Tag Archives: Rattle & Hum

Music Monday: March 17, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of this Irish holiday, I would like to pay homage to one of my favorite bands, U2.

Next year will mark 50 years since they formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976. Their drummer, Larry Mullen Jr.-born October 31, 1961 in that city-placed an ad on a notice board at the Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, looking for musicians to form a band. These students responded:

David Howell Evans, lead guitarist, keyboardist & vocalist, who would later change his name to The Edge-born August 8, 1961 in Essex England-but his family relocated to Dublin a year later.

Adam Clayton, bassist, who just turned 65-born March 13, 1960 in England-who moved to Dublin five years later with his family.

Paul David Hewson, n/k/a Bono, lead vocalist, guitarist and primary lyricist, who will turn 65 in two months-born May 10, 1960 in Dublin.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

U2 was signed to Island Records and released their debut album, Boy, in October 1980. More than a dozen albums followed including 1987’s The Joshua Tree, 1988’s Rattle & Hum and 1991’s Achtung Baby. But it was their album released in 2000-All That You Can’t Leave Behind-that sent the group off on their “Elevation” tour in Marc 2001 which would put them front and center in the U.S. to deliver a love letter to the country not long after one of its most devastating tragedies.

U2 performed the halftime show at Superbowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 3, 2002. Standing on a heart shaped stage, they opened with “Beautiful Day”. As they began their second song, “MLK”, a screen emerged from behind the stage which listed the names of all the victims who died five months earlier on 9/11. By the end of their third song, Bono opened his leather jacket to reveal it was lined with the American Flag. With that, the band clapped for the audience who stood before them-and for those watching from home-in an incredible act of kindness and grace underscored by the healing power of music.

Three unforgettable images from Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002. Top: U2 on stage during the halftime show (L-R: The Edge on lead guitar, Bono behind the mic on vocals, Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and Adam Clayton on bass). Middle: The names of those who lost their lives on 9/11 were featured on a giant screen behind the band as they started their second song. Bottom: Bono showing America some additional love at the end of U2’s performance. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

U2: ” Where The Streets Have No Name” (1987, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “One” (1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Walk On” (2000, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” (2004, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 228

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Thoreau quote 2

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

There is another birthday in music upon us and this one belongs to U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Born October 31, 1961 in Dublin, Ireland he began playing drums at age 9 in marching bands. According to the band’s website, Mullen put an ad up at his school in 1976 seeking musicians to form a band that brought him together with his three bandmates. They put out an EP in 1979 and were signed to Island Records a year later. U2’s 1980 debut album gave them their first hit, “I Will Follow”. But it was their 1983 album, “War” that led to worldwide success. Nearly 40 years later, they are considered one of the most successful bands of all time.

I like a great deal of U2’s music and one album I particularly enjoy is 1988’s “Rattle & Hum”. They recorded a lot of it in Memphis at the legendary studios of Sun Records. That was where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and others began their recording careers. One of the song’s U2 worked on there was a collaboration with blues legend B.B. King. Despite how high he raised the bar on this track, U2 was not far behind. The raw intense lyrics from Bono & the music from the rest of U2 helped them keep up with power of The King Of The Blues, resulting in one heck of record.

“I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town“.

U2 BB King

U2 with B.B. King in 1988 (L-R): Larry Mullen Jr., Bono, B.B. King, Adam Clayton & The Edge. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

U2 (in honor of Larry Mullen Jr.’s birthday) featuring B.B. King: “When Love Comes To Town” (1988, written by U2: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen Jr.).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.