In
1976, the foundation of U2 was formed in Dublin by 14-year-old
Larry Mullen, Jr., when six boys responded to a bulletin he
posted requesting musicians. The group formed The Larry Mullen
Band, which was soon changed to Feedback. Mullen played the
drums, Bono was the vocalist, Dave Evans (Edge) and Dik Evans
played guitar, and Adam Clayton was on bass guitar.
After
18 months, Feedback changed their name to The Hype and began
performing live. One performance was a talent show where they
won studio recording time. The group began gaining popularity
as The Hype and even piqued the interest of future manager Paul
McGuinness.
Soon
after the name U2 was acquired, the band released their first
single U2-3, in 1974 topping Irish charts after the departure
of guitarist Dik Evans. The band's early themes consisted primarily
of religion and growing up. The band did not achieve international
fame until a few years later.
