page_title: U2
section_title: Band members
hierarchical_section_title: U2 / Band members
caption_attribution_description: Irish rock band U2 performing at Sydney Cricket Grounds in Sydney, Australia on November 23, 2019, during the band's The Joshua Tree Tour 2019
context_page_description: U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin, formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. Initially rooted in post-punk, U2's musical style has evolved throughout their career, yet has maintained an anthemic quality built on Bono's expressive vocals and the Edge's effects-based guitar textures. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal and sociopolitical themes. Popular for their live performances, the group have staged several ambitious and elaborate tours over their career.
  The band formed as teenagers while attending Mount Temple Comprehensive School, when they had limited musical proficiency. Within four years, they signed with Island Records and released their debut album, Boy. Subsequent work such as their first UK number-one album, War, and the singles "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride" helped establish U2's reputation as a politically and socially conscious group. By the mid-1980s, they had become renowned globally for their live act, highlighted by their performance at Live Aid in 1985.
context_section_description: Current members
  Bono – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica (1976–present)
  The Edge – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1976–present)
  Adam Clayton – bass guitar (1976–present)
  Larry Mullen Jr. – drums, percussion (1976–present)
  Former members
  Dik Evans – guitar (1976–1978)
  Ivan McCormick – guitar (1976)
caption: U2 in November 2019 (from left to right): The Edge, Bono, Clayton, Mullen
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