U2 is a band.
David Howell Evans ( born 8 August 1961 ) , better known by his stage name The Edge ( or just Edge ) , is an English-born Irish musician and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist , keyboardist and backing vocalist of the rock band U2 . U2 . Initially rooted in post-punk , U2 's sound grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music , yet has maintained an anthemic sound built on Bono 's expressive vocals and the Edge 's effects-based guitar textures .