majestic stage presence with the release of Under a Blood Red Sky, a live album recorded in Colorado, Boston and Germany.
By 1985 the band was touring intensely to sold-out arenas and stadiums- including an unforgettable performance at Live Aid.
In 1987, U2 released their masterpiece The Joshua Tree- spawning the #1 hit singles- “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” The album sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and escalated the band into superstardom.
In 1991, U2 changed gears musically with the release of Achtung Baby produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The album sold over 10 million copies worldwide and produced five hit songs including “One”, “Mysterious Ways” and “The Fly.”
Throughout the 90’s, U2’s Zoo TV and PopMart tours lured millions of fans to monster concert venues as they watched performances on extravagant stage sets.
By 2001, U2 returned to the basics with their album “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” topping the charts in 32 countries. U2 also won song of the year at the Grammy’s for “Beautiful Day.”
U2 released How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in 2004. The album produced the hit “Vertigo”
Their most current album,No Line on the Horizon was the bands 12th studio album. U2 once again collaborated with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The band supported the album with their worldwide 360- degree tour. The tour officially launched June 30th 2009 and ends July 30th 2011- covering 110 shows.
U2’s only Florida appearance for 2011 will be on June 29th at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Tickets are available here.
The tour will set industry records of epic proportions. Including- largest concert stage ever toured,highest-grossing tour of all time (more than the previous record held by The Rolling Stones of $558 million) and it will also hold the record for highest-attended tour of all time with over 7 million tickets sold (again beating The Rolling Stones previous record of 6.3 million tickets sold.)
U2 was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2005.
The band conquered 22- Grammy Awards and countless supplementary awards globally. U2 have sold more than 150 million records, placing them amongst the best selling music artists of all time.
And the band has accomplished all of this with its four original members...
Paul David Hewson(Bono)- Vocals, David Howell Evans(The Edge)- Guitar, Adam Charles Clayton- Bass and Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Mullen Jr.-Drums.Rolling Stone Magazine ranked U2 at # 22 in its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time"
Ray's new book is called Check the Gs - The True Story of an Eclectic American Family and Their Wacky Family Business. Order your copy today at http://rayshasho.com/
