The band known as U2 was formed in 1976 by Paul David Hewson-commonly known as Bono- along with David Howell Evans, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr in Dublin, Ireland. All four members are Irish but the band is world renowned for their classic rock music, holding the record of the most grammys awarded to a rock band totalling to 22 grammy awards. To this day U2 continues to perform sold out concerts. They are very well regarded for their live performances and politically driven albums. However, their albums were not always politically driven until their 1983 album War. Originally, the band was named, “The Larry Mullen Band” and changed its name 3 other times before settling with U2. U2 is a very outspoken band in terms of their political views. Their music touches upon a variety of different social issues and they are heavily involved with a number of charities.
In 1983, U2 released their highly rated album War. This album was their first step towards their political activism. Within the album, the song Sunday Bloody Sunday details the aftermath of the British Army’s killing of 14 people during a civil rights demonstration in Derry, Ireland on January 30, 1972. The song speaks against both the British and Irish Republican Army. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. begins the song by recreating the sounds of guns, tanks, and soldiers marching allowing the listener to feel as though they are in the scenario as well as using musical irony to portray the exact thing they are protesting against. Bono sings of his frustration and upset with yet another news of mass killing especially in his homeland. He details how not only the dead and wounded are the victim, but also their families and society. He sings, “How long? How long must we sing this song?” conveying his frustrating with the never ending cycle of violence in society. While the song pleads for change and for people to stand up and fight for what is right, Bono also acknowledges that avenging the deaths of these innocent people is not the answer because it only adds to the violence.
Written By Luisa Francisco
Politics Through Rhythm 