"U2 by U2" is an autobiography that offers an intimate look into the Irish rock band U2, told through the words and images of its members. Published in 2006, the book was edited by Neil McCormick and provides a comprehensive oral history of the band, spanning from their formative years in Dublin in 1976 to their status as rock superstars. The project was inspired by "The Beatles Anthology," a similar book released in 2000. This extensive work took
over two years to complete, featuring more than 1,500 photographs sourced directly from U2's personal archives. It stands as the first book written by the entire band in their own words, offering unique insights into their music, relationships, and evolution over the decades.
The Genesis and Scope of "U2 by U2"
The idea for "U2 by U2" was sparked by the success of "The Beatles Anthology," which provided a precedent for a band-centric oral history. To compile the narrative, journalist Neil McCormick conducted over 150 hours of interviews with each band member—singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr.—as well as their long-time manager, Paul McGuinness. This extensive interview process allowed for a multi-faceted perspective on key events and periods in the band's history. The book's creators emphasized its role as a historical record, with Bono stating, "We felt it was important to get the story on record, but that's not to say we're not going to go on a good many more years [...] this is the story thus far." This statement highlights the book's intention to capture their journey up to that point, rather than serving as a definitive end to their story.
Structure and Personal Reflections
"U2 by U2" is organized chronologically, beginning with childhood stories and continuing through to the Vertigo tour. The book is divided into a prologue and twelve chapters, each delving into specific periods of the band's career. The prologue itself is structured into four sections, one for each band member, where they share their individual perspectives on what being in U2 means to them. Bono discusses his personality, The Edge offers a review of electric guitars, Adam Clayton explains his lifelong ambition to be a rock star, and Larry Mullen Jr. expresses his discomfort with celebrity and fame. Beyond their self-reflections, each member also shares their thoughts and ideas about the others, adding another layer of personal insight into their dynamics.
Documenting Key Eras and Milestones
The chronological chapters meticulously document significant phases of U2's career. The first chapter, "1960–75: Stories for Boys," covers their childhood memories, accompanied by personal photographs. "1976–78: Another Time Another Place" reconstructs the band's formation and their initial equipment and gigs. The third chapter, "1978–80: Staring at the Sun," explores their punk period, detailing influences from emerging acts like The Jam, The Clash, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols. A crucial early period is covered in "1980–81: Into the Heart," which focuses on the recording sessions for their first two studio albums, "Boy" and "October," and the filming of their first music video, "Gloria," directed by Meiert Avis.
Later chapters continue this detailed chronicle. "1982–83: Sing a New Song" discusses Bono's marriage to Ali Hewson, the release of their third album "War," and how "Sunday Bloody Sunday" became an anthem for peace. "1984-85: In the Name of Love" covers the release of "The Unforgettable Fire." The second half of the book opens with "1986–87: Luminous Times," which highlights the release of "The Joshua Tree," recognized as the band's most popular and critically acclaimed album. "1987–89: Outside Is America" delves into the cinematic album and documentary "Rattle and Hum." The ninth chapter, "1990–93: Sliding Down the Surface of Things," addresses a period of significant change in the band's sound, including the release of "Achtung Baby" and the accompanying Zoo TV Tour, and "Zooropa," which spurred a desire for changes in their music-making approach. This chapter also mentions Bono and The Edge composing music for "A Clockwork Orange: 2004," a Royal Shakespeare Company production that received mostly negative reviews.
Later Career and Personal Events
"1994–98: Some Days Are Better than Others" explores the band members' experiences, particularly Bono's, as they dealt with returning from tour and attempting to find a routine life. Bono refers to the summer of 1994 as U2's "Summer of Love." This period also saw the release of "Pop" in 1997. The eleventh chapter, "1998–01: The Last of the Rock Stars," follows the release of "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and the personal tragedy of Bono's father's death on August 21, 2001, which occurred a day after the band was scheduled to play their first concert at Slane Castle for their Elevation Tour. The final chapter, "2002–06: Until the End of the World," opens with the band's performance at Super Bowl XXXVI in January 2002 for the halftime show. During this performance, U2 played three songs—"Beautiful Day," "MLK," and "Where the Streets Have No Name"—while the names of victims from the September 11 attacks were projected behind the stage. Bono concluded the last song by opening his jacket to reveal an American flag printed into the lining, an experience the band described as "terrifying." The book concludes with details on the releases of "The Best of 1990–2000," which included new songs "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands That Built America," and anecdotes from the recording sessions of "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" and the subsequent Vertigo Tour.
