U2

Island Records signed the contract with U2, in May 1980, and 11 O'Clock Tick Tock is the first single, the group issued abroad. In October came the album Boy, who was named as one of the best debuts in the history of rock music. Despite a rather abstract and apparently improvised lyrics written by Bono, the hope and frustration in the youth are the major lyrical themes of the album, which affect the fear of sex, the difficulties of self-determination, unjustified death and permanent change of mood. The album includes the hit I Will Follow. For the release followed the tour group to Ireland and the United Kingdom. Despite group, their previous concerts, however, showed the potential U2. Critics called Bono «charismatic» and «passion» showmen. On the American television U2 appeared in April of 1981 as members of the transfer of The Tomorrow Show, which performed I Will Follow and Twilight.

The second album - October - released in 1981. He provided spiritual songs: Bono, Edge and Larry did not hide their Christian worldview. The three members of the group joined in Dublin religious society under the name «Shalom Fellowship», which led them to reflect on the relationship between rock 'n' roll and the Christian faith. While the Bible and to be the main source of inspiration for Bono, October - the most religious group of the plate. And critics and fans believe that this is the least successful team work.

In February 1982, the group met Anton Korbeyn, the photographer who has worked with Depeche Mode and Joy Division. This was the beginning of a long collaboration: Korbeyn became the chief photographer U2, and it strongly influenced the image of the group and its public image.