‘We are grateful to each other' – U2 make history as first-ever Irish artists to scoop top songwriting honour
U2 have made history as the first Irish artists to receive the highest honour from The Ivors Academy.
The legendary
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The Ivors Academy has announced U2 as the latest songwriters to become Academy Fellows
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The Dublin band have become the first-ever Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The honour recognises the band's global influence, decades long career and their impact on the craft of songwriting.
Formed in Dublin in 1978, U2 is one of the greatest songwriting partnerships and most influential bands of all time.
The band's songwriting is marked by an emotional authenticity that has crafted some of the most powerful songs in the history of
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Having written many of the most enduring and iconic songs and lyrics in modern rock history, U2's songwriting legacy continues to expand and resonate with audiences worldwide.
After receiving the award, Bono said: "We were a band before we could play, let alone write songs… In fact it was our inability to play other people's songs that kicked off our own songwriting.
"Early musical heroes like The Ramones, Patti Smith, The Clash were our inspiration. There's alchemy at play, turning base metals into gold… your s***e into gold would be another way of putting it."
The Edge added: "Songs are kind of magic. The best ones feel like gifts from some other dimension, but to catch them you have to make yourself available.
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"I'm not sure songs can change the world but they sure have changed mine."
Legendary guitarist Adam Clayton called it a "very special" honour and thanked fans and the team who have supported them through their journey.
Fans all go wild as Lady Gaga collabs with Bono at surprise gig
The band's drummer Larry Mullen Jnr added: "Making music collectively, as we've done for close to 50 years, has been an incredible experience and privilege for the four of us and I believe it's a testament to a band that values individual creativity and independence of mind.
"We are grateful to each other and very grateful to The Ivors Academy for recognising us with this award."
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The Ivors with
'ERA-DEFINING SONGWRITERS'
With the award, U2 join an elite list of songwriting legends including Paul McCartney,
The Chair of The Ivors Academy, Tom Gray said: "With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music.
"Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2's induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft.'
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Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy added: "We are proud to welcome U2 to Fellowship of The Ivors Academy as era-defining songwriters whose legacy continues to propel musical innovation and inspire social progress.
"As U2's politically charged anthems have sparked global change, The Ivors Academy is committed to championing creative integrity with the same unwavering passion.
"At a time when AI threatens to undermine human creativity, U2's Fellowship stands as a testament to the irreplaceable role of songwriters and composers in shaping culture and inspiring change."
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