U2 fans finally learn meaning behind band's name and why Bono 'really doesn't like it'
U2 are one of the biggest bands in the world, but their lead singer has admitted that he's never been a fan of the name - and is 'embarrassed' by it whenever he hears it
U2, one of the most iconic names in music history, was never really a favourite of the band members themselves. The origin of the Dublin-born record-breaking group's name has always intrigued fans, with theories ranging from Cold War espionage technology to spiritual symbolism, but the reality is much simpler than many might imagine.
In 1976, Larry Mullen Jr. , then just 14 years old, posted a handwritten note on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School, expressing his desire to form a band. What started as six youngsters jamming in a kitchen gradually evolved into something far more ambitious: Paul Hewson (who would later become Bono), David Evans (known as The Edge), Adam Clayton and Dik Evans were the early members of the band.
Initially, they chose the name Feedback - a decision they later confessed was because it was one of the few musical terms they actually understood. They subsequently rebranded as The Hype, a name that also didn't last long.
It was in 1978 when things truly transformed, reports the Irish Star. Dik Evans left the band, and a new four-piece line-up emerged with a fresh name: U2.
The name was actually proposed by Steve Averill, a punk musician from The Radiators From Space and a friend of Adam Clayton's. He presented the band with a list of six potential names - and U2 barely made the cut.
The Edge remarked on the band's choice of name in an interview with Awards Chatter, stating, "It wasn't that it jumped out to us as the name we were really looking for", and admitted "but it was the one that we hated the least."
He thought the name sounded "fresh" and didn't pigeonhole their musical style. Bono, however, was less convinced: "I still don't [like it]. I really don't."
Bono commented on the name's connotations with elements such as "the spy plane" and "the U-boat", but later felt it suggested a sense of acquiescence, "As it turned out to imply this kind of acquiescence - no, I don't like that name".
Discussing further experiences, Bono said: "I've been in a car when one of our songs has come on the radio," and confessed how it makes him feel deeply self-conscious: "And I've been the colour of - as we say in Dublin - scarlet. I'm just embarrassed."
His reflections on U2's formative years continued candidly on Awards Chatter, "I do think U2 pushes out the boat on embarrassment quite a lot", considering perhaps that being on "And maybe that's the place to be as an artist - right at the edge of your level of pain for embarrassment."
Even regarding his voice in early works, Bono expressed dissatisfaction, revealing, "my voice sounds very strained on those early recordings", yet acknowledged a single occasion he deemed fit, the 2004 hit 'Vertigo'.
During the same interview, he conceded that his dyslexia, which was diagnosed later in life, might have led to him not realising the true nature of The Beatles' name: "I didn't realise that The Beatles was a bad pun either."
The group rebranded themselves with a fresh moniker, lineup, and image, bidding farewell as The Hype with a performance in March 1978. Later that evening, they took the stage anew as U2, delivering a set of original melodies.
Just weeks after, they clinched victory at Limerick's "Pop Group '78" talent contest - an accolade The Edge described as "a great affirmation" for a band still finding its feet.
U2 has since ascended to the status of one of the most monumental bands in history, having sold more than 150 million records, securing an outstanding 22 Grammy Awards, and revolutionising live music with their extensive touring legacy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
Fans hail Netflix period drama 'one of the best TV shows ever'
Netflix's The Queen's Gambit was released in 2020 and quickly became one of the streaming giants' most-watched series of all time - and it's not hard to see why "Arguably, the best show ever made" reads one review of The Queen's Gambit, a sentiment that appears to be universally shared. Netflix's 2020 coming-of-age period drama set during the Cold War captivated audiences when it was released at the height of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Boasting an impressive 96 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series' grip on viewers, regardless of their interest in chess, could almost serve as a case study. Debuting on the streaming platform on October 23, 2020, The Queen's Gambit quickly became Netflix's most-watched scripted miniseries within just four weeks of its release. It went on to top the charts in 63 countries, prompting Netflix to release a statement: "The Queen's Gambit now stands as our biggest scripted limited series ever. The series has captivated 62 million households in its first 28 days." Based on Walter Tevis's 1983 novel of the same name, The Queen's Gambit was written and directed by Scott Frank, who co-created it with Allan Scott, the rights holder of the book. The title, Queen's Gambit, refers to a well-known chess opening, reports Surrey Live. Set in the mid-1950s to 1960s, this fictional miniseries follows the life of orphan Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a rising chess prodigy competing against the sport's elites, while simultaneously grappling with her alcohol and drug addictions and emotional struggles. The series garnered critical acclaim, securing 11 Primetime Emmy Awards – including the prestigious accolade for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series – this marked the first occasion a show on a streaming platform clinched the title. Fans also agreed, with one saying: "The Queen's Gambit is one of my favorite miniseries of all time and one of Netflix's best productions. The scoring behind the cinematography is perhaps one of its greatest strengths, creating an air of intrigue throughout." The show also claimed two Golden Globe Awards, one for Best Limited Series or Television Film and another for Best Actress – Limited Series or Television Film, which Anya Taylor-Joy earned. She further won the SAG Award for her remarkable performance as a female actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series. Critics heaped praises on Taylor-Joy, with one commentator writing: "It's so natural it's easy to overlook, but growing up onscreen is hard, precise work, and this young talent makes it look easy." Another review highlighted Taylor-Joy's standout performance: "What makes The Queen's Gambit so satisfying comes in large measure from the character Taylor-Joy brings to screen: a charming, elegant weirdo who delivers her lines with a cool, wintergreen snap, and never really reacts the way one might expect." A different critic focused on her presence: "The budding star at the center of Scott Frank's new Netflix series has a rare magnetism, the kind that can sell even the most esoteric of subjects." The miniseries also left reviewers captivated, with comments like "with excellent pacing and a sure sense of itself out of the gate, The Queen's Gambit is a work of art-riveting, radiant, and simply spellbinding. Like Beth, it triumphs through its devotion to a love of the game." One critic said: "Just as you feel a familiar dynamic forming, in which a talented woman ends up intimidating her suitors, The Queen's Gambit swerves; it's probably no coincidence that a story about chess thrives on confounding audience expectations." Another lavished the show with praise, saying: "This is the sort of delicate prestige television that Netflix should be producing more often. It's smart and gentle and tastefully assured in the worthiness of its subject." Audience feedback echoed these sentiments, with one viewer adding: "The Queen's Gambit is one of my favourite miniseries of all time and one of Netflix's best productions. The scoring behind the cinematography is perhaps one of its greatest strengths, creating an air of intrigue throughout. "Perhaps what I find most enjoyable about the series is watching Anya Taylor Joy's character build her life through fascinating trials and tribulations. She's a fighter and a winner and shows what it takes to get to that next level that few will ever ascertain." Another viewer review said: "I mean WOW! ! Brilliant, captivating, and nerve-wracking in the best way! I've literally watched it 4 times in the past 3 years (and I don't rewatch things), and I'm STILL not sick of it! ! ! It's literally my favourite limited series on Netflix! ! I never thought I'd find a show about Chess so here we are! I love shows that invoke emotion, and this one will give you ALL of them!". A viewer disclosed a profound emotional attachment to the series, posting: "I connected with The Queen's Gambit in an emotional and intellectual way that will last my lifetime. It's a rich and complex story with every character and plot point perfectly crafted, every location exquisitely designed and lensed, and all performances - especially Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead - among the best I've ever seen."
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Bono debuts mature makeover as the third wheel to dinner with George Clooney and Amal
Bono turned heads in New York City on Friday night as he stepped out for dinner with none other than George Clooney and his glamorous wife Amal—sporting a far more mature look than fans might remember from his rock star heyday. The U2 frontman, now 65, looked worlds away from the tousled-haired, leather-clad heartthrob who rose to fame with 1983's War album and its iconic anthems Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day. Back then, he was a globe-trotting sex symbol selling out stadiums with his signature all-black outfits and tinted sunglasses —an edgy look that became his trademark. But while the wild touring days may be behind him, Bono hasn't lost his rock star swagger. Dressed in a sharp black suit and his ever-present shades, he confidently embraced his older, wiser vibe as he joined the Clooneys at the famed Polo Bar in Manhattan. Playing third wheel to the Oscar-winning actor, 64, and the stunning human rights lawyer, 47, Bono held his own—sharing laughs and flashing that familiar grin as the trio made their exit. He may be a little more seasoned, but make no mistake: Bono's still got the cool factor that made him a legend. The Big Apple outing comes just two weeks after Bono and Amal—alongside Kristen Stewart and Helena Christensen—attended the premiere of Bono: Stories of Surrender at the Cannes Film Festival. The deeply personal documentary pulls back the curtain on Bono's life, exploring the family, friendships, and faith that have shaped him. It offers intimate reflections on his journey as a son, husband, father, activist, and global rock star. Bono and George Clooney go way back, famously hanging out with Rande Gerber in West Hollywood back in 2017. The NYC dinner also followed some headlines Bono recently stirred during an interview with The Project, where he addressed the long-standing rumor that his wife, Ali Hewson, and U2 bandmate The Edge were once 'an item.' Bono—born Paul David Hewson—touched on the speculation in his film and expanded on it in the sit-down, calling it 'still a sore subject' even after all these years. 'They were the two cleverest in their year,' he recalled of Ali and The Edge, who were both a grade below him in high school. 'She did seem to be taking an interest in his guitar playing and, as hard as I might practice, I just knew I couldn't touch this guy,' he added with a laugh. 'So I had to become, you know, the class clown.' Despite the rumors, Bono said Ali and The Edge are still very close—and still gossip about him. 'They say it's out of concern,' he joked. Married since 1982, Bono and Ali share four children: Jordan, 36, Eve, 33, Elijah, 25, and John, 22.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
‘Stories of Surrender': 8 Things We Learned About Bono From His New Documentary
World, meet Bono. In Bono: Stories of Surrender, a new doc directed by Andrew Dominik (best-known for two excellent films about Nick Cave), the U2 singer born Paul Hewson bares his soul in front of an intimate audience, in a lively stage show based around his memoir. The candour is punctuated with stripped back versions of his band's mega-hits. He's backed by a handful of young, mostly classical musicians; his U2 bandmates, as well as his parents and his wife, are all represented simply by chairs. The whole thing is captured in stunning, cinematic black and white. Here are eight things we've learned about a man usually seen leaping about a giant, effects-heavy stadium stage in front of thousands. 1. His dad was dismissive of his son's talents The film leans heavily with humour (and pathos) into the difficult relationship the singer had with his father, Bob, who begrudged his son having the musical career he'd wanted for himself. Cue a series of putdowns ('You're a baritone who thinks he's a tenor!') and only a begrudging acknowledgement when Bono plays him Pride (In the Name of Love) for the very first time. Even when Pavarotti called personally asking for a song from Bono, Bob didn't believe it. 'I craved my father's attention,' Bono admits. 2. He met his future wife Ali and joined U2 in the same week It turns out The Edge had his eye on Ali first, but Bono soon put a stop to that. Ali and Bono married at 21 and have been together ever since – as have the band. As Bono says, all the important adults in his life he has known since he was a teenager. To say they are tight is an understatement. 3. He once nearly died at Christmas It turns out a rock 'n' roll lifestyle can catch up with you. During the festive season, Bono collapsed at home with his 'lifeline' (aorta) about to burst in 2016. He was wheeled off to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for emergency treatment. He describes in vivid detail staring up at the ceiling as the surgeons worked frantically to save him. 4. Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen once hid from Pavarotti in a cupboard Originally a punk outfit, Bono had a hard time convincing his bandmates to get excited about the world's greatest tenor visiting them for a major collaboration. When the great man brought a film crew with him, only Bono and Edge were there to greet him. 5. Bono lost his mum at 14, and his father never spoke of her again With heartbreaking honesty (and lashings of Irish charm), Bono recounts the trauma of losing his mother from an aneurysm on the same day they buried his grandfather. His father refused to talk about it – or her – ever again, and Bono never visited her grave. 6. Bono met up with his dad once a week at a bar in Dublin and they barely spoke to each other 'Anything strange or startling?' is all Bob had to say to his young son as they supped their pints in silence. Bob's dying words were also suitably opaque ('Fuck off!'). In his younger years, Bob liked to sing and conduct classical music at home with his wife's knitting needles. Punk was not his thing. 7. Bono is fine with being seen as a hypocrite when it comes to money He admits he has his faults. He also explains why he doesn't accept that people should be starving, or that countries in Africa should still be paying interest on debt to the big banks of the world from dodgy loans from the Cold War. He's still a man of the people, then, who can get a good table at a fancy restaurant. 8. U2 came up with their first big hit with two strings and two chords A massive punk fan, Bono always believed in the immediacy and directness of music. In an early rehearsal one day, he grabbed Edge's Gibson Explorer and began playing what he describes as the 'sound of an electric drill on the brain'. When the band joined in, the classic I Will Follow was born. And despite wanting to quit after one album, they went on to become the biggest band in the world.
