Since their formation in 1976, Irish band U2 have enjoyed unprecedented worldwide success, and one of their most famous members is undoubtedly David Howell Evans, aka “The Edge”. His musical career reveals an exceptional talent. From their beginnings to the present day, they’ve been responsible for the distinctive sounds of U2, from legendary riffs to original tunes. A rock legend and outstanding guitarist, he’s also famous for being an inspired songwriter: the proof is in the pudding, with the composition of such famous tunes as “Sunday Bloody Sunday”.
David Howell Evans was born in Barking, London, in 1961. At the age of one, he moved to Dublin, Ireland, and studied at St. Mary’s College. St. Andrew’s National School. He soon began taking piano lessons and self-taught guitar.
As a pupil at Mount Temple Comprehensive School (one of Dublin’s first co-educational, secular schools), in 1976 he came across an advertisement from Larry Mullen Jr, who was looking to recruit musicians for a band.
He then joined Bono, Larry Mullen Jr and Adam Clayton to form the band that would later become U2.
The Edge plays an active role in the composition and songwriting phases. Together with his friend Paul Hewson (Bono), he developed guitar sounds that would become emblematic of the band.
Their first album, Boy, was released in 1980.
Very religious, The Edge thought of leaving the group in 1981, but was finally retained by the other members.
Inspired, he composed Sunday Bloody Sunday, a song that has become emblematic of rock culture worldwide. Its subject is the conflict in Northern Ireland, and calls for peace between the south and north of the Emerald Isle.
From that moment on, The Edge’s reputation as a talented guitarist was firmly established, and he never ceased to amaze with his sonorous riffs and his perfect mastery of rhythm. His breathtaking live performances and emotional solos are countless.
Over the years, U2’s success has grown, resulting in an increasing number of studio albums, chart-topping tracks and worldwide concerts.
In this respect, The Edge’s musical contribution is just as important as Bono’s. Whether with his guitar riffs or his computer-generated keyboards, he always brings a unique dimension to each track. The Edge likes to mix genres and fuse different sounds to create an unforgettable musical experience.
The duo created hit after hit, creating rock anthems that have gone down in Irish and world music history!
