U2 were formed in 1978, in Dublin Ireland, by Bono (vocals), the Edge (guitars, piano), Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums) and Adam Clayton (bass). Their fantastic live energy built up a reputation and by the time their first record, a three-track EP titled U-23, was released the following year, the band were already one of Irelands top acts.

In 1980 they were signed to Island Records. The first official single was 11 O'Clock Tick Tock , which was followed by the debut album Boy in October 1980. Introductory US and UK tours followed, and press acclaim surrounding the band built. The second album October, released in 1981 , pushed them further ahead. But it was single New Years Day in 1982 that gave the band their first UK Top Ten hit, and helped make the album War a number one in the UK.

Under A Blood Red Sky, a live album recorded in Red Hills Amphitheatre, Colorado was the band's next album. Upon its release in 1983 it too topped the charts, and the band were named Rolling Stone magazines ‘Band Of The Year’.

The Unforgettable Fire was the following album, released in late 1984, and it was a worldwide number one. U2's reputation was growing rapidly; they were playing to huge arenas and having hits across the world.

In the summer of 1985 the band played one of the most memorable sets at Live Aid before going into the studio to begin work on what would become perhaps their finest hour. The publics desire for a new album was fed by the release of an EP, Wide Awake In America, which featured live and studio tracks.

In March 1987 The Joshua Tree was released. It was a phenomenal success and quickly sold nearly 15 million copies, topping charts worldwide. The album, and the resulting tour, won nearly every award going...U2 were now the biggest band in the world.

That reputation was built upon with incredible live shows and when their next album Rattle And Hum was released in 1989, it was another runaway success.

Seventh album Achtung Baby was released in 1991, before which the band set off on their infamous ZooTV tour. This huge show included floating cars, video links from around the world, and a new alter ego for Bono called The Fly . After the tour finished two years later, the band released Zooropa.

Although the band was resting during the next five years they all individually worked on side projects. Bono was heavily involved with the Warchild charity, and the band worked on a charity project called Passengers . The group added Brian Eno and Pavarotti amongst others. An album featuring this super group was released, and also a single called Miss Sarajevo. Meanwhile Larry and Adam recreated the Mission Impossible theme for the remade Tom Cruise movie.

With a slight change of direction U2 returned in 1997, releasing the electronic influenced Pop. They even bettered the extravagance of ZooTV with another elaborate world tour, called PopMart. This time audiences enjoyed a 35-foot high lemon shaped mirror ball, and the world’s biggest video screen relay.

The Best Of (1980-1990) collection, which covered the bands hits from the earliest singles up to Rattle And Hum era, was released in 1998. A second collection, due in 2002,will surely be another huge hit on its release; this will be a fantastic chance for collectors to pick up promos and limited versions.

In 2000 two new albums bearing the U2 brand were released. The first was a soundtrack collection for Wim Wender's film Million Dollar Hotel. This was a movie based around stories by Bono, and the soundtrack featured collaborations, cover versions and new material from the band. Their first completely new album in three years, All That You Can't Leave Behind was released later in the year.