When Larry Mullen Jr. watched Paul Hewson stroll into his kitchen for a jam session in 1976, he felt the balance of power shift. Even at 14, Mullen knew this kid everyone called "Bono" wouldn't settle for anything less than being the leader of their Dublin-based band - and so far, it's worked out alright.

The group of Irish teens, including Adam Clayton and David "The Edge" Evans, called themselves U2 and within four years had a record deal. Since then, they've released a total of 12 studio albums, have won 22 Grammy awards and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They've graced the cover of countless magazines like Rolling Stone and Time. They've been called "The Biggest Band in the World." You don't get to that point without having a few stories written about you. Both fact and fiction...

U2 Artistfacts
U2 Songfacts

---

More Fact or Fiction

Comments: 6

• Greg Haynes from NunyabiznesIf you want to make people pay for your music, make' em pay. If you want to give it free then give it. These questions are a bore. Don't bore me U2.
• Derek C Mullard from Wirral=englandExerllent..Most imformative,,I did'nt read the " Rings " Q properly,,hahaha..Good doh !!..
• P.a from Co. Spgs., Co I agree with the 3 of you. I finally got to see them in 2012. It was in Mile High Stadium in Denver. It was the year after Bono had health hassles and they cancelled touring in 2011. Man, was it ever worth the wait! Their energy level and musicianship is unbelieveable. I liked that they didn't blow off their classic numbers to show their new stuff and lesser heard works. They really have the GIANTS < Beatles, Stones, Doors, Who and Led Zep> innate musical tallent. That Irish feel for expression...
• Happyjames from Pittsburgh, PaU2 is the best band in the world. I can play almost any song recoreded by them and be in a better mood (just like a Beatles song).
• Greg from Harrington Park, NjThe Greatest band of their generation and in my opinion one of the top 5 bands of all time with the Beatles, Stones, Who and Led Zep. U2 has stood the test of time, they have never split up, they work tirelessly and put in a monster effort each time to make a perfect record. They are remarkable songwriters with a knack for tugging at your heartstring and hitting nots and melodies that make the hair on the bakc of your neck stand up. Long live the boys from Dublin!
• Mark from Jefferson City, MoLove U2 but Alison Krauss has 27 Grammies.

Editor's Picks

Randy HouserSongwriter Interviews

The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Paul WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

He's a singer and an actor, but as a songwriter Paul helped make Kermit a cultured frog, turned a bank commercial into a huge hit and made love both "exciting and new" and "soft as an easy chair."

More Songfacts:

Dude (Looks Like A Lady)Aerosmith

"Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" by Aerosmith was inspired by Vince Neil from Motley Crue.

Sharp Dressed ManZZ Top

ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" was the first video that was a sequel. It picked up the storyline of their "Gimme All Your Lovin'" video about a guy who encounters three beautiful women.

Cult of PersonalityLiving Colour

"Cult of Personality" by Living Colour incorporates speeches by John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Who You AreJessie J

Jessie J had a lyric from her song "Who You Are" tattooed on her hip, but she spelled "lose" incorrectly so it reads: "Don't loose who you are in the blur of the stars."

The Long and Winding RoadThe Beatles

"The Long and Winding Road" became The Beatles' last US #1 song on June 13, 1970.

Hey Ya!OutKast

Andre 3000 played all the instruments on Outkast's "Hey Ya" except bass. Aaron Mills from Cameo played that.