Retro Insider - "U2"

U2 has a long and extensive history, which means that they not only deserve, but require a 2-part series... this particular blog will focus on U2: The Later Years.
In respect to the early years, we'll end off at Rattle and Hum (otherwise known as the end of their "Christian" era), and begin with Achtung Baby, released in 1991. It was recorded in East Berlin, and incorporated dance, industrial and alternative music, as the band was divided in which musical direction to go in.
The subsequent tour, Zoo TV, was a multimedia event, with Bono taking on "The Fly" character. In 1993, Zooropa was released. It was recorded quickly during a break in the Zoo TV tour, and was originally going to be an EP (downloadable song file), but was made full length. Very similar to Achtung Baby, it became an even deeper departure to their previous style of dance/techno. The songs were played on the second leg of the Zoo TV tour.
In 1995, the band, under the name Passengers, released an experimental album called Original Soundtracks 1, which sported the song "Miss Sarajevo". 1997 saw the release of Pop. More experimental sounds and an even bigger tour followed, called Popmart. The tour highlight was playing "Sarejevo" after the Bosnian War.
In 2000, U2 re-applied for the best band in the world honour with the release of All That You Can't Leave Behind. Many refer to this moment as their "return to grace". The band played on a heart shaped scaled down stage on the Elevation Tour. The tour highlight were the shows at Madison Square Garden right after 9/11.
2004 saw the relase of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, which sported the huge hit "Vertigo". The tour was similar to that of Elevation, and they played songs not in the set list since the mid 80's.
Although being often as influential as it gets themselves, U2 cites, The Who, The Clash, the Beatles, and the Ramones as their main influences. But beyond their influence on the stage, their world contributions are too numerous to count, although Bono's African relief work is perhaps the best known. This is perhaps the biggest way that U2 displays their faith walk... their works correspond with their hearts.
For more information, check out their website at www.U2.com.