U2: An Irish Phenomenon

U2 have sold over 100 million records, played 1185 concerts in 31 countries, reached number one with nine studio albums and become multimillionaires. Why has this Irish rock band become the biggest in the world with no change in line-up or manager? Visnja delves into the personal history of U2 beginning with the members' backgrounds, the Lypton Village experiment, the arrival of Paul McGuinness, and their involvement with the charismatic Shalom Group, which nearly caused a split. Ten years later, in 1993, their loyalty and trust in each other was again tested with Adam's excessive drinking. Again, they emerge a stronger unit. Visnja identifies eight features instrumental in U2's success: their sense of community, Irishness, independence, spirituality, creative drive, ambition, social conscience (Is Bono a secular saint?) and, most importantly, their fans. So, a combination of the above has allowed U2 conquer the world and Bono to become a powerful political catalyst - he is one of three "Time" magazine people of 2005, twenty years after U2 first appeared on the cover. They broke the mould, yet are still polite, well-behaved men who avoid the typical 'rock star' scene and are in stable relationships. U2 were part of a generation looking for a voice. Visnja pays homage to a band that has brought a voice to each generation since the 1970s.