U2 by U2

U2 by U2 is a comprehensive autobiography of the Irish rock band, featuring extensive interviews with all four members and their manager Paul McGuinness. The book compiles over 150 hours of conversations conducted by music journalist Neil McCormick. The narrative traces U2's journey from their formation in Dublin during the 1970s through their rise to global stardom. The chronological account includes 1,500 photographs from the band's personal archives, many previously unpublished. Each band member - Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. - provides their individual perspective on key moments in U2's history. Their accounts cover musical evolution, personal relationships, and major career milestones up through the Vertigo tour. The book stands as a testament to the band's endurance and transformation, documenting how four Dublin teenagers developed into one of rock music's most influential acts. Through direct testimonials and rare images, it captures both the public achievements and private dynamics that shaped their decades-long collaboration.

Readers appreciate the detailed oral history format and extensive collection of photographs documenting U2's career. Many note the book provides deeper context around major albums and tours through band members' personal perspectives. Likes: - In-depth coverage of songwriting processes and studio sessions - Personal reflections on key moments in band history - Quality of rare photos and visual documentation - Equal contributions from all four members Dislikes: - Some sections feel superficial or glossed over - Later career periods receive less detailed coverage - Readers note occasional repetition between band members' accounts - Price point considered high by some for content provided Ratings: Goodreads: 4.19/5 (3,894 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (456 ratings) Multiple readers cite the book as comprehensive for early U2 history but note it becomes more promotional for recent work. Several comment that Neil McCormick's interview style allows natural conversations between members rather than feeling overly structured.

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🎸 U2's first band name was "Feedback," which they used for a year before changing to "The Hype" and finally settling on "U2" in 1978. 🎼 The book reveals that producer Steve Lillywhite originally turned down working with U2, but his wife convinced him to reconsider, leading to him producing their first three albums. 📸 Among the 1,500+ photographs, there's a rare shot of Bono's first meeting with his wife Ali at age 15 outside their high school in Mount Temple Comprehensive School. 🎤 The band members conducted their interviews for the book separately to ensure each member's story and perspective remained authentic and uninfluenced by the others. 🌟 Despite being one of rock's most successful bands, U2 has maintained the same lineup since 1976, and the book details how close they came to breaking up during the recording of "Achtung Baby" in 1991.